Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad

This Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad is less than 10 ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to prepare. With ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, onions, and feta, each bite is full of delicious flavor. It's a crowd-pleasing salad that's great to make ahead as well for meal prep or entertaining.

This easy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is a spring and summer staple salad recipe in our house. With a handful of ingredients (less than 10!) that have a decent fridge or shelf life, it's great when you need a fresh side dish or appetizer to start a meal.

Oftentimes salads need to be eaten immediately after they're assembled, but not with this tomato and cucumber salad. It's actually best after the flavors have marinated for an hour or two. It also stores well for up to 3 days, making it the perfect meal prep weekday salad too.

We keep the dressing simple and traditional to a standard Greek salad with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Fresh parsley and crumbled feta take this Mediterranean tomato and cucumber salad to another level, so I definitely recommend adding them in!

If you love a great salad to go with any meal, you also have to try my house salad, seven layer salad, or copycat Outback Steakhouse salad.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick to Assemble. Made in just 15 minutes you can have this recipe on the table in no time!
• Less than 10 ingredients. The simple flavors shine in this tomato and cucumber salad.
• Great to Make Ahead or Meal Prep. This is one of those salad recipes that is even better tasting after its marinated for an hour or so!

Pro Tip: If you dislike the pungent flavor of raw onions, here's my expert tip! Soak the onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes then drain and rinse. This removes some of the oils that give onions that almost spicy taste and make your eyes water!

Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements of ingredients. 

• Cherry tomatoes: Use these or if it's fresh tomato season use some farmer's market or heirloom tomatoes for even more delicious vegetable flavor.
• English cucumber: Be sure to buy this variety of cucumber since they are seedless, making for a more tasty salad. You can also use persian or mini cucumbers here.
• Olives: I recommend buying kalamata like the authentic Greek recipe. Olives that are already pitted are great too.
• Onion: Red onion or yellow onion will both be delicious. Soak the onion in ice water for 10 minutes before placing in the salad to remove the intense flavors and oils.
• Olive oil: The base to the dressing but also rounds out all the flavors of the salad.
• Red wine or balsamic vinegar: Adds the acidic flavor that compliments the natural sweetness of the tomatoes so well.
• Dried oregano: A touch of dried herbs brings a warm and earthy flavor to each bite.
• Feta cheese: Crumble the feta on top for a salty creaminess to the salad.
• Parsley: Adds a sprinkle of herby freshness in each bite!

Tools You'll Need

• Pampered Chef Close and Cut (optional)
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowls

How to Make Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the tomato and cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Expert Tips for Recipe Success

• Cut all of the ingredients the same size. This makes the salad more pleasant to eat and also allows the dressing to coat every ingredient evenly.
• Add the cheese and herbs right before serving. You can marinate the salad with the dressing up to 2 to 3 hours in advance, but we recommend adding the cheesy and herbs right before serving.
• Use the tomatoes of the season. If it's a colder month, cherry tomatoes are perfect for this recipe. If it's summertime, use fresh, juicy tomatoes!
• Make this salad a main course. It's great as a vegetable main course or also pairs well with chicken, shrimp and steak!
• Customize the ingredients. If you want to make this an American-inspired Greek Salad, simply add romaine underneath with banana peppers! Also delicious.

Storing Leftovers

For the fridge: Place in an airtight container for up to 3 days before the texture becomes mushy. I like to set the salad out at room temperature for 30 minutes before eating to take the chill off.

We don't recommend freezing this salad since it will compromise the texture.

What to Serve with Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta

Well you're in luck! This salad pairs well with pretty much any protein as well as grilled veggies! Some of our favorite protein recipes to go with it are Balsamic Flank Steak, Alice Springs Chicken, and Shrimp Pasta Primavera.

If you want a whole veggie spread for dinner, try our Grilled Vegetables, and Marinated Vegetables.

FAQs

More Simple Salad Recipes

• Spicy Chicken Salad
• Cucumber Chicken Salad
• Loaded House Salad
• Tuna Egg Salad