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5 Secrets to Making the Best Tomato and Cucumber and Feta Salad Ever


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  • Author: Ines Zahraoui
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

 

A refreshing Mediterranean tomato and cucumber and feta salad that combines the perfect trinity of fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. This classic salad is perfect for summer entertaining or as a healthy side dish any time of year.


Ingredients

Essential Ingredients:

3-4 large ripe tomatoes (or 2 cups cherry tomatoes)

2 medium cucumbers (English ones work best)

6 oz block of feta cheese (not the pre-crumbled stuff!)

1/4 medium red onion

1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

Kalamata olives (about 1/4 cup)

Fresh oregano

A pinch of dried mint


Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Cucumbers First (5 minutes) Cut your cucumbers into thick slices or half-moons – about 1/4 inch thick. Toss them with a little salt and set them in a colander in your sink to drain. This draws out excess water so your tomato and cucumber and feta salad won’t get soggy.

Step 2: Cut Your Tomatoes (3 minutes) While the cucumbers are draining, cut your tomatoes. If using large tomatoes, cut them into wedges. Cherry tomatoes get cut in half. For the freshest flavor, cut the tomatoes just before you’re ready to serve your tomato and cucumber and feta salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Feta (2 minutes). Take the feta block out of its brine, and make sure to pat it until completely dry. Break it into chunky pieces using your hands instead of a knife. Hand-crumbled feta has better texture in tomato and cucumber and feta salad.

Step 4: Slice Your Onion (2 minutes) Cut your red onion into very thin slices. If you find raw onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain. This makes them milder in your tomato and cucumber and feta salad.

Step 5: Make Your Dressing (1 minute) In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust – it should be bright and balanced.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry Cucumbers (1 minute) After 5 minutes, rinse your salted cucumbers under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for the perfect tomato and cucumber and feta salad.

Step 7: Assemble Everything (2 minutes) In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, dried cucumbers, feta, onion, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently with your hands. Serve your tomato and cucumber and feta salad immediately.

Notes

  • Use tomatoes at room temperature for best flavor
  • Salt cucumbers lightly and drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture
  • Buy feta in brine rather than pre-crumbled for superior taste and texture
  • Add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness
  • Can be customized with herbs like mint, basil, or oregano
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Mediterranean Salad recipe, Side Dish
  • Method: No-cook (assemble only)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6th (1 cup)
  • Calories: 185 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg