Mediterranean cucumber salad is a warm-weather classic that checks every box: it’s quick to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and full of Mediterranean flavor. This vibrant salad features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and a lemony vinaigrette that ties everything together. Whether you’re prepping lunch, serving guests, or building a mezze platter, a Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is always a hit.
From weeknight dinners to weekend picnics, this cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad is a light, healthy dish that delivers bold taste and visual appeal. You’ll find yourself making it again and again.
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Mediterranean Cucumber Salad – The Ultimate Fresh & Flavorful Summer Side
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and simple Mediterranean cucumber salad made with juicy tomatoes, feta, olives, and a lemony dressing—perfect as a side or light meal.
Ingredients
2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup kalamata olives, halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano or ½ tsp sumac
Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Slice cucumbers and tomatoes; thinly slice red onion.
2. Combine all vegetables and feta in a large bowl.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
5. Top with fresh herbs and let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use Persian cucumbers or Roma tomatoes if preferred.
For added protein, toss in chickpeas or grilled chicken.
Best served fresh, but can be stored for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
A Salad That Reminds Me of Summer in Vermont
I’m Olivia Bennett, and my connection to Mediterranean cucumber salad runs deeper than a recipe. I grew up in a small Vermont town where our summers revolved around what came out of the garden. By mid-July, cucumbers and tomatoes were everywhere—so my mom would toss them together in a simple salad with vinegar, olive oil, and salt. We didn’t call it a cucumber tomato salad Mediterranean back then, but that’s exactly what it was.
Today, I make it in Asheville with a few delicious upgrades: creamy feta, kalamata olives, red onions, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. It’s still simple, but now it’s unmistakably a Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad, and it’s one of the first things I crave when the temperature climbs.
This recipe is easy to build on—add couscous, chickpeas, or grilled chicken, and suddenly it’s a main course. Or keep it classic and serve it alongside grilled fish or lamb. No matter how you serve it, this Mediterranean cucumber salad never fails to impress.
And if you’re loving the fresh, seasonal feel of this dish, try my carrot ribbon salad recipe. It’s another colorful, texture-rich favorite from my summer table to yours.
How to Build the Best Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
A truly delicious Mediterranean cucumber salad starts with the right ingredients and simple, smart steps. This salad shines when each element is crisp, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you’re prepping a casual lunch or building a beautiful spread for guests, this cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad is as practical as it is vibrant.
How to Build the Best Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
To make an unforgettable Mediterranean cucumber salad, the key lies in using high-quality, fresh ingredients and following a few simple steps. This cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad relies on balance—cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, bold olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Together, they create a vibrant dish that works beautifully as a side or light meal.
Whether you’re preparing this as a dinner starter, lunch meal prep, or potluck favorite, this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is full of flavor and ready in minutes.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
This classic Mediterranean cucumber salad is built around simple, healthy staples that are easy to find. Each bite should feel crisp, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
Here’s what you need:
- 2 large English cucumbers or 4 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, halved or chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (mint or dill work too)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or ½ tsp sumac for tang)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional additions:
- Cooked chickpeas or white beans for protein
- Quinoa or couscous to turn your cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad into a main dish
Instructions: How to Make a Cucumber Tomato Salad Mediterranean-Style
Step 1: Wash and dry all produce. Slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. Halve or chop the tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese. This is your base for the perfect Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano or sumac, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over your cucumber tomato salad Mediterranean mix. Toss gently to coat everything evenly without breaking up the vegetables or cheese.
Step 5: Finish with fresh parsley, mint, or dill. Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
This Mediterranean cucumber salad is best eaten the day it’s made, but if stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge. To maintain crunch, store dressing separately until ready to serve.
Love this recipe’s freshness? You’ll enjoy my microgreens salad too—it pairs well with Mediterranean spreads and adds another layer of raw, healthy flavor to any meal.
Dressing and Flavor Tips for a Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
When it comes to perfecting a Mediterranean cucumber salad, the secret lies in the dressing. While cucumbers and tomatoes provide the crunch and juiciness, it’s the lemony olive oil blend that defines the flavor. A properly balanced dressing elevates your Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad from something simple to something crave-worthy.
This light, bright vinaigrette is what gives a cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad its signature Mediterranean taste—fresh, herby, and completely satisfying.
Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, and a Pinch of Sumac
A classic Mediterranean cucumber salad uses only a few bold ingredients: high-quality olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and seasoning that brings out the natural taste of the vegetables. For the best Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad, always choose freshly squeezed lemon juice—it’s what brings the whole bowl to life.
Here’s my go-to dressing for a fresh and authentic cucumber tomato salad Mediterranean-style:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or ½ teaspoon sumac
- Pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper
Sumac adds an earthy, tangy depth that enhances both the cucumber and tomato. It’s a game-changer for your Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad, giving it that vibrant Mediterranean flair that keeps everyone going back for seconds.
