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- Cucumbers - 2 large, diced - Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup, halved - Red onion - 1/4, finely chopped - Feta cheese - 1 cup, crumbled - Kalamata olives - 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced - Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons - Red wine vinegar - 2 tablespoons (or apple cider vinegar as a substitute) - Fresh dill - 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill) - Salt and pepper to taste When you gather fresh produce, start with cucumbers. I love using two large ones. They add crunch and freshness. Dice them into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab a cup of cherry tomatoes. Halve them for a burst of sweetness. They bring color and flavor to the salad. Red onion adds a nice kick. Use a quarter of one, finely chopped. It gives a sharp taste that balances other ingredients. Now let’s talk about cheese. Feta cheese is key here. One cup of crumbled feta will work wonders. It adds creaminess and tang. Kalamata olives are a must. Use half a cup, pitted and sliced. They bring a rich, briny flavor that pairs well with everything. For the dressing, you need three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This adds healthy fat and richness. Red wine vinegar is next. Two tablespoons will add acidity. If you prefer, use apple cider vinegar for a milder taste. Chop up one tablespoon of fresh dill for a fresh herbal note. Dried dill works too; just use one teaspoon. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple touch can elevate your salad. To get the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy putting these ingredients together! - Rinse and dice cucumbers - Chop cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives Start by rinsing the cucumbers. Clean them well under cool water. Then, dice them into bite-sized pieces. If you want a milder taste, you can peel them first. Next, chop the cherry tomatoes in half. This adds color and sweetness. Finely chop the red onion for a sharp flavor. Finally, slice the Kalamata olives. This adds a nice briny touch. - Combine all vegetables and feta in a bowl - Gently toss to mix ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add all the chopped vegetables. Toss in the crumbled feta cheese. The feta adds a creamy texture. Gently mix everything together. Be careful not to break the feta too much. You want to see those lovely chunks of cheese in your salad. - Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper - Drizzle and coat the salad mixture In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. You can use apple cider vinegar for a milder taste. Add the chopped dill, salt, and pepper to the mix. Whisk until everything blends well. Drizzle this dressing over your salad mixture. Use a large spoon to toss everything gently. Make sure every piece gets a nice coating. - Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving - Presentation tips for an appealing dish For the best flavor, chill the salad for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix nicely. When serving, use a large, clear bowl. This shows off the vibrant colors. For a pretty touch, sprinkle more feta on top. A few sprigs of fresh dill add a nice finish. Enjoy your refreshing Cool Cucumber Feta Delight! For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Chilling your salad makes the flavors pop. I suggest letting it sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This helps all the ingredients meld and taste better. You can also adjust the seasoning. If you want a stronger taste, add more salt or pepper. You can even try a splash of lemon juice for a fresh twist. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, try apple cider vinegar. It gives a milder taste. Fresh herbs can also change the flavor. If you can’t find fresh dill, dried dill works well too. For a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan feta. It’s creamy and adds a great taste. Meal prep can save time. You can chop the cucumbers and other veggies ahead of time. Just store them in a sealed container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. If you have leftover cucumbers, keep them in water. This keeps them crisp for longer. For the full recipe, check out the Cool Cucumber Feta Delight. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your Cucumber Feta Salad for a heartier meal. Try incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options add flavor and make the salad filling. Simply slice the grilled chicken or shrimp and mix them into the salad. If you want a vegetarian option, add chickpeas. They are a great source of protein and blend well with the fresh ingredients. To change the salad's flavor, consider Mediterranean inspirations. You can add chopped bell peppers or capers for a new twist. These ingredients bring a unique taste and texture. If you enjoy spice, try adding jalapeños or chili flakes. This will give your salad a nice kick and make it exciting. You can adjust the salad based on the season. In spring, add thinly sliced radishes for crunch. In summer, include diced zucchini for freshness. Each season brings new vegetables that can enhance the salad. You can also try different dressings. A lemon vinaigrette can give it a bright flavor, while a tahini dressing adds creaminess. Explore these variations to keep your Cucumber Feta Salad fresh and fun. For the full recipe, check out the Cool Cucumber Feta Delight. To keep your cucumber feta salad fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent air from spoiling the salad. Glass containers work well, as they don’t retain odors. Make sure to cover it tightly. You can keep cucumber feta salad in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you notice a slimy texture or an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Fresh ingredients are key to enjoying this salad. Can you freeze cucumber feta salad? It's not recommended. Freezing can make cucumbers mushy and change the texture of feta. Instead, consider freezing the salad components separately. For example, you can freeze the diced cucumbers and feta cheese in separate bags. When you’re ready to eat, mix fresh ingredients with the frozen ones for a crisp taste. Typically lasts 3-5 days when stored properly. To keep it fresh, use an airtight container. Ensure it is chilled right after serving. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Yes, alternatives like goat cheese or mozzarella can be used. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor. Goat cheese adds a tangy taste while mozzarella offers a milder profile. Cucumber feta salad pairs well with grilled meats, pita bread, or as a side dish for barbecues. The crispness of the salad complements rich flavors. You can also serve it with fish or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Yes, but it's best to add dressing just before serving to keep it fresh. This way, the cucumbers stay crisp. If you prep the salad early, store the dressing separately to maximize taste. Yes, all included ingredients are gluten-free unless served with bread. This makes it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy it with your favorite gluten-free crackers for a tasty snack. This cucumber feta salad combines fresh produce, creamy cheese, and a zesty dressing. You saw how easy it is to prepare and customize this dish. From tweaking the flavors to adding proteins, the options are endless. Remember to chill it for the best taste. Storing leftovers correctly maximizes freshness. As you try this recipe, have fun exploring variations based on your preferences and available ingredients. Enjoy the crisp, vibrant flavors of this salad in your meals.

Cucumber Feta Salad

Looking for a refreshing snack that's easy to make? Try this Cool Cucumber Feta Delight! With crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing, it's perfect for any occasion. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad that serves 4. Click through to explore the recipe and impress your guests with this flavorful dish that’s sure to brighten up your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 large cucumbers, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)

1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill for convenience)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the cucumbers. Rinse them under cool water, then dice into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a milder taste, consider peeling them before dicing.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.

      In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), chopped fresh dill, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.

        Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, and using a large spoon, toss the ingredients gently to coat everything evenly without crumbling the feta too much.

          Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding extra salt and pepper according to your preference.

            For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. For an elegant touch, garnish with an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta and a few sprigs of fresh dill on top just before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Cool Cucumber Feta Delight!