Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta is a quick and refreshing dish ready in just 10 minutes. Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, feta cheese, and a simple lemon olive oil dressing, this Mediterranean-style salad is light, fresh, and perfect for warm summer days.
I love how this easy cucumber tomato salad with feta comes together in just 10 minutes. It is a simple Mediterranean side dish made with fresh ingredients. Every bite is a perfect mix of salty feta, tangy lemon, fresh crisp vegetables, and a light creamy touch.
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If you enjoy this feta cucumber salad, you can also try my other easy salads, like Mediterranean chickpea salad, Greek yogurt cucumber salad, and Mediterranean chicken salad, for more fresh and refreshing meal ideas.
About This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
I have been tweaking this cucumber tomato salad with feta for a while, and this version is my favourite. The feta adds a lovely salty touch, while cherry tomatoes make it look fresh and colourful with a light sweet tang.
I tested it multiple times in my kitchen to get the perfect balance of crunch and flavour. Since feta is already salty, it is best to mix everything first and then adjust the salt at the end.
You will also find different versions of this salad across Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchens. Some add olives or sumac for extra tang, but this version keeps things simple and balanced for everyday meals.
Why you'll love this salad?
- Ready in 10 minutes: A quick mix-and-toss salad that fits busy days, lunch boxes, or last-minute meals.
- Fresh, light, and refreshing: Crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and lemon dressing make it naturally refreshing and easy to enjoy.
- Versatile side dish: This feta cucumber tomato salad pairs well with grilled chicken, or Mediterranean chicken kabobs, Mediterranean rice bowls, or wraps for a quick meal.
Ingredients Needed
See the recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredients, quantities, and a printable version.
- Tomatoes: Use cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes. Cut them into slightly bigger pieces for better texture.
- Cucumber: Any cucumber works. If using a regular cucumber, peel the skin and remove the seeds if they are watery. An English cucumber is best as it has fewer seeds and tender skin.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best Mediterranean flavour.
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice works best. You can also use red wine vinegar if needed.
- Feta Cheese: I love adding feta for its creamy, salty taste. It balances the freshness of this cucumber tomato salad really well. If you enjoy feta, try my corn salad with feta cheese or Mediterranean chickpea salad. Parmesan can also be used for a sharper flavour.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley works best for this Mediterranean salad. You can also use cilantro or dill for a different flavour.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta (Step-by-Step)
Prep the veggies
- Cucumber: Always taste a small piece of cucumber first. If it's bitter, discard it. Dice the English cucumber into small cubes. If using regular cucumbers, you can peel the skin (if it’s hard) and scoop out the seeds (to avoid a watery salad).
- Tomatoes: Cut cherry tomatoes in half. If using Roma tomatoes, dice them into small cubes (same size as the cucumber).
- Red Onion: Chop into small pieces. For a milder taste, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain well (optional step).
- Parsley/Cilantro: Chop it finely, discarding the thick stems.
1.5 cups of chopped cucumber, 2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut into halves), 1 small red onion chopped, and ½ cup chopped parsley/cilantro.
Assembling the salad
Add ¼ cup of crumbled Feta cheese.
Add simple lemon olive oil dressing: For dressing, add 2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, & ½ teaspoon of pepper to the mixing bowl. Combine and add salt to taste.
Toss the salad well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve chilled for the best flavour.
Tip: Cucumbers release some water in the salad when stored in the refrigerator. When you take the salad out of the refrigerator, toss the salad again just before serving.
Pro Tips from my kitchen
- Choose the right cucumber: Use seedless cucumbers like English or Persian. They have thin skin, fewer seeds, and don't make the salad watery.
- Use fresh ingredients: I pick ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavour.
- Add protein (optional): You can add boiled chickpeas, grilled chicken, tuna, or shrimp to make it more filling.
- Chill before serving: I always refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. It tastes best when served chilled.
- Keep the dressing simple: A mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper works best. You can also add oregano or a pinch of sumac for extra flavour but I like to keep it simple.
- Serve fresh: This salad releases water over time, so it's best to make and serve it fresh.
What to serve with this Salad?
This Mediterranean salad works well as a light side dish or quick meal. You can serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy and cooling touch.
It pairs best with grilled chicken, Mediterranean chicken kabobs, or Mediterranean chicken and rice. You can also turn it into a wrap like our Mediterranean chicken wrap or use it in a rice bowl, like our grilled chicken rice bowl.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can. Chop the vegetables and transfer them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toss with dressing just before serving. This prevents the cucumber from becoming soggy.
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best for this salad recipe. They have thin skins and fewer seeds, so no peeling is needed.
Yes, you can. I have made this salad recipe with regular tomatoes, and they taste the same. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and less watery, which makes them perfect for salads.
You can easily replace it with paneer, goat cheese, ricotta, parmesan, or tofu, depending on what you have at home. Paneer and tofu are mild and soft, while goat cheese and parmesan give a more tangy or salty flavour.
Recipe Card
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta
Video
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups of chopped cucumber
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut into halves or 3-4 Roma tomatoes, chopped (2 cups)
- 1 small red onion chopped (¾ cup)
- ½ cup chopped parsley/cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice add as per taste
- salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Prep the vegetables
- Cucumber: Dice the English cucumber into small cubes. If using regular cucumbers you can peel the skin (if it’s hard) and scoop out the seeds (to avoid a watery salad).
- Cherry tomatoes: Cut them in half. If using plum tomatoes, dice them into small cubes (same size as the English cucumber).
- Red onion: Chop it into small pieces. Tip: I like to cut the red onions in half, then soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes and then properly drain them and cut into small pieces. Soaking in cold water reduces the sharpness of onions.
- Parsley/Cilantro: Chop it finely, discarding the thick stems.
Assemble the cucumber tomato salad with feta
- Add ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper. Combine and then add salt to taste.
- Toss everything well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste. Cover and keep it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Tastes best when served chilled.
Notes
- Use seedless cucumbers like English or Persian for the best texture and less water.
- Use fresh tomatoes and herbs for the best flavour.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for the best taste.
- Serve immediately, as the salad can release water over time.
- Storage Suggestion: This salad is best enjoyed fresh because once salt is added, the vegetables release water and the texture becomes soggy. You can store it for up to 1 day, but for the best taste, keep chopped veggies ready and add dressing and feta just before serving.
- Read our full nutrition disclaimer here.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Vaishnavi Nayak
This Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad was delicious and really easy to make. Perfect healthy side dish.
Preeti
Glad you liked it.
Vaishnavi Nayak
Absolutely delicious and easy to make, this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is the perfect healthy side dish.
Preeti
Glad you enjoyed it.