Irresistible Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe

There’s just something about a bowl full of fresh, colorful ingredients that makes a meal feel extra special, especially when it comes together in minutes. That’s one of the reasons I love this Mediterranean cucumber salad so much. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together between conversations, set out at the table, and watch disappear spoonful by spoonful.

Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together or just need something quick and satisfying for dinner, this salad brings flavor, texture, and brightness without much fuss. It’s packed with ingredients you probably already have on hand — and the lemony dressing ties everything together beautifully.

In this post, I’ll walk you through why this one’s worth keeping on repeat, exactly what you’ll need, how to make it, ways to serve it, and a few handy tips to make it your own. Let’s get chopping!

Why This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Belongs on Your Table

There are recipes that earn their way into the weekly rotation without even trying—and this Mediterranean cucumber salad is one of them. It’s the kind of dish that feels just right no matter the occasion, whether you’re setting the table for dinner with family or pulling together a fresh side for a casual get-together. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and I’m always glad I did.

Here’s why this recipe is such a keeper:

Quick and easy to make
No stove, no oven—just a few fresh ingredients and about 15 minutes of chopping, mixing, and tossing. You can make it ahead or throw it together last minute, which is perfect for busy days.

Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
The flavors are bright and balanced—tangy lemon, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a bit of salty feta. It’s simple enough for picky eaters but flavorful enough to impress at any gathering.

Perfect for any occasion
Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, potluck, picnic, or just a Tuesday night dinner, this salad fits right in. It travels well and holds up beautifully on the table.

Made with everyday ingredients
You probably have most of what you need already—like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil. No fancy trips to specialty stores required!

Naturally customizable
Want to add chickpeas, fresh mint, or a handful of greens? Go for it. This salad plays well with whatever extras you have on hand.

Great as a side or on its own
Spoon it next to grilled chicken, tuck it into a pita, or just eat it by the forkful straight from the bowl. However you serve it, it works.

It’s a simple recipe that brings people together—fresh, flavorful, and always welcome at the table.

Now that you know why this salad deserves a spot in your recipe box, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make it.

Fresh Ingredients for the Best Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this Mediterranean cucumber salad to life. Every ingredient here has a job to do—whether it’s adding crunch, color, or that signature tangy zip. It’s a simple lineup, but when they come together, it’s something really special.

Basic Ingredients

• 2 large English cucumbers, diced
  These are the stars of the show—crisp, cool, and mild. English cucumbers have thin skins and tiny seeds, so you don’t need to peel or scoop them out.
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  They bring a burst of sweetness and color to balance the briny and citrusy flavors.
• ¼ cup red onion, very thinly sliced
  Adds a bit of bite and color contrast. If your onions are strong, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
• ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  Their salty richness ties the whole salad together and gives it that unmistakable Mediterranean edge.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  A creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the fresh crunch of the veggies.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  Adds a burst of freshness and a subtle earthy note that lifts the whole salad.
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  Acts as the base for the dressing, adding richness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  This is where the salad gets its sparkle—zesty and fresh with just enough acidity.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  Adds another layer of tang and helps tie the dressing together with balance.
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  Just enough to add warmth and complexity without taking over the dish.
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  A classic Mediterranean herb that gives the salad its familiar, savory aroma.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (divided)
  Used to draw moisture out of the cucumbers and season the salad throughout.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  A light touch of heat to round out the flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

• ¾ cup canned chickpeas, drained
  An easy add-in that brings heartiness and a bit of extra bite.
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
  Adds a creamy twist and makes each bite a little more indulgent.
• ¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  For a smoky-sweet accent and a splash of vibrant red.

Pro Tip:
Want to change up the vibe? For a Middle Eastern spin, add a pinch of sumac or swap parsley for fresh mint. Craving more of a Greek feel? Toss in some dill and extra olives. This salad plays well with different herbs and flavors, so feel free to experiment!

When your ingredients are ready to go, the fun part begins—let’s walk through how to put it all together.

How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Step by Step

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re just tossing things into a bowl between errands. It’s simple, but every step has its purpose, and the result is one of those dishes everyone wants the recipe for.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1- Start by prepping the cucumbers
Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized chunks, then place them in a colander. Sprinkle with half the sea salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. This draws out extra water so your salad stays nice and crisp. Pat them dry with a clean towel before using.

2- Slice and chop the rest of your ingredients
Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, chop the parsley, and slice the olives. Crumble the feta if it’s not pre-crumbled. Lay everything out—it’ll make the final toss easy and satisfying.

3- Mix the veggies and cheese
In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley, and feta. It should already look like a celebration of color!

4- Shake up the dressing
In a small jar with a tight lid, add the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, remaining salt, and black pepper. Give it a good shake until it’s well combined and slightly thickened.

5- Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the veggie mix and gently toss everything together. Try not to mash the feta—you want it to stay in little pockets of flavor throughout the bowl.

6- Taste and adjust
Take a small bite and decide if you want a bit more salt, lemon, or herbs. This salad is very forgiving and easy to tweak to your taste.

7- Let it chill (if you have time)
Cover the bowl and let the salad sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This lets the flavors mingle and makes it extra refreshing.

It’s a joy to see how quickly this salad comes together—and how fast it disappears once served! Now that you’ve mastered the prep, let’s dive into a few clever tips and ways to make this salad your own.

Easy Tips and Tasty Variations for Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

If you’re anything like me, you probably love recipes that leave a little room to play—and this Mediterranean cucumber salad is one of those kitchen gems. Whether you’re adjusting flavors to suit your family’s tastes or simply using what’s already in the fridge, these tips and variations will help you make the most of every bowl.

