For an effortless side that celebrates summer produce, nothing beats a crisp Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad. Juicy tomatoes and cool cucumbers get a tangy lift from briny feta cheese. A quick toss with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing is all it takes to meld the flavors. It’s the ideal, vibrant salad for a busy weeknight or as a standout addition to a picnic spread.
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This Salad Feels Like Summer ☀️
- Effortless Prep – This no-bake cucumber tomato feta recipe comes together in minutes with no cooking required.
- Fresh & Vibrant – The crisp cucumber tomato combination bursts with garden-fresh flavors in every bite.
- Perfect for Sharing – This chilled feta cheese salad with vinaigrette is ideal for picnics and family gatherings.
- Wholesome Goodness – Enjoy a light, healthy side dish packed with simple, real ingredients.
What You’ll Need for Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
For the salad
- Tomatoes – Go for large, ripe ones and chop them into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- English Cucumber – The crunchy, seedless variety works perfectly here. Chop it to match the size of the tomatoes.
- Feta Cheese – Crumble it yourself for that rustic, chunky texture that holds up well in the salad.
- Fresh Parsley – Finely chop it to add a bright, herbaceous note that ties everything together.
For the dressing
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Use a good quality one for a rich, smooth base.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Just a splash brings that tangy kick to balance the flavors.
- Dried Oregano – A little goes a long way for that classic Mediterranean vibe.
- Kosher Salt – Season to taste for just the right level of savoriness.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground is my go-to for a hint of warmth.
Salad Time is Hands-Free Time
I love recipes where the most complicated thing is chopping vegetables, don’t you? This easy feta salad lets you step away from the stove completely.
You’ll spend about 15 minutes getting your ingredients prepped and tossed together. Since there’s zero cook time, this fresh herb and feta summer salad is ready to enjoy almost instantly. It’s the perfect last-minute dish for a busy weeknight or a spontaneous picnic. For more simple, no-cook ideas, you might enjoy my classic cucumber salad as well.
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe tomatoes chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large English cucumber chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Equipment
- small bowl
- spatula
Method
- Place the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the tomato and cucumber mixture in the large bowl.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until the vegetables and cheese are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh parsley until it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate together.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Thoughtful Tweaks for Every Table
I always believe good food should be shared with everyone, no matter their dietary needs. For my sugar-conscious friends or anyone looking for low glycemic options, this salad is wonderfully adaptable. The natural flavors are so bright, you hardly need to change a thing.
If you’re avoiding added sugars, just confirm your feta cheese is free of any sneaky sweeteners. A splash more red wine vinegar can boost tanginess without any sugar. For portion control, which is great for glycemic balance, serve this as a side to a protein-packed tuna salad.
My Kitchen Notes for the Best Salad
After making this tomato cucumber feta salad more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make it extra special.
- For Maximum Flavor – Let the dressed salad sit for 10 minutes before serving. This marinating time allows the tangy vinaigrette dressed vegetable salad to truly sing.
- For a Creamier Twist – Love a richer taste? Swap the feta for a soft goat cheese—it blends beautifully with the dressing.
- For the Best Texture – Salt your chopped cucumbers and tomatoes lightly and let them drain in a colander for 5 minutes. This keeps your summer salad side from getting watery.
- For Make-Ahead Ease – Keep the dressing separate and toss it with the vegetables just before you’re ready to serve to keep everything perfectly crisp.
A Nourishing Bite for the Whole Family
This isn’t just a tasty dish; it’s a bowl full of good-for-you ingredients. Cucumbers keep you hydrated, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and feta offers a satisfying calcium boost.
It’s a foundational part of the wholesome, Mediterranean-style eating I try to bring to my family’s table. The simple oil and vinegar dressing keeps things light and heart-healthy. For more on the benefits of this way of eating, this overview of healthy Mediterranean diet options is a great resource.
Playing with Lighter Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. If you’re looking to lighten it up even further, a few simple swaps can do the trick.
