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Easy Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad – Best 5-Minute Recipe

cucumber tomato feta salad - featured image

A refreshing, crisp cucumber tomato feta salad with a bright lemon dressing that comes together in just 5 minutes. Perfect for summer, potlucks, or a quick, healthy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 medium Persian cucumbers), diced
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 4 medium Roma tomatoes, diced)
  • 1 cup (about 6 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Wash and pat dry the cucumbers. Cut off the ends, slice lengthwise into quarters, then dice into 1/2-inch bite-sized pieces.
  2. If using cherry tomatoes, wash and halve them. If using Roma tomatoes, core and dice into pieces similar in size to the cucumbers. For less watery salad, scoop out some seeds and gel before dicing.
  3. Peel the red onion, cut in half through the root end, and thinly slice one half into half-moons. For milder flavor, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Add the diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the top and give one more gentle toss.
  7. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Do not let it sit longer than 15 minutes to avoid sogginess.
  8. Give a final stir, taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Notes

For best results, use English cucumbers (thin skin, few seeds) and block feta packed in brine. Let the salad rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Do not let it sit longer than 15 minutes or cucumbers will become soggy. For a vegan version, omit feta or use dairy-free alternative. To keep feta from turning mushy, add it just before serving if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber tomato feta salad, easy salad recipe, 5-minute salad, summer salad, Mediterranean salad, quick side dish