Imagine a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors dancing on your palate - that's exactly what this Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad delivers! Perfect for those scorching summer days or when you're craving a light, nutritious meal that transports you straight to the sun-kissed coastlines of Greece, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. With its crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta, this salad is not just a side dish - it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cucumber
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds a nice crunch and color.
- Next, chop the tomatoes into similar-sized pieces as the cucumbers. Make sure to remove any excess seeds to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Peel the red onion and chop it finely. If you find the flavor of raw onion too strong, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its taste.
- Slice the kalamata olives in half or into rings, depending on your preference. Ensure they are pitted for safety and ease of eating.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and sliced kalamata olives. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad mixture. This will add a creamy texture and salty flavor to the dish.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the quantities according to your preference for acidity and seasoning.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve the Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: For the most refreshing experience, chill your vegetables before preparing the salad. This enhances the crisp texture and cooling effect.
- Salt Technique: After chopping cucumbers, sprinkle a pinch of salt and let them sit for 5 minutes. This draws out excess water, preventing a watery salad.
- Olive Quality is Key: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and authentic kalamata olives for that true Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Customize Your Herbs: While not in the original recipe, feel free to add fresh herbs like mint or oregano for an extra flavor dimension.
- Make Ahead Tip: This salad tastes even better after marinating for 30 minutes in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or as a refreshing accompaniment to any Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