Mix the dressing just before serving. Pour it over the salad and let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the herbs and seasoning fully absorb into the vegetables without compromising the crunch of your Mediterranean cucumber salad.
Mediterranean Salad Dressing vs. Greek Salad Dressing
While many confuse a Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad with a Greek salad, the differences are more than subtle. Greek salad typically includes bell peppers, large tomato chunks, and is dressed only with olive oil and oregano. There’s no lemon, no layering of flavors, and little room for variation.
On the other hand, a true Mediterranean cucumber salad focuses on freshness, flexibility, and flavor depth. The cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad version uses finely sliced vegetables, fresh herbs, and a lemony vinaigrette that brightens the whole dish. It’s meant to be adaptable—add chickpeas, quinoa, grilled fish, or even avocado to match your meal.
The difference is clear: a Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is more herbaceous, citrus-forward, and versatile. It works for meal prep, quick lunches, or elegant spreads—and it’s always a refreshing contrast to heavier mains.
If you want another Mediterranean-style pairing with bright dressing and satisfying texture, try my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne. It’s the kind of main dish that’s rich but balanced when served alongside a crisp Mediterranean cucumber salad.
Make-Ahead Tips, Serving Ideas For Mediterranean cucumber salad
One of the best things about Mediterranean cucumber salad is that it’s flexible. Whether you’re prepping meals ahead or assembling a last-minute side, this salad fits perfectly. You can serve it cold, pair it with proteins, or bulk it up with grains. This makes the Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad not just a refreshing side—but a versatile foundation for dozens of variations.
Let’s look at how to store your cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad, turn it into a meal, and switch things up with creative add-ins.
Can You Meal Prep Mediterranean Cucumber Salad?
Yes, and it holds up beautifully—if you follow a few tricks. Mediterranean cucumber salad is best stored undressed if you’re planning to keep it for more than a day. The cucumbers can become a little soft once the lemon juice and salt are added, so for meal prep, store the vegetables and dressing separately.
When ready to serve, combine everything and let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors develop. You can also prep chopped herbs and crumbled feta in advance, keeping them in separate containers. This keeps the texture crisp and the flavor vibrant in your cucumber tomato salad Mediterranean-style.
For another great make-ahead dish with similar fresh energy, check out this light and simple dill pickle pasta salad that adds fun texture and tang.
Serving Suggestions and Simple Variations
This cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad works with nearly anything. Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:
- As a side to grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or salmon
- Tucked into a pita with hummus or falafel
- Served over grains like couscous, quinoa, or bulgur
- Scooped up with warm flatbread as part of a mezze spread
Want to make it more filling? Add chickpeas, marinated lentils, or even roasted sweet potatoes. For a protein boost, try grilled shrimp or hard-boiled eggs. For a vegan version, skip the feta and double the olives.
The best part is that this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad gets even better as it sits. Once dressed, give it 10–15 minutes to rest at room temperature before serving. This lets the herbs release their oils and the dressing soak into every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
What is a Mediterranean cucumber salad?
A Mediterranean cucumber salad is a light, refreshing dish made with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs—tossed in a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. Unlike creamy cucumber salads, the Mediterranean version focuses on bold, zesty, and herbaceous flavors. This cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights and gatherings alike.
What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?
To keep your Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad fresh and crisp, avoid ingredients that release too much water, like iceberg lettuce or overripe tomatoes. Don’t add dressing too early if you’re making it ahead, as the cucumbers may turn soggy. Also avoid sweet or creamy dressings, which don’t complement the savory and lemony profile of this cucumber tomato salad Mediterranean-style.
What is the difference between a Greek and Mediterranean salad?
A Greek salad typically contains large chunks of cucumber, tomato, green bell pepper, red onion, feta, and olives, dressed only in olive oil and oregano. A Mediterranean cucumber salad, on the other hand, often includes lemon juice in the dressing, more finely chopped ingredients, and added herbs like parsley, mint, or dill. The Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is more flexible and can include grains, legumes, or proteins for a modern twist.
What is the trick for the most flavorful cucumber salad every time?
The key to an ultra-flavorful Mediterranean cucumber salad lies in the balance: use fresh lemon juice, good-quality olive oil, and let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes after tossing. This allows the dressing to soak in without wilting the vegetables. For the best cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad, season generously, and don’t skip the herbs—they bring freshness and depth to every bite.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, vibrant, and endlessly customizable, Mediterranean cucumber salad delivers every time. With just a few crisp, flavorful ingredients, this salad brings the sunshine and simplicity of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Whether you serve it as a quick side, prep it for weekday lunches, or pair it with grilled mains, this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad will never disappoint.
It’s crunchy, herby, and full of lemony brightness—perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quiet night in. Roll up your sleeves, slice those cucumbers, and bring a little Mediterranean magic to your plate.
For more check this Cucumber Salad
