When the weather warms up, we all crave something light, crisp, and easy to throw together — and this Cucumber Feta Salad checks all those boxes. It’s simple yet full of flavor, with crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and a bright lemon vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully.
This refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight side dish. The combination of cool cucumber and tangy feta makes it irresistibly fresh and satisfying. Best of all, it comes together in just minutes with minimal effort — exactly what summer cooking should be.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Feta Salad
This salad might look simple, but don’t underestimate its flavor. The mix of creamy feta, aromatic herbs, and zesty lemon dressing makes every bite pop. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:
- 🥒 Quick & Easy: Just chop, whisk, and toss — ready in under 10 minutes.
- 🍋 Fresh & Light: The lemon vinaigrette gives the salad a bright, refreshing flavor.
- 🌿 Loaded with Herbs: Dill, chives, and basil make this salad smell and taste amazing.
- 🧀 Creamy Meets Crunchy: Feta adds a salty, creamy contrast to crisp cucumbers.
- 🌞 Perfect for Summer: Ideal for hot days or as a cool side dish to grilled meats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this Cucumber Feta Salad, but each one adds its own unique flavor and texture.
For the Salad
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers work perfectly since they’re crisp with thin skins, but Persian or mini cucumbers are also great options. If you’re making it ahead, scoop out the seeds to avoid excess moisture.
- Feta Cheese: Go for a block of feta in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta. It’s creamier, saltier, and stays fresh longer.
- Fresh Herbs: Dill and chives bring brightness, while fresh basil adds a hint of sweetness. Feel free to mix in mint, oregano, or parsley for extra freshness.
For the Lemon Dressing
- Olive Oil: Use good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings that essential tangy freshness. You can substitute lime juice or even red wine vinegar if needed.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Adjust to taste — feta is naturally salty, so start light on the salt.
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad
Making this salad couldn’t be easier. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes less than ten minutes to pull together.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and slice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. If you’re planning to serve later, remove the seeds to prevent wateriness.
- Cube the feta: Cut your feta block into small cubes — this helps it stay intact when tossed with the dressing.
- Chop the herbs: Finely chop dill and chives. Tear the basil leaves gently with your hands for the best aroma.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine everything: Add the cucumber, feta, and herbs to a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss lightly to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately for the ultimate freshness, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re meal-prepping or planning a summer party, this salad is easy to prepare ahead of time. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Store the dressing separately: Combine the lemon vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from softening.
- Remove cucumber seeds: This helps the salad stay crisp longer.
- Keep it chilled: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Serving Ideas
This Cucumber Feta Salad pairs perfectly with just about any main dish. Try serving it with:
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Lamb chops or pork skewers
- Grilled fish or shrimp
- Mediterranean platters with pita and hummus
It’s also a fantastic addition to picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. You can even turn it into a heartier meal by adding chickpeas, quinoa, or watermelon for a sweet twist.
Refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
Description
This Cucumber Feta Salad is the perfect combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, and fragrant fresh herbs, all brought together with a bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s refreshing, light, and takes just minutes to make — ideal for summer days or when you need a quick side dish full of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salad
2 large English cucumbers (or 4–5 small Persian cucumbers)
150 g (5 oz) feta cheese, cut into small cubes
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Lemon Dressing
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust depending on feta’s saltiness)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Prepare the cucumbers: Rinse and slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. For a salad that stays fresh longer, scoop out the seeds before chopping.
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Add the feta: Cut feta into bite-sized cubes and add them to a large salad bowl with the cucumber.
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Chop the herbs: Finely chop dill and chives. Tear the basil leaves gently and add all the herbs to the bowl.
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Whisk the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
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Toss & serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve right away or chill for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Notes
- Quick version: Skip peeling or seeding the cucumbers if you’re in a hurry — the salad will still taste amazing.
- Make-ahead tip: Keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from releasing too much water.
- Extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of red onion slices, cherry tomatoes, or even cubes of watermelon for a sweet contrast.
- Serving idea: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a balanced summer meal.
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
