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Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe: Easy & Best

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This fresh cucumber tomato salad with feta and red onion is the perfect summer side dish. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, thanks to a simple technique of salting the cucumbers to keep them crisp.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English or Persian cucumbers (or 3 medium), sliced into half-moons or rounds, about ¼-inch thick
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (preferably block feta packed in brine)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, plus more for salting cucumbers
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Salt the cucumbers: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and toss gently. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  2. Soak the red onion: While cucumbers drain, place thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl of cold water. Soak for 10 minutes to tame sharpness. Drain and pat dry.
  3. Halve the tomatoes: Cut cherry tomatoes in half. If using larger tomatoes, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and black pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.
  5. Combine the veggies: In a large mixing bowl, add drained cucumbers, soaked onions, and halved tomatoes. Toss gently.
  6. Add the dressing: Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat. Let salad sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors.
  7. Add feta and herbs: Just before serving, crumble feta over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint if using. Toss once more gently.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add more salt or pepper if needed. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

Don’t skip salting the cucumbers—it prevents a watery salad. For best texture, assemble no more than 30 minutes before serving. If making ahead, keep dressing and feta separate until ready to serve. To refresh leftovers, drain excess liquid and add a little fresh olive oil and vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber tomato salad, fresh cucumber salad, Greek salad, easy side dish, summer salad, feta salad

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/fresh-cucumber-tomato-salad-recipe-easy-and-best/