Experience the taste of the Mediterranean with a dish that embodies freshness and simplicity: the Mediterranean Cucumber Salad. This delicious side dish is a perfect blend of crunchy cucumbers, succulent tomatoes, and a variety of vibrant ingredients tossed in a light and zesty dressing.
Ideal for warm-weather gatherings, this salad is both refreshing and nutritious, making it a crowd-pleaser that complements any meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant Mediterranean Cucumber Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Mediterranean Cucumber Salad:
- Prep the Vegetables: Begin by washing and slicing the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Next, thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh parsley.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and dried oregano. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss The Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Let It Marinate: For the best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- As a Side Dish: It complements grilled meats, seafood, or falafel wonderfully, adding a refreshing contrast.
- In a Pita: Stuff it into pita bread with some hummus for a quick and easy lunch option.
- With Grains: Serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a wholesome and satiating meal.
Health Benefits
Not only is this salad delicious, but it also packs a punch in terms of nutrition:
- Hydration: Cucumbers are high in water content, which helps maintain hydration.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes and cucumbers contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which support overall health.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Minerals: Feta cheese adds calcium, and olives contribute to a good supply of iron and vitamin E.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad brings together a delightful array of fresh ingredients that burst with flavor and are easy to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, this salad captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its light, healthy, and delicious taste. Add this recipe to your culinary repertoire and enjoy a dish that is as nutritious as it is delightful.
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