Cucumber Dill Greek Salad Refreshing and Flavorful Dish

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- 2 large cucumbers, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste For this Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, fresh ingredients are key. Start with crisp cucumbers. They add crunch and hydration. I like to use large ones. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab cherry tomatoes. Halve them for a juicy burst in every bite. They bring sweetness that balances the dish. A medium red onion adds a sharp flavor. Thinly slice it to keep the texture soft. Bell peppers, either red or yellow, bring color and sweetness. Dice them into small pieces. Kalamata olives provide a briny contrast. Make sure they are pitted for easy eating. Feta cheese is a must; its creaminess enhances every mouthful. Crumble it on top for a delightful taste. Fresh dill is my secret weapon. It adds a fragrant note that ties everything together. For the dressing, use olive oil and lemon juice. They create a bright and zesty flavor. Dried oregano adds an earthy touch. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to elevate all the tastes. Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to making a refreshing dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by dicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the bell pepper. Toss all these fresh veggies together in the bowl for a colorful mix. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in the Kalamata olives, pitted and whole, for a briny kick. Crumble the feta cheese over the top. The creamy feta adds richness that pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice. This creates a zesty base for the dressing. Next, chop the dill and add it to the bowl. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until all the ingredients blend into a smooth dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a gentle tossing motion to coat all the ingredients evenly. This helps every bite burst with flavor. After mixing, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This marinating time allows the flavors to blend and enhances the overall taste. Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature for the best experience. To make a great Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, start with fresh ingredients. Look for firm cucumbers that feel heavy for their size. The skin should be bright and shiny. For tomatoes, choose cherry tomatoes that are plump and vibrant. They should smell sweet and earthy. When selecting feta cheese, opt for the block variety instead of crumbled. This type has better flavor and texture. Look for cheese packed in brine, as it stays fresh longer. If you can, try to find sheep's milk feta. It adds a rich taste that enhances the salad. To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint. Chopped green onions can also add a nice touch. You can sprinkle in a bit of crushed red pepper if you like heat. For marinating, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend. Toss the salad again before serving to refresh the ingredients. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. This keeps it refreshing. It pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. You can also serve it alongside pita bread or hummus for a light meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a side or main course! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose the freshest cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like radishes or carrots for extra crunch and color. Feta Storage Tips: Keep leftover feta cheese submerged in olive oil in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap out Kalamata olives for green olives or capers. These options give a different taste. For feta cheese, try goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Chopped carrots or radishes add crunch. You can also use zucchini or celery for a fresh bite. The goal is to keep it light and refreshing. Making this salad gluten-free is simple. All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any added ingredients do not contain gluten. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess instead. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. In summer, add fresh corn or diced avocados for a creamy touch. You can try diced strawberries for sweetness too. In winter, consider using roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes. They add warmth and depth to the salad. You can also include citrus like oranges for brightness during colder months. After enjoying your Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, you may have leftovers. Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. If you have a large amount, divide it into smaller containers. This way, you can grab a quick snack. Be sure to keep the salad in the fridge. It will stay crispy and tasty. Glass or plastic containers work best for salad. They seal tight and let you see inside. Avoid metal containers, as they can change the taste. Knowing how long each ingredient lasts is key to good storage. Cucumbers stay fresh for about a week. Cherry tomatoes last about five days in the fridge. Red onions can last up to two weeks. Bell peppers keep for about a week. Kalamata olives and feta cheese have a longer shelf life. They can last for a couple of weeks if stored properly. Just make sure these are sealed well to keep them fresh. You can prepare the Cucumber Dill Greek Salad ahead of time. Just wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps the veggies from getting soggy. Chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper a day before. Store them in the fridge. Mix the dressing in a jar and keep it in the fridge too. On serving day, combine everything and toss. Enjoy the fresh flavors without losing quality! To make your dressing creamier, add plain yogurt or sour cream. These will give your dressing a nice texture. You can also use mayonnaise for a richer flavor. Mix these ingredients with olive oil and lemon juice to keep the fresh taste. A creamy dressing pairs well with the crisp veggies. Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy. Mix the salad ingredients, cover, and store in the fridge. When it's time to eat, add the dressing and toss. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. Use about one teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh. Other herbs like parsley or cilantro also work well. They will change the flavor a bit but still taste great. This salad offers refreshing flavors with simple ingredients and easy steps. Start with fresh veggies and tasty dressing. Use my tips to enhance your dish. Feel free to switch up ingredients for your taste or diet. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making this salad soon, and remember: cooking can be fun and simple!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a fresh and tasty dish to brighten your table? This Cucumber Dill Greek Salad packs everything you need. With juicy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta, it is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make! Follow my simple steps to whip up a refreshing salad that bursts with flavor. Perfect for any meal, let’s dive into the ingredients and start preparing!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh Ingredients: The crispness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes make every bite refreshing.
  2. Easy Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
  3. Flavorful Dressing: The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill creates a zesty dressing that enhances the overall taste.
  4. Versatile Dish: This salad can be served as a side or a main dish and pairs well with a variety of meals.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 large cucumbers, diced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

For this Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, fresh ingredients are key. Start with crisp cucumbers. They add crunch and hydration. I like to use large ones. Slice them into bite-sized pieces.