You can reduce the olive oil by half and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for moisture. For a lower-fat version, a reduced-fat feta cheese works just fine, though I adore the full flavor of the traditional kind. If you love these kinds of simple, refreshing dishes, my cucumber mint water is another fantastic way to stay refreshed.
Gathering Around the Table
This salad always takes me back to long, lazy Sunday lunches at my grandma’s house. She’d have a big wooden bowl of something similar on the table, and we’d all gather round, sharing stories and passing plates.
It’s the perfect partner for so many meals. I love it alongside a simple egg dish for a light brunch or piled next to grilled chicken for dinner. For a true Mediterranean feast, pair it with my homemade tzatziki and some warm pita bread.
Simple Steps for Salad Success
Even the simplest recipes can have their pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid a few common ones and make sure your Greek salad recipe is perfect every time.
- Soggy Salad – The biggest culprit is adding salt too early. Always season the salad just before serving to keep the cucumbers and tomatoes crisp.
- Bland Dressing – Don’t be shy with the herbs and vinegar! Taste your dressing and adjust until it makes your taste buds happy.
- Mushy Vegetables – Use a gentle hand when tossing. Over-mixing can break down the soft tomatoes and leave you with a mushier texture.
Getting the classic Greek salad combination just right is about respecting each ingredient. For more inspiration on balancing flavors, seeing how others approach it can be helpful. And if you’re looking for another crunchy, satisfying option, our Italian grinder chopped salad is a reader favorite.
Keeping Your Salad Fresh and Bright
I’m a big believer in making food with love and enjoying the leftovers with just as much joy. This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but if you have a bit left over, it’s easy to keep.
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The vegetables will soften and release some water, but it will still be delicious for a next-day lunch. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the fresh cucumbers and tomatoes won’t hold up. For another make-ahead friendly dish that stores beautifully, try my Korean cucumber salad.
I Hope You’ll Make This Soon
There’s something so deeply comforting about a recipe that requires no fuss, just fresh, honest goodness. I hope this Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad finds its way onto your table and becomes a new favorite for your family, just like it is for mine.
It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down and enjoy the simple, beautiful act of sharing a meal. If you loved this, I know you’ll adore exploring other simple, flavorful ideas like our traditional Mediterranean salad, a refreshing pineapple cucumber juice, or a stunning spread for a weekend brunch.
More Fresh Recipes You’ll Adore
If the vibrant flavors of this salad captured your heart, you’ll love these other easy, sunshine-filled ideas.
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad – The classic, no-cook side that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Greek Roasted Tomatoes – Sweet, caramelized tomatoes with herbs and feta for a warm side dish.
Pineapple Cucumber Juice – A hydrating and incredibly refreshing drink to start your day.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad – A protein-packed lunch option full of olives, herbs, and lemon.
Your Questions, Answered
How to make cucumber salad with tomatoes and feta?
It’s wonderfully simple! Just chop your cucumbers and tomatoes, crumble the feta, and whisk together a quick dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Gently toss everything together, let it sit for a few minutes to marinate, and it’s ready to serve. It’s the ultimate easy feta salad for any day of the week.
Is it true that tomatoes should not be mixed with cucumber?
This is an old kitchen myth! There’s no scientific reason to avoid combining tomatoes and cucumbers. They create a delicious crisp cucumber tomato combination that’s a staple in many cuisines, like in this Greek salad recipe. The key is to enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What dressing goes on cucumber tomato salad?
A simple vinaigrette is always my go-to. I use extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar with a pinch of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. It’s light, tangy, and perfectly complements the fresh vegetables without overpowering them. It’s the classic pairing for a chilled feta cheese salad with vinaigrette.
How do you make Valerie Bertinelli tomato cucumber salad?
While I put my own cozy spin on recipes, many similar salads, like Valerie’s, celebrate fresh, high-quality ingredients. The focus is always on ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, good feta, and a bright, simple dressing. For another fantastic no-bake tomato and cucumber salad, my recipe is a great place to start!
