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The Mediterranean cucumber salad uses fresh and vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 3 medium cucumbers, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These key ingredients bring bright colors and fresh flavors to your dish. You can mix in some optional ingredients for added taste. Consider these: - Avocado for creaminess - Cucumber ribbons for a fun twist - Chickpeas for protein - Fresh mint for a refreshing kick These add-ins can make your salad unique. You can easily adjust based on what you like or have on hand. This salad is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Here’s a quick look at its nutrition: - Calories: About 150 per serving - Fat: 10 grams, mainly from olive oil - Protein: 4 grams from feta and olives - Fiber: 3 grams for digestive health This salad is low in calories but high in flavor. It can fit well in many diets! For the full recipe, check the instructions above. To make Mediterranean cucumber salad, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 3 medium cucumbers, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Begin by placing the diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper into a large mixing bowl. Be careful to chop your veggies evenly. This helps them mix well and look nice. Next, add the kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. When you toss the salad, be gentle. You want to keep the veggies intact. Use two large serving spoons or your hands. Start from the bottom and lift the ingredients to the top. This way, everything gets coated with the dressing. If you toss too hard, the veggies can break apart. Making the dressing is simple. In a small bowl or jar, combine: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. This will give your salad a bright, fresh flavor. Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the salad. Toss everything together gently again. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for added flavor and freshness. You can find the full recipe linked in this section to guide you through each step. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty Mediterranean cucumber salad! To make the best Mediterranean cucumber salad, you need fresh ingredients. Choose firm cucumbers with smooth skin. Look for bright cherry tomatoes without bruises. Select a red onion that feels heavy for its size. For peppers, pick ones that are shiny and firm. Fresh herbs, like parsley, should be vibrant and fragrant. When you use fresh ingredients, your salad will taste better. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. You can place it in the fridge for up to three days. The cucumbers may become a bit soft, but the flavors will still be great. If you can, add the dressing just before serving. This helps keep the salad crisp and bright. You can change this salad to fit your likes. Want more crunch? Add chopped bell peppers or radishes. Prefer a tangy bite? Squeeze in more lemon juice. You can also swap out feta for goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option. Experiment with spices too; try adding cumin or chili flakes for heat. There are many ways to make this salad your own! Ready to make it? Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! {{image_2}} To make the Mediterranean cucumber salad more filling, add grains. Quinoa is a great choice. It cooks quickly and adds protein. You can also use bulgur or couscous. These grains mix well with the fresh veggies. They soak up the dressing nicely too. For each cup of grain, use about 1 ½ cups of water. This will keep the salad light yet hearty. This salad is easy to adapt for different diets. It is naturally vegetarian since it has no meat. For a vegan option, just skip the feta cheese. You can replace it with vegan feta or avocado for creaminess. Both options add flavor while keeping it plant-based. It’s a simple swap that keeps everyone happy. Using seasonal ingredients can boost flavor and freshness. In summer, add ripe peaches or juicy watermelon. They give a sweet touch that contrasts with the salty olives. In fall, try adding roasted butternut squash or apples. These ingredients add warmth and a bit of sweetness. Always look for what is fresh and local. This keeps your salad exciting and full of flavor. Try these variations to make your Mediterranean cucumber salad unique and delicious. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. This salad shines when paired with grilled meats. Try it with chicken or lamb. The fresh taste balances the rich flavors. It also goes well with fish dishes. Salmon or tilapia will add a nice touch. Serve the salad alongside pita bread and hummus for a complete meal. You can even add it to a wrap for a quick lunch. Serve this salad in fun ways. Use large lettuce leaves as cups for a fresh bite. You can also layer it in a glass for a colorful display. This makes it look fancy for guests. Sprinkle extra feta on top for a tasty bonus. Add a lemon wedge for a pop of color and flavor. This salad is great for summer picnics. It’s refreshing and easy to make. Bring it to a barbecue or potluck to impress friends. It fits well at family gatherings too. You can also serve it for a light lunch or dinner. It works for casual meals or festive occasions. Enjoy it anytime you want something cool and vibrant! The main flavors in a Mediterranean cucumber salad are fresh and bright. You get the crispness of cucumbers and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. The red onion adds a nice bite, while the bell pepper brings more crunch. Kalamata olives add a salty, briny taste. Feta cheese gives a creamy texture and a tangy flavor. The dressing, made with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano, ties everything together. It adds a zesty kick that makes the salad refreshing and enjoyable. Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time! This salad is great for meal prep. Just mix all the fresh ingredients and store them in the fridge. However, wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps the veggies crisp and fresh. You can prepare the dressing in advance and keep it separate. This way, you can enjoy the salad at its best. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad can stay fresh for about two days. If you have leftover dressing, keep it in a separate jar. When you are ready to eat, toss the salad with the dressing again. This helps revive the flavors. If the cucumbers become too soft, don’t worry. It will still taste good! For the full recipe, you can refer back to the earlier section. This blog post explored building a delicious Mediterranean cucumber salad. You learned about key ingredients, tasty add-ins, and nutritional benefits. I shared easy steps for preparation, tips for tossing, and making the perfect dressing. We covered how to keep it fresh and customize it to your liking. There are also great variations and serving ideas. Mediterranean cucumber salad fits any meal, making it a versatile choice. Enjoy every bite!

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Elevate your summer meals with this refreshing Mediterranean cucumber salad! Packed with crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, it's a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Ready to tantalize your taste buds?
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Ingredients
  

3 medium cucumbers, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper.

    Add the kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.

      In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.

          Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

            Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for added flavor and freshness.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with additional feta and a slice of lemon on the side. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top for an extra touch.