Next, grab cherry tomatoes. Halve them for a juicy burst in every bite. They bring sweetness that balances the dish.

A medium red onion adds a sharp flavor. Thinly slice it to keep the texture soft. Bell peppers, either red or yellow, bring color and sweetness. Dice them into small pieces.

Kalamata olives provide a briny contrast. Make sure they are pitted for easy eating. Feta cheese is a must; its creaminess enhances every mouthful. Crumble it on top for a delightful taste.

Fresh dill is my secret weapon. It adds a fragrant note that ties everything together.

For the dressing, use olive oil and lemon juice. They create a bright and zesty flavor. Dried oregano adds an earthy touch. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to elevate all the tastes.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making a refreshing dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Salad Ingredients

Start by dicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the bell pepper. Toss all these fresh veggies together in the bowl for a colorful mix.

Now, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in the Kalamata olives, pitted and whole, for a briny kick. Crumble the feta cheese over the top. The creamy feta adds richness that pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables.

Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice. This creates a zesty base for the dressing. Next, chop the dill and add it to the bowl. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until all the ingredients blend into a smooth dressing.

Combining Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a gentle tossing motion to coat all the ingredients evenly. This helps every bite burst with flavor. After mixing, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This marinating time allows the flavors to blend and enhances the overall taste. Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

Tips & Tricks

Selecting Fresh Ingredients

To make a great Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, start with fresh ingredients. Look for firm cucumbers that feel heavy for their size. The skin should be bright and shiny. For tomatoes, choose cherry tomatoes that are plump and vibrant. They should smell sweet and earthy.

When selecting feta cheese, opt for the block variety instead of crumbled. This type has better flavor and texture. Look for cheese packed in brine, as it stays fresh longer. If you can, try to find sheep’s milk feta. It adds a rich taste that enhances the salad.

Enhancing Flavor Depth

To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint. Chopped green onions can also add a nice touch. You can sprinkle in a bit of crushed red pepper if you like heat.

For marinating, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend. Toss the salad again before serving to refresh the ingredients.

Serving Recommendations

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. This keeps it refreshing. It pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. You can also serve it alongside pita bread or hummus for a light meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a side or main course!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose the freshest cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
  2. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
  3. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like radishes or carrots for extra crunch and color.
  4. Feta Storage Tips: Keep leftover feta cheese submerged in olive oil in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out Kalamata olives for green olives or capers. These options give a different taste. For feta cheese, try goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture.

Feel free to mix in other veggies. Chopped carrots or radishes add crunch. You can also use zucchini or celery for a fresh bite. The goal is to keep it light and refreshing.

Dietary Modifications

Making this salad gluten-free is simple. All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any added ingredients do not contain gluten.

For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess instead. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Seasonal Versions

In summer, add fresh corn or diced avocados for a creamy touch. You can try diced strawberries for sweetness too.

In winter, consider using roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes. They add warmth and depth to the salad. You can also include citrus like oranges for brightness during colder months.

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

After enjoying your Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, you may have leftovers. Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. If you have a large amount, divide it into smaller containers. This way, you can grab a quick snack.

Be sure to keep the salad in the fridge. It will stay crispy and tasty. Glass or plastic containers work best for salad. They seal tight and let you see inside. Avoid metal containers, as they can change the taste.

Shelf Life of Ingredients

Knowing how long each ingredient lasts is key to good storage. Cucumbers stay fresh for about a week. Cherry tomatoes last about five days in the fridge. Red onions can last up to two weeks. Bell peppers keep for about a week.

Kalamata olives and feta cheese have a longer shelf life. They can last for a couple of weeks if stored properly. Just make sure these are sealed well to keep them fresh.

Tips for Making Ahead

You can prepare the Cucumber Dill Greek Salad ahead of time. Just wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps the veggies from getting soggy.

Chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper a day before. Store them in the fridge. Mix the dressing in a jar and keep it in the fridge too. On serving day, combine everything and toss. Enjoy the fresh flavors without losing quality!

FAQs

How do I make my salad dressing creamier?

To make your dressing creamier, add plain yogurt or sour cream. These will give your dressing a nice texture. You can also use mayonnaise for a richer flavor. Mix these ingredients with olive oil and lemon juice to keep the fresh taste. A creamy dressing pairs well with the crisp veggies.

Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy. Mix the salad ingredients, cover, and store in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, add the dressing and toss.

What can I substitute for fresh dill?

If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. Use about one teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh. Other herbs like parsley or cilantro also work well. They will change the flavor a bit but still taste great.

