Can anything beat the crisp crunch of a cucumber on a hot day? Throw in some juicy tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta and you’ve got yourself a salad that feels like a cool breeze in a bowl. I remember once attempting to make it during a power outage—what a mess—but the flavors were so worth it!
Steps
- Begin by chopping the English cucumber into even pieces, slicing the cherry tomatoes in half, dicing the feta cheese, and chopping the parsley.
- Combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced feta cheese, and chopped parsley in a large bowl.
- In the bowl, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy as a refreshing side or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 2 pints of grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces of feta cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
FAQ
- What type of cucumber is ideal for this salad?
- It’s best to use an English cucumber because it has fewer seeds and a thinner skin, eliminating the need to peel or deseed it. For a crunchier texture, Persian cucumbers are also a good choice.
- Can I substitute regular tomatoes for cherry or grape tomatoes?
- Yes, you can use regular tomatoes. Just ensure they are cut into smaller pieces so they are easier to eat.
- What additional ingredients can I add to the salad?
- You can enhance the salad by adding ingredients like red onions, Kalamata olives, capers, fresh dill or mint, sundried tomatoes, or chickpeas. For cheese alternatives, try crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella balls, and consider balsamic vinegar in place of red wine vinegar.
- Is it possible to use a different dressing for this salad?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different dressings like a creamy Greek yogurt or a tahini-based dressing for a unique flavor.
- How should the salad be stored, and can it be frozen?
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers and tomatoes become watery when thawed.
Tips
- Opt for English Cucumbers: English cucumbers are ideal for this salad because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, eliminating the need for peeling or deseeding, which saves preparation time.
- Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to modify the salad by including ingredients like red onions, Kalamata olives, capers, fresh dill, or mint to enhance flavor and texture.
- Alternative Cheese Options: If you want to switch things up, you can substitute the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella balls for a different taste experience.
- Experiment with Dressings: While the classic oil and vinegar dressing is delicious, trying a creamy Greek yogurt or tahini-based dressing can offer a unique flavor twist to the salad.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – If someone doesn’t already have a suitable bowl for mixing salads.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups Set – For measuring ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and spices accurately.
- Chef’s Knife – A high-quality knife for chopping vegetables and herbs efficiently.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board, especially if someone needs a larger surface for preparation.