Helpful Tips to Keep It Tasty

• Salt your cucumbers early
  This extra step helps pull out moisture so your salad stays crisp, not soggy, especially if you’re prepping it in advance.
• Chill before serving
  Giving it 20–30 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors come together, especially the herbs and lemon.
• Use a glass or ceramic bowl
  These materials help keep the salad cool longer, and they don’t react with acidic dressings like metal sometimes can.
• Balance your flavors
  If your lemon is very tart, add a tiny drizzle of honey to the dressing to mellow things out (totally optional, but a great trick!).

Easy Variations to Try

• Make it a meal – Toss in a handful of canned chickpeas or some grilled chicken to turn this side dish into a hearty lunch.
• Swap the herbs – Fresh mint or dill can replace or complement parsley for a fun flavor change.
• Try different olives – If Kalamata isn’t your favorite, go with green Castelvetrano olives or even sliced black olives for a milder taste.
• Add a little crunch – Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds bring texture and a toasty note.
• Give it a Greek twist – Add a few spoonfuls of diced bell pepper and a pinch more oregano for something a little closer to a Greek cucumber tomato salad.

Little tweaks like these keep the salad fresh and fun every time you make it. Now let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy and serve it!

Serving Ideas for Mediterranean Cucumber Salad at Any Meal

I love a recipe that works for almost any meal, and Mediterranean cucumber salad fits that bill beautifully. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a relaxed gathering, this dish brings color and brightness to the table.

Ways to Serve It Up

• As a BBQ sidekick
  Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or veggie skewers for a vibrant and refreshing contrast.
• Tucked into a pita
  Add a scoop of this salad to warm pita bread with hummus or grilled meat for a quick and delicious wrap.
• Next to roasted fish
  Serve it with baked or grilled salmon for a meal that feels light and complete.
• With crusty bread and dips
  Let the salad shine on a mezze-style platter with hummus, baba ganoush, and olives.
• Topped with grains
  Spoon it over couscous, bulgur, or quinoa to turn it into a satisfying grain bowl.
• As a brunch side
  Believe it or not, it’s lovely served alongside a slice of frittata or a herby egg bake.

This salad’s flexibility makes it a great go-to for entertaining or everyday meals. Now that you know how to serve it, let’s make sure you store any leftovers the right way.

How to Store Mediterranean Cucumber Salad and Keep It Fresh

One of the best things about Mediterranean cucumber salad is that it holds up well, even after a night in the fridge. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh and fabulous.

How to Store Leftovers

• In the fridge:
  Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to blend as it sits, which can actually make it even better the next day.
• For meal prep:
  If you’re making it ahead, store the veggies and dressing separately. Combine just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
• Avoid freezing:
  This isn’t a freezer-friendly salad—the cucumbers and tomatoes don’t hold their texture after thawing.

If It Needs a Refresh

• Add a squeeze of lemon:
  A little fresh lemon juice just before serving brings everything back to life.
• Stir gently:
  Give it a gentle toss before serving again to recoat everything with the dressing and redistribute the flavor.

Having leftovers of this salad is never a bad thing—it’s just one more reason to look forward to tomorrow’s lunch.

More Side Dishes You May Love

• Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – A colorful veggie side that’s easy to pair with any meal.
• Calabacitas Recipe – A comforting mix of squash, corn, and peppers cooked the easy way.

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Calista

This mediterranean cucumber salad is a bright, flavorful dish made with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, salty feta, briny olives, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and perfect for serving at family dinners, potlucks, or sunny afternoon lunches.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Light Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6

Calories 155 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small jar with lid (for dressing)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Colander
• Clean towel or paper towels

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients:

• 2 large English cucumbers diced
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
• ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup Kalamata olives sliced
• ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 small garlic clove minced
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sea salt divided
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¾ cup canned chickpeas drained
• 1 ripe avocado diced
• ¼ cup roasted red peppers chopped

Instructions

 

• Dice cucumbers and sprinkle with half the salt. Let sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
• Prep remaining ingredients: halve tomatoes, slice onions and olives, chop parsley, and crumble feta.
• In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, parsley, and feta.
• In a small jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, remaining salt, and pepper. Shake well.
• Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for 20 minutes if time allows, then serve.

Notes

For best texture, don’t skip salting and draining the cucumbers—it helps keep the salad crunchy. This dish contains dairy (feta cheese), which can be left out or swapped for a dairy-free version if needed.

Keyword cucumber salad mediterranean, mediterranean cucumber salad, mediterranean cucumber tomato salad

Key Takeaways

• This Mediterranean cucumber salad is quick, colorful, and full of flavor.
• Uses everyday staples you probably already keep in your kitchen.
• Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or easy family dinners.
• Customizable with mix-ins like chickpeas, avocado, or fresh herbs.
• Best served chilled, and even better the next day.

Next, let’s answer a few common questions that might pop up while making this salad!

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad FAQs: Your Questions Answered

That covers the basics! Let’s finish things off with a few final thoughts before you head to the kitchen.

Conclusion

There’s something really special about a recipe that feels effortless but brings so much joy to the table—Mediterranean cucumber salad is exactly that kind of dish. It’s fresh, full of flavor, and easy to make your own, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or packing it up for a picnic.

If you gave this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a quick review or comment—your feedback not only helps others, but it also brings a smile to this kitchen-loving heart.