Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber & Feta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
Summertime calls for light, fresh salads, and today’s recipe is a delightful example. Our Cucumber & Feta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette is perfect for any picnic, garden party, or a healthy family dinner. With crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and a herb-packed dressing, this salad not only tastes refreshing but also looks gorgeous, thanks to its vibrant ingredients and edible flower garnish. Here’s how to whip up this easy-to-make, flavor-packed salad.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: 4 medium cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and then quartered
- Salt: 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Herbs: 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, 1 tablespoon packed fresh oregano, 1 or 2 lemon verbena leaves (optional)
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Red Onion: 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- Feta Cheese: 4 oz crumbled
- Edible Flowers: For garnish
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Place the cucumber slices in a large metal sieve set over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat evenly. Allow the cucumbers to sit for 20-30 minutes, tossing occasionally. This process helps draw out excess moisture, making the cucumbers crisp.
- Make the Herb Vinaigrette: In a food processor or blender, combine basil, parsley, oregano, and optional lemon verbena with olive oil. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and well mixed with the oil. Alternatively, if you prefer a more rustic texture, whisk the olive oil and stir in the finely chopped herbs.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the drained cucumbers, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with about half the herb vinaigrette and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing if desired, according to your taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and garnish with edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Prep and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a great standalone dish or can be paired with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It’s also perfect as a side dish for your barbecue events.
Nutritional Information
This salad is not only visually appealing but also offers a wealth of nutrients from its fresh ingredients, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Feta cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a satisfying yet healthy choice.
We hope you enjoy this Cucumber & Feta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette as much as we do. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both tasty and refreshing. Perfect for those warm summer days!
Cucumber & Feta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This delightful Cucumber & Feta Salad with Herb Vinaigrette is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients meet extraordinary flavors. The crisp cucumber paired with the creamy feta and a vibrant herb dressing not only pleases the palate but also dazzles the eyes with its colorful presentation, including a playful touch of edible flowers.
Ingredients
4 medium cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices and then quartered
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
1 tablespoon packed fresh oregano
1 or 2 lemon verbena leaves (optional)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
Edible flowers, for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Place the cucumber slices in a large metal sieve set over a bowl to catch excess liquid. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Let sit for 20 to 30 minutes, tossing occasionally, allowing a tablespoon or two of liquid to drain.
For the dressing, combine basil, parsley, oregano, optional lemon verbena, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Pulse until herbs are finely chopped. Alternatively, whisk together olive oil, and stir in finely chopped herbs.
In a large bowl, combine the drained cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with about half the dressing and toss to coat. Adjust with more dressing as desired. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and garnish with edible flowers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes