Best Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any meal, whether you’re enjoying a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. This salad captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors with its combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy red onions, and a simple, yet flavorful dressing. Let’s dive into the process of making this refreshing salad.

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced: Choose firm cucumbers for the best texture. English cucumbers are a great choice as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
• 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes that are bursting with flavor. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work well.
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: The red onion adds a sharp, tangy flavor and a pop of color to the salad.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich, fruity flavor that enhances the salad.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: This adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano is a classic herb in Greek cuisine, adding a fragrant, earthy note to the dish.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: These are essential for seasoning the salad to perfection.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor.
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese and olives: For an authentic Greek touch, add crumbled feta cheese and a handful of Kalamata olives.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preparing the vegetables. Take your cucumbers and slice them thinly. If you’re using standard cucumbers, you might want to peel them first, especially if the skin is thick or waxy. If you’re using English cucumbers, you can leave the skin on for added color and nutrients.

Next, move on to the tomatoes. Cut them into wedges or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference. Make sure to use ripe tomatoes, as they are sweeter and juicier, which will add to the overall flavor of the salad.

For the red onion, slice it thinly. If you find raw red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor. Drain well before adding them to the salad.

Once all the vegetables are prepped, place them in a large salad bowl. This will be the base of your salad.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, it’s time to prepare the dressing. Start by pouring in the olive oil. For the best flavor, use extra virgin olive oil, which is rich and fruity. To this, add the red wine vinegar. This vinegar brings a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the oil and the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Add the dried oregano next. Oregano is a key herb in Greek cooking, and its earthy, slightly minty flavor pairs beautifully with the vegetables. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be generous with the black pepper if you like a bit of a kick in your salad.

Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. You’ll notice the mixture thickening a bit as you whisk, which means it’s ready to be used.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Now, pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables in the salad bowl. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to gently toss the salad, making sure all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing. The dressing should enhance the natural flavors of the cucumbers and tomatoes without overwhelming them.

Once the salad is evenly coated, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top. Parsley adds a fresh, bright flavor and a lovely green color that contrasts beautifully with the red tomatoes and purple onions.

If you’re looking to elevate your salad, now’s the time to add crumbled feta cheese and a handful of olives. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty element that complements the fresh vegetables, while olives add a briny, rich flavor. These additions make the salad more filling and give it a more authentic Greek flavor.

Step 4: Chill and Enjoy

After tossing the salad, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive dish. The salt in the dressing will draw out some of the juices from the tomatoes and cucumbers, creating a natural, flavorful dressing at the bottom of the bowl.

If you’re in a hurry, you can serve the salad immediately, but if you have time, allowing it to chill slightly in the refrigerator can enhance the flavors even more.

Serving Suggestions

This Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect companion to dishes like grilled chicken, lamb, or seafood. It’s also wonderful as a light lunch when paired with crusty bread or pita.

For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider serving this salad alongside hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita bread. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top to make it a more substantial dish.

Tips and Variations

1. Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano or mint on hand, feel free to add a few chopped leaves to the salad for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
2. Vinegar Alternatives: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Both will add a nice acidity that pairs well with the other ingredients.
3. Add Protein: For a heartier salad, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. This turns the salad into a filling main course.
4. Make it Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be sure to add the feta cheese and olives right before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
5. Crunch Factor: For some added crunch, toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
6. No Onion? No Problem: If red onion is too strong for your taste, you can use green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 120 per serving (without feta and olives)
• Servings: 4

Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a simple, refreshing dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy red onions, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and vinegar dressing, makes this salad a standout. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or part of a Mediterranean feast, this salad is sure to please. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this classic Greek dish!