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This zesty cucumber tomato feta salad is an essential summer side dish. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, Greek feta, herbs, and lemony dressing make it easy, irresistible, and delicious with everything!
Why you'll love this recipe
This cucumber tomato salad is an essential side that belongs at every BBQ picnic or everyday meals during summer. It's a great way to use fresh cucumbers and tomatoes together, especially since summer is usually abundant with both!
The prep for this salad involves chopping fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and basil, and whisking together some pantry staples for the dressing. It's that easy!
Ingredient notes
- cucumber - Any type of cucumber will work for this recipe.
- tomatoes - Use any variety of fresh, ripe tomatoes.
- red onion - This is optional but adds a nice spice and crunch.
- feta cheese - I personally recommend a Greek feta block from sheep's milk for a traditional Greek cucumber tomato salad. Of course, any American-made crumbled feta from cow's milk will do the job.
- fresh basil and fresh dill - Use both if you prefer. You can also use fresh oregano or parsley.
- extra-virgin olive oil - This high quality oil adds a nutty, rich flavor to this salad.
- lemon juice - Fresh lemon is always recommended, but packaged lemon juice works too!
- fresh garlic, salt and pepper - These bring everything together and make the flavors pop!
How to make this recipe
Get the printable recipe card below.
Step 1. Chop cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Slice basil and onions thinly. Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 2. In a separate bowl, whisk dressing ingredients together until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, add dressing to the salad and toss to combine.
Step 3. Serve chilled. Refrigerate cucumber salad in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Recipe tips
- cucumber variety - Any cucumber variety can be used for this recipe. You may wish to remove the seeds at your discretion.
- peel the cucumbers? - It depends on the cucumber. English, Persian, and patio snackers are soft enough to enjoy without peeling. Grocery store "slicing" cucumber skin is usually firm and waxy, in which case, I recommend using a standard vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
- use ripe tomatoes - I cannot overstate the importance of using juicy, ripe tomatoes for this recipe to enhance the flavor, texture, and your enjoyment.
- the best oil for dressing - I recommend using extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing because it adds a nutty flavor and rich texture compared to other oils.
- acidic ingredients - You can substitute the lemon juice with any plain or flavored vinegar.
- fresh herbs - I used fresh basil and fresh parsley for the aromatics, but you can use other herbs, such as dill, oregano, and thyme.
Serving ideas
Serve tomato cucumber salad as a side dish for Greek Lemon Chicken, juicy Grilled Salmon, easy Broiled Salmon, quick and Baked Chicken Thighs, family-favorite Oven Baked Chicken Legs, and Kofta Kabobs.
More cucumber recipes
If you are blessed with too many cucumbers, you'll love these other summer recipes. They're quick, easy, and fresh!
📖 Recipe
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large Cucumber about 2 cups coarsely chopped
- 1 large Tomato about 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped
- ½ large Red Onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Feta Cheese or more as desired
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil or Parsley sliced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ Lemon zested and juiced, about 2 tablespoons
- 1 clove Garlic grated
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt or to taste
- ⅛ to taste Black Pepper or to taste
Equipment
- serving bowl
Instructions
- Combine CUCUMBER, TOMATO, RED ONION, FETA CHEESE, BASIL, and DILL in a mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
- Whisk together OLIVE OIL, LEMON JUICE, GARLIC, SALT, PEPPER, and LEMON ZEST until well-combined. Cover and refrigerate.
- Toss salad ingredients with dressing and serve immediately.
- Store in an airtight container up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Final step
Click stars to vote. Please visit 'Comments' below for reviews.
Recipe Notes
- cucumber variety - Any cucumber variety can be used for this recipe. You may wish to remove the seeds at your discretion.
- peel the cucumbers? - It depends on the cucumber. English, Persian, and patio snackers are soft enough to enjoy without peeling. Grocery store "slicing" cucumber skin is usually firm and waxy, in which case, I recommend using a standard vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
- use ripe tomatoes - I cannot overstate the importance of using juicy, ripe tomatoes for this recipe to enhance the flavor, texture, and your enjoyment.
- the best oil for dressing - I recommend using extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing because it adds a nutty flavor and rich texture compared to other oils.
- acidic ingredients - You can substitute the lemon juice with any plain or flavored vinegar.
- fresh herbs - I used fresh basil and fresh parsley for the aromatics, but you can use other herbs, such as dill, oregano, and thyme.
Dannii says
This was such a delicious light and fresh salad. I will definitely be making it again.
Traci says
Yay! So glad you went for it and enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Jacqueline Debono says
This is a super summer salad. The cucumber and tomatoes make it fresh and a little crunchy and the feta adds a lovely salty flavour!
Traci says
Yes!! All the things I love about this salad. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Ali says
Made this salad to use up some cucumbers that were about to go bad and it was so tasty! Loved the simple lemon olive oil dressing.
Traci says
Yay! So glad you went for it. We made it last weekend for a cookout and it was gone in minutes lol. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Andrea says
Fresh, bright and delicious flavors in this easy cucumber tomato salad. It's perfect for a BBQ or picnic.
Traci says
Yay! So glad you went for it and are enjoying it. Thanks for sharing your experience!
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this salad for a picnic over the weekend and it was amazing! Everyone loved it and was asking me for the recipe!
Traci says
Yay! So glad you went for it and enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Michelle says
A delicious classic. I love the red onions and feta in your version! Yum!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Michelle! Yes, cucumber tomato and onion salad with feta = a must
Toni Dash says
I love how refreshing this salad is! Packed full of flavors!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks Toni! Yes...cucumber tomato salad does deliver ALL the flavor, doesn't it!
Jacque Hastert says
I will be making this today! I have all FRESH ingredients right out of my garden to create this delicious and colorful salad. Thank you for sharing!
The Kitchen Girl says
Perfect, Jacque! Timing is everything Hope you enjoy!
Wayne says
My favorite salad! It's so delicious and tasty!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Wayne! So glad to hear it Cucumber tomato salad is def a summer fav here too!
Jacqueline Debono says
We've been eating a lot of salad this summer, particularly because we've had such a great crop of tomatoes and red onions! I like the addition of feta in this salad. Going to make this for lunch tomorrow!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Jacqueline! Glad to hear you can enjoy this one. Yes...the feta is my favorite addition to cucumber salad
Beth says
My husband and I's favorite salad! Will definitely be making this again!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Beth! So glad to hear it We love this one too! Thanks for letting me know
Anjali says
This recipe was so good!! Light, refreshing and perfect for summer. The lemon in the dressing really added a brightness to the salad that I loved!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Anjali! Glad to hear it! It's one of my fav summer recipes 🙂 Thanks!
Alisha Rodrigues says
This is my go to salad. Love the freshness it has. And the best is, its so easy to make ...
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Alisha! Tomato and cucumber salad is absolutely my go-to for summer...all those fresh veggies! Thanks!
Alexandra says
This makes for the best side dish! It is a great combination of flavours and textures. We love to serve this with some grilled meats!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay Alexandra...same here! Cucumber salad is perfect cool-down side dish 🙂
Emily Liao says
Loved this cucumber tomato salad! So easy and fresh 🙂
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Emily! So glad to hear it 🙂 It's my fav summer salad right now!