Ever want a salad that basically makes itself? This Mediterranean cucumber salad comes pretty close. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that’s light, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, a bit of vinegar, and boom – you’ve got yourself a Mediterranean cucumber salad that’s as fresh and healthy as it is easy to make. It’s a simple side dish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy: Minimal ingredients and prep time make this a no-fuss recipe.
- Healthy and light: Packed with fresh veggies and a light dressing, it’s perfect for a healthy side or snack.
- Perfect for meal prep: Stays fresh in the fridge, making it great for making ahead.
- Versatile: It pairs well with almost anything – from grilled meats to falafel.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with add-ins like feta, olives, or even some grilled chicken or shrimp.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
If you’re using seedless cucumbers like English or Persian cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them. However, if you’re using standard cucumbers, it’s best to peel them and scoop out the seeds for the best texture.
- 3 large cucumbers (peeled if using standard cucumbers)
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes (chopped into quarters or larger chunks)
- 1 medium sweet onion (cut into ¼ inch half-moon slices)
- 7 Tbsp white vinegar (for tanginess)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 10 turns of a pepper grinder
- 2 Tbsp fresh chopped Italian parsley
- 1 tsp dried mint
How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
What kind of cucumber is best for this salad?
Seedless cucumbers, like English or Persian cucumbers, are ideal because they’re less watery and don’t need to be peeled or seeded. If you use regular cucumbers, make sure to peel and remove the seeds for the best results.
Follow these easy steps to make this refreshing Mediterranean cucumber salad.
• Step 1: Peel cucumbers if you’re using standard cucumbers. For seedless cucumbers, peeling is optional.
• Step 2: Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise. If using standard cucumbers, scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
• Step 3: Slice cucumbers into ½ inch half-moon shapes. Cutting them a little thicker helps prevent them from getting soggy in the vinegar mixture.
• Step 4: Chop tomatoes into quarters or larger chunks, depending on your preference.
• Step 5: Cut onion into ¼ inch slices in a half-moon shape.
• Step 6: Finely chop parsley by bunching up the leaves and finely chopping them.
• Step 7: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley, and dried mint together.
• Step 8: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors come together. Serve and enjoy!
Variations
This Mediterranean cucumber salad is versatile. Try one of these variations to mix things up:
- Add feta cheese for a creamy, salty element.
- Toss in some olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Swap vinegar for lemon juice to give it a citrusy twist.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Expert Tips
- Use seedless cucumbers to avoid bitterness or the hassle of removing seeds.
- Cut cucumbers a bit thicker to keep them from getting soggy in the vinegar dressing.
- Chop vegetables just before serving if you want to keep the salad extra crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean cucumber salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many different meals. Here are a few general ideas:
- Serve it alongside grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or beef for a light and refreshing contrast.
- Pair it with pita bread and hummus for a simple Mediterranean-inspired snack or appetizer.
- Add it to your favorite grain bowls or as a side for falafel.
- Enjoy it as a fresh, crunchy topping for sandwiches or wraps.
Storage and Leftovers
How long does Mediterranean cucumber salad last in the fridge?
The salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers may soften a bit. If it starts to get watery, drain any excess liquid before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this Mediterranean cucumber salad (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 90
- Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 7g
FAQ
Yes! You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors meld together as it sits, but for the best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy it within 24 hours.
cucumbers or salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for a few minutes before tossing them with the dressing. This will draw out some of the water.
Yes! You can substitute lemon juice for vinegar to give the salad a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s a great way to change up the dressing while keeping it light and refreshing.
You can mix it up by adding ingredients like:
• Feta cheese
• Kalamata olives
• Chopped bell peppers
• Grilled chicken or shrimp
• Fresh herbs like basil or dill
Pairings and Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious recipes to pair with your Mediterranean cucumber salad? Try these:
- Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken – A flavorful and tender chicken dish packed with Mediterranean spices.
- Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup – A hearty and healthy soup, perfect for a light meal with fresh vegetables.
- Refrigerator Pickles – Tangy and crunchy pickles that make a great snack or side dish.
- Vegetarian Pasta Salad in the Instant Pot – A satisfying, meatless pasta salad that’s easy to prepare and packed with fresh flavors.
With its refreshing flavors and simple ingredients, this Mediterranean cucumber salad proves that sometimes the best dishes are the easiest to prepare. Whether you serve it at a casual family meal or bring it to a gathering, this salad adds a light, tangy touch that complements any spread. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit your taste, whether you prefer to keep it basic or add a few extra ingredients.
Kitchen Essentials and Items Used
DALSTRONG Chef Knife – 8″
DOWAN Porcelain Serving Bowls, 2.8 Quarts
Made in the USA, Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board
Organic English Cucumber
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 3 larger cucumbers peeled
- 2 to 3 Roma Tomatoes
- 1 Medium Sweet Onion
- 7 Tbsp. White Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 10 Turns of a pepper grinder
- 2 Tbsp. Fresh Chopped Italian Parsley.
- 1 tsp. Dried Mint
Instructions
- Peel cucumbers if using standard conventional cucumbers. If using seedless cucumbers peeling is not required.
- Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise. If using conventional cucumbers scoop the seeds out with a spoon.
- Cut cucumbers and a half inch size half moon shapes. Cut them a little bit thicker than you normally would so they don’t get soggy too quick in the vinegar mixture.
- Chop tomatoes into quarters or larger chunks whichever you prefer.
- Cut onion into quarter inch slices in a half moon shape.
- Finely chopped parsley by bunching up leaves and finely chopping.
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss. Cover and let sit in the fridge for at least 15 to 20 minutes to let flavors come together.
