The Best Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe with Feta & Chickpeas
Looking for a refreshing and healthy salad? This Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe is a quick and easy fix, loaded with crisp veggies, protein-packed chickpeas, and tangy feta cheese. All tossed in a zesty lemon-infused red wine vinaigrette, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Escape to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen! This Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad is like a vacation in a bowl. Its bright, zippy flavors come from a classic red wine vinegar and lemon vinaigrette. This salad boasts a delightful combination of textures and flavors that highlight everything you love about a traditional Greek salad, minus the lettuce.
Without any greens to steal the show, the cucumber and tomato truly shine, alongside creamy feta, briny olives, and sharp red onions. This salad is an ideal portable option for picnics and can be elevated to a complete meal with the addition of grilled chicken, falafel, or extra chickpeas. It’s a versatile dish you can customize to your liking.
Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad in Advance
When it comes to salads without lettuce, I’m all about marinating! In fact, this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe tastes even better when prepared a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and keep the feta separate. Crumble the feta on top right before serving to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.
For the best texture, I highly recommend enjoying any leftovers within a day or two. This ensures your cucumbers stay wonderfully crunchy, preserving the salad’s delightful texture.
Perfect Cuts: How to Slice Cucumbers and Tomatoes for Greek Salad
For this Greek salad, I prefer to cut the cucumbers into half-moons. Start by slicing the cucumber lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Next, slice the cucumber widthwise to create those perfect C-shaped pieces. These half-moons are ideal for soaking up the flavorful vinaigrette.
Using cherry tomatoes rather than larger tomatoes makes this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad even easier to prepare. Simply quarter the cherry tomatoes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size as your cucumber slices. This consistency creates a balanced and enjoyable bite.
Crunch Factor: Tips for Keeping Cucumbers Crisp in Greek Salad
The secret to achieving perfectly crunchy cucumbers is simple: keep them cold, washed, and thoroughly dried before adding them to your Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad. For an extra boost of texture, try salting the sliced cucumbers before tossing them with the other ingredients. This process draws out excess water, helping them maintain their maximum crunchiness and preventing a soggy salad.
To salt the cucumbers, toss the sliced pieces in a light dusting of salt and place them in a colander over the sink. This allows any excess liquid to drain away. Just 30 minutes is enough to keep those cucumbers extra crunchy and prevent them from becoming waterlogged. Pro Tip: Remember to adjust the amount of salt you add to your dressing to account for the salted cucumbers!
Want more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Just a Taste to receive new recipes, meal plans, and newsletters.
Stay connected with us on Facebook,
Twitter,
Pinterest, and
Instagram for all the latest updates
and culinary inspiration!
Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad is loaded with veggies, garbanzo beans and crumbled feta, all tossed in a lemony
red wine vinaigrette.
Kelly Senyei
Time 20 minutes
Time 0 minutes
Time 20 minutes