Welcome to our feta and cucumber salad with lemon dressing recipe! If you’re looking for an easy feta cucumber salad that is both refreshing and healthy, you’ve come to the right place. This salad is the perfect dish to enjoy during the summer months when you crave something light and flavorful. The combination of creamy feta cheese and zesty lemon dressing is a match made in culinary heaven.
Stay with us as we walk you through the ingredients, preparation, serving suggestions, make-ahead tips, nutritional information, and more for this delectable feta and cucumber salad with fresh lemon dressing. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Mediterranean-inspired recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make this feta and cucumber salad with lemon dressing, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Minced garlic | 1 clove |
| Crumbled feta cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Diced cucumbers | 1 cup |
| Thinly sliced red onion | 1/4 cup |
| Chickpeas | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh herbs (such as dill, mint, and parsley) | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
To prepare the salad:
- Start by mashing the feta cheese with a fork, creating a creamy dressing.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed feta cheese with the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Add in the diced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and dried oregano.
- Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- The salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy this easy and refreshing feta cucumber salad as a light and healthy dish!
Serving Suggestions
This feta and cucumber salad with lemon dressing is incredibly versatile, giving you a multitude of ways to enjoy its refreshing flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish, complementing any main course with its tangy and crisp taste.
- Pair it with crispy pita chips or warm pita bread for a delightful and light snack that will satisfy your cravings.
- For a heartier meal, mix this salad into freshly cooked pasta or rice, transforming it into a satisfying main course full of Mediterranean flavors.
- Create a delicious and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired spread by serving the feta and cucumber salad alongside homemade hummus and warm pita bread.
The possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative and incorporate this delicious feta and cucumber salad into your meals in ways that suit your taste and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to discover new flavor profiles and culinary delights.
Remember, the key is to savor every bite of this delicious feta and cucumber salad with lemon dressing. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on various occasions, whether as a refreshing side dish, a satisfying snack, or a flavorful addition to your main course.
Make-Ahead and Variations
This feta and cucumber salad is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly convenient to make ahead of time. Whether you’re planning for a busy week or hosting a gathering, you can easily prepare this salad in advance and have it ready when you need it.
To make the salad ahead of time, simply combine all the ingredients except for the feta cheese. Mix together diced cucumbers, sliced red onion, chickpeas, and your choice of fresh herbs such as dill, mint, and parsley. For a Greek twist, you can substitute fresh oregano for the dill.
After combining the ingredients, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours. This time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more vibrant and flavorful dish. Right before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. The creamy and tangy feta adds a delightful richness to the salad.
Feel free to get creative with variations of this feta and cucumber salad. You can add ripe olives, juicy tomatoes, or thinly sliced red onion for a more pronounced Greek flavor. Experiment with different herbs and vegetables to find your perfect combination.
“The make-ahead option makes this feta and cucumber salad a time-saving solution for busy individuals or anyone looking to simplify their meal planning.”
So, whether you’re prepping for a quick and easy meal or adding a refreshing side dish to your spread, this versatile salad is sure to be a hit. Its flavors only get better when prepared in advance. Try out different variations to suit your preference and let your taste buds explore the wonderful possibilities of this easy feta cucumber salad.
Nutritional Information
This feta and cucumber salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and the healthy fats found in the olive oil and feta cheese. It is a light and low-calorie dish, making it suitable for those following a Mediterranean or healthy eating plan. The salad is also gluten-free and can be enjoyed by individuals with dietary restrictions.
Here is the nutritional breakdown of this Mediterranean feta cucumber salad:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Vitamin D | 0.2mcg |
| Calcium | 90mg |
| Potassium | 260mg |
| Vitamin A | 100IU |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
This Mediterranean feta cucumber salad provides a range of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and D, calcium, iron, and potassium. It is a great option for a light and healthy meal, whether you’re looking to maintain a balanced diet or follow a specific eating plan.
Key Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants from fresh vegetables
- Good source of protein from chickpeas and feta cheese
- Healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and feta cheese
- Low in calories and suitable for weight management
- Gluten-free and adaptable to dietary restrictions
So, not only does this Mediterranean feta cucumber salad satisfy your taste buds, but it also provides a nutritious boost to your diet. Enjoy this refreshing and healthy dish as a part of your meal plan or incorporate it into your Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this feta and cucumber salad with fresh lemon dressing is a delightful and satisfying dish that captures the essence of summer. With its simple preparation and versatile serving options, this salad is a perfect addition to any meal.
The combination of tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, and zesty lemon dressing creates a refreshing and balanced flavor profile that is both light and delicious. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and vibrant flavors.
The feta and cucumber salad is not only a treat for your taste buds, but it is also a healthy choice. Packed with fresh vegetables and the goodness of feta cheese, this salad provides a nutritious boost to your diet. Its Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and flavors make it a perfect fit for those seeking a wholesome and flavorful meal.
So why not give this feta and cucumber salad with fresh lemon dressing a try? Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a light and satisfying meal, this recipe is a winner. With its combination of ease, versatility, and deliciousness, it is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and the satisfaction of a well-balanced salad that will leave you craving for more!
FAQ
Can I make this feta and cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Simply combine all the ingredients except for the feta cheese and refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to develop. Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
What can I serve this feta and cucumber salad with?
This salad can be served in multiple ways. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish, pair it with pita chips or warm pita bread for a light snack, or mix it into pasta or rice for a more substantial meal. It also goes well alongside hummus or pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Can I customize this feta and cucumber salad?
Yes, you can customize this salad to your liking. For a Greek twist, substitute fresh oregano for the dill and add ripe olives, tomatoes, and red onion. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to create your perfect variation of this refreshing salad.
Is this feta and cucumber salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and the healthy fats found in the olive oil and feta cheese. It is a light and low-calorie dish, making it suitable for those following a Mediterranean or healthy eating plan. The salad is also gluten-free and can be enjoyed by individuals with dietary restrictions.