This salad offers refreshing flavors with simple ingredients and easy steps. Start with fresh veggies and tasty dressing. Use my tips to enhance your dish. Feel free to switch up ingredients for your taste or diet. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making this salad soon, and remember: cooking can be fun and simpl

- 2 large cucumbers, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste For this Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, fresh ingredients are key. Start with crisp cucumbers. They add crunch and hydration. I like to use large ones. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab cherry tomatoes. Halve them for a juicy burst in every bite. They bring sweetness that balances the dish. A medium red onion adds a sharp flavor. Thinly slice it to keep the texture soft. Bell peppers, either red or yellow, bring color and sweetness. Dice them into small pieces. Kalamata olives provide a briny contrast. Make sure they are pitted for easy eating. Feta cheese is a must; its creaminess enhances every mouthful. Crumble it on top for a delightful taste. Fresh dill is my secret weapon. It adds a fragrant note that ties everything together. For the dressing, use olive oil and lemon juice. They create a bright and zesty flavor. Dried oregano adds an earthy touch. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to elevate all the tastes. Gather these ingredients, and you're on your way to making a refreshing dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by dicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the bell pepper. Toss all these fresh veggies together in the bowl for a colorful mix. Now, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in the Kalamata olives, pitted and whole, for a briny kick. Crumble the feta cheese over the top. The creamy feta adds richness that pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice. This creates a zesty base for the dressing. Next, chop the dill and add it to the bowl. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until all the ingredients blend into a smooth dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a gentle tossing motion to coat all the ingredients evenly. This helps every bite burst with flavor. After mixing, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This marinating time allows the flavors to blend and enhances the overall taste. Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature for the best experience. To make a great Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, start with fresh ingredients. Look for firm cucumbers that feel heavy for their size. The skin should be bright and shiny. For tomatoes, choose cherry tomatoes that are plump and vibrant. They should smell sweet and earthy. When selecting feta cheese, opt for the block variety instead of crumbled. This type has better flavor and texture. Look for cheese packed in brine, as it stays fresh longer. If you can, try to find sheep's milk feta. It adds a rich taste that enhances the salad. To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint. Chopped green onions can also add a nice touch. You can sprinkle in a bit of crushed red pepper if you like heat. For marinating, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend. Toss the salad again before serving to refresh the ingredients. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. This keeps it refreshing. It pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. You can also serve it alongside pita bread or hummus for a light meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a side or main course! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose the freshest cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like radishes or carrots for extra crunch and color. Feta Storage Tips: Keep leftover feta cheese submerged in olive oil in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap out Kalamata olives for green olives or capers. These options give a different taste. For feta cheese, try goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also use ricotta for a creamier texture. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Chopped carrots or radishes add crunch. You can also use zucchini or celery for a fresh bite. The goal is to keep it light and refreshing. Making this salad gluten-free is simple. All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any added ingredients do not contain gluten. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess instead. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. In summer, add fresh corn or diced avocados for a creamy touch. You can try diced strawberries for sweetness too. In winter, consider using roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes. They add warmth and depth to the salad. You can also include citrus like oranges for brightness during colder months. After enjoying your Cucumber Dill Greek Salad, you may have leftovers. Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. If you have a large amount, divide it into smaller containers. This way, you can grab a quick snack. Be sure to keep the salad in the fridge. It will stay crispy and tasty. Glass or plastic containers work best for salad. They seal tight and let you see inside. Avoid metal containers, as they can change the taste. Knowing how long each ingredient lasts is key to good storage. Cucumbers stay fresh for about a week. Cherry tomatoes last about five days in the fridge. Red onions can last up to two weeks. Bell peppers keep for about a week. Kalamata olives and feta cheese have a longer shelf life. They can last for a couple of weeks if stored properly. Just make sure these are sealed well to keep them fresh. You can prepare the Cucumber Dill Greek Salad ahead of time. Just wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps the veggies from getting soggy. Chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper a day before. Store them in the fridge. Mix the dressing in a jar and keep it in the fridge too. On serving day, combine everything and toss. Enjoy the fresh flavors without losing quality! To make your dressing creamier, add plain yogurt or sour cream. These will give your dressing a nice texture. You can also use mayonnaise for a richer flavor. Mix these ingredients with olive oil and lemon juice to keep the fresh taste. A creamy dressing pairs well with the crisp veggies. Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy. Mix the salad ingredients, cover, and store in the fridge. When it's time to eat, add the dressing and toss. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. Use about one teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh. Other herbs like parsley or cilantro also work well. They will change the flavor a bit but still taste great. This salad offers refreshing flavors with simple ingredients and easy steps. Start with fresh veggies and tasty dressing. Use my tips to enhance your dish. Feel free to switch up ingredients for your taste or diet. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making this salad soon, and remember: cooking can be fun and simple!

Crisp Cucumber Dill Greek Salad

A refreshing salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with a dill and lemon vinaigrette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large cucumbers, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 each bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced bell pepper.
  • Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
  • Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to marinate and enhance the flavors.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Let the salad marinate for better flavor.
Keyword cucumber, dill, Greek, healthy, salad

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