There’s nothing quite like the crunch of fresh cucumbers and the sweetness of ripe tomatoes mingling together in a bowl. The bright colors whisper, “Summer is here!” And if you sprinkle some tangy feta on top, it’s as if the heavens opened up and said, “This is your new favorite dish!” Imagine biting into a juicy tomato while the creamy feta dances on your tongue—pure bliss!
Now picture this: a sunny backyard barbecue with friends gathered around the grill. The laughter is flowing just like the lemonade. Then someone brings out this glorious Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad that steals the show! You can almost hear the applause. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that captures the essence of summer.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This fantastic Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad comes together in minutes and is delightfully refreshing.
- Customize it with your favorite veggies and enjoy its vibrant colors on any table.
- Perfect as a side dish or a light meal on hot days!
I remember one family gathering where this salad became the main attraction—my uncle even tried to hide some leftovers for breakfast!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Tomatoes: Opt for juicy heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add crunch; pick English cucumbers for fewer seeds.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides creaminess; choose quality Greek feta for best results.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite that complements the other ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up flavors and adds a pop of color.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to dress the salad; it enhances all flavors beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a zesty kick that balances the richness of feta.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors in your salad.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing your tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly under cool water. Slice them into bite-sized pieces—think fun shapes that will make eating more enjoyable!
Chop Onions: Next, grab that red onion! Slice it thinly so it mixes well without overwhelming every bite with its strong flavor.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine those chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and parsley. Give it a gentle toss to avoid smashing any of those beautiful ingredients.
Dress It Up: Drizzle olive oil over your salad before squeezing fresh lemon juice on top. Season generously with salt and pepper—this step is crucial because nobody likes bland food!
Final Toss: Toss everything together until well combined. Take a moment to admire how colorful your bowl has become—it’s like edible confetti celebrating summer!
Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately at room temperature or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle. Grab a fork and dig in; you deserve this refreshing treat!
You Must Know
- Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are best when fresh; shop local markets for peak flavor.
- Using quality feta enhances the salad’s salty zing.
- Drizzling extra virgin olive oil just before serving elevates the flavors beautifully, creating a delightful aroma.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping your vegetables first, then crumble the feta. This order keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess while you work.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add olives or bell peppers for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like basil can also bring a unique twist to this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of three days. Avoid reheating, as it’s best served cold and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes for sweetness; they make all the difference!
- Cut cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp.
- And don’t skip quality olive oil; it truly enhances every bite.
Creating this salad brings back memories of summer cookouts with friends, where laughter and good food mingled effortlessly under the sun.
FAQ
Can I use different vegetables in Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with bell peppers or avocados for variety.
How long does Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.
What is the best way to serve Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad?
Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option to impress your guests!
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish bursting with flavors, perfect for summer gatherings and picnics that will leave your guests asking for more.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup English cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably Greek)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes and cucumbers under cool water. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salad and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider including bell peppers or olives in your salad.
- Use ripe tomatoes for sweetness and cut cucumbers right before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
