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Fresh Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Make-Ahead for Best Flavor

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A fresh Greek cucumber salad that tastes better the next day, featuring crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect as a make-ahead side dish bursting with balanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about one large lemon)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers well. Slice them thinly about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Use a salad spinner to dry if available.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite. Drain and pat dry.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar or honey until emulsified.
  4. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, drained onions, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Toss gently.
  5. Sprinkle chopped oregano and dill over the salad. Add crumbled feta and fold gently to combine.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld and cucumbers to soak up the dressing without losing crunch.
  8. Before serving, gently toss the salad again. Drain any excess liquid if needed and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lemon juice.

Notes

Soaking the red onion in cold water mellows its sharpness. Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. Letting the salad rest overnight enhances the flavor and keeps cucumbers crisp. Drain excess liquid before serving if needed. For dairy-free or vegan versions, omit feta or substitute with vegan cheese or toasted nuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek cucumber salad, make-ahead salad, fresh cucumber salad, feta salad, easy side dish, healthy salad, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/fresh-greek-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-make-ahead-for-best-flavor/