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Easy Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad with Lemon Dressing

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A refreshing and addictive cucumber tomato feta salad with a bright lemon dressing. This quick and easy side dish is perfect for summer gatherings and converts even cucumber haters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 Persian cucumbers), diced
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more for salting cucumbers)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Salt the cucumbers first. Dice cucumbers into bite-sized pieces (about half-inch cubes). Place in a colander set over a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss to coat, then let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. While the cucumbers rest, make the dressing. In a small jar, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until creamy and emulsified. Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed. Set aside.
  3. Prep the remaining vegetables. Halve cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice red onion. Chop parsley and mint. If using olives, halve them.
  4. Rinse and dry the cucumbers. After 10 minutes, rinse salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat very dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  5. Combine everything in a large bowl. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, herbs, and olives if using. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
  6. Add the feta cheese. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top and fold it in gently.
  7. Let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Taste and adjust. Add more salt, pepper, or dressing as needed.
  9. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Best within an hour of making, but still great the next day.

Notes

Salting cucumbers is non-negotiable to prevent a watery salad. Let garlic sit in lemon juice to mellow its bite. Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Use a glass, ceramic, or plastic bowl to avoid metallic taste from lemon.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber tomato feta salad, lemon dressing, easy salad, summer salad, Greek salad, quick side dish

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-cucumber-tomato-feta-salad-with-lemon-dressing/