Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Fresh, Healthy & Ready in 10 Minutes
Last updated: June 14, 2026
This easy Mediterranean cucumber salad recipe is one of our favorite healthy summer salads because it’s fresh, nutritious, and made with simple Mediterranean ingredients.
When the weather heats up, few dishes are as satisfying as a fresh Mediterranean cucumber salad. It’s crisp, colorful, and bursting with the bright flavors that make Mediterranean cooking so popular around the world.
This easy salad combines crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, briny olives, and a light lemon and olive oil vinaigrette to create a healthy side dish that’s a perfect summer recipe for lunches, barbecues, picnics, and weeknight dinners.
One of the best things about this Mediterranean cucumber salad is how effortlessly it comes together. This no-cook summer salad recipe requires just a handful of fresh ingredients and is ready in around 10 minutes.
Whether you’re following a Mediterranean diet or simply looking for more fresh and healthy meals, this salad is an easy recipe you’ll make all season long.
We’ve got loads of Summer recipe ideas on our food blog, all with easy-to-follow instructions and most are ready in under an hour. Come check them out!
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Serving:
Main for 4
Ready in:
10 Minutes
Skill level:
Easy
Serve with:
Your favorite Main
Watch step-by-step recipe video
🎥 Prefer to watch? Check out the Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Step-by-step video recipe guide here, or click on the thumbnail below to watch the video on our YouTube Channel.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad at a Glance
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏰ Cook Time: 0 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4-6
🥗 Cuisine: Mediterranean
🧑🍳 Difficulty: Easy
Best for:
✅ Summer BBQs
✅ Healthy lunches
✅ Mediterranean diet
✅ Quick side dishes
✅ Meal prep
What Makes Mediterranean Cucumber Salad So Good?
Mediterranean cuisine is all about simple ingredients treated with care. Fresh vegetables, healthy extra virgin olive oil, herbs, and balanced flavors create dishes that are both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
In this recipe, crisp cucumber provides refreshing crunch, tomatoes add sweetness and acidity, feta brings creamy saltiness, and olives contribute a rich Mediterranean character. A simple lemon vinaigrette ties everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
The result is a light, vibrant salad that’s equally at home as a side dish or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g olives
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 2 Tbsp Capers (small or large, or both) – adds a salty, briny bite
- Fresh basil leaves (optional) – for a fresh Mediterranean aroma
For the Lemon and olive oil vinaigrette:
- 4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Dried oregano (organic)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground Black pepper (to taste)
Equipment
How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Wash and chop the cucumber and tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the fresh herbs.
Step 2: Make the vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Add the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, capers, and basil to a large serving bowl. Pour over the dressing and gently toss everything together.
Step 4: Add the feta
Scatter the crumbled feta over the top and lightly fold it through the salad.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately for maximum freshness or chill for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Expert Tips
- Use firm cucumbers – Persian or English cucumbers work particularly well because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins.
- Salt the cucumber if making ahead – A light sprinkle of salt helps draw out excess moisture and keeps the salad crisp.
- Use quality olive oil – Since the dressing is simple, a good extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
- Add the feta last – Gently folding the feta into the salad helps it keep its shape.
Variations
- Add chickpeas – Turn this side dish into a filling vegetarian lunch by adding cooked chickpeas.
- Include avocado – Creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats.
- Add grilled chicken – Perfect for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Make it vegan – Simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
What to Serve with Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
This fresh salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken skewers
- Fish and Seafood
- Pork tenderloin
- Lamb skewers
- Barbecue dishes
- Fresh crusty bread
- Mediterranean Rice Bowls
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For the best texture, add the feta just before serving and avoid freezing, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crispness.
Discover more Spanish cooking secrets and pantry staples in our complete guide: Spanish Pantry Staples (Secrets from a Spanish Kitchen)
30-Second Lemon Vinaigrette
Easy to Make | Put This on Everything!
Introducing your new summer salad dressing go-to: 30-second lemon vinaigrette! A zesty and effortless dressing that elevates any dish with its bright and tangy flavor profile.
The beauty of this tangy tasty lemony vinaigrette is it comes together in a flash, requiring only a quick whisk or shake to emulsify. The result is a versatile dressing that adds a refreshing burst of citrus to salads, grilled vegetables, seafood, and more, making it a go-to option for busy weeknight dinners, picnics, or impromptu gatherings.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings: 4-6
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 215 kcal | 11% |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 590mg | 26% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 5g | — |
| Added Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin D | 0.2mcg | 1% |
| Calcium | 170mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 340mg | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 320IU (96mcg RAE) | 11% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad | Fresh, Healthy & Ready in 10 Minutes
Equipment
- Wooden cutting board
- Chef knife
- Lemon Juicer
- Ceramic grater plate
- Glass Mixing bowl
- Serving platter
- Salad serving spoons
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 large cucumbers diced
- 250 g 9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 150 g 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 100 g 3.5 oz black olives (Kalamata or similar)
- 1 small red onion finely sliced
- 2 tbsp capers small or large, or both – adds a salty, briny bite
- Fresh basil leaves optional – for a fresh Mediterranean aroma
For the lemon and olive oil vinaigrette:
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano organic
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
- Wash and chop the cucumber and tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the fresh basil.2 large cucumbers, 250 g 9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 small red onion
Step 2: Make the vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, Juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 small garlic clove, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step 3: Assemble the salad
- Add the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, olives, capers, and basil to a large serving bowl. Pour over the dressing and gently toss everything together.100 g 3.5 oz black olives (Kalamata or similar), 2 tbsp capers
Step 4: Add the feta
- Scatter the crumbled feta over the top and lightly fold it through the salad.150 g 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness or chill for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.Fresh basil leaves
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- Use firm cucumbers - Persian or English cucumbers work particularly well because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins.
- Salt the cucumber if making ahead - A light sprinkle of salt helps draw out excess moisture and keeps the salad crisp.
- Use quality olive oil - Since the dressing is simple, a good extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
- Add the feta last - Gently folding the feta into the salad helps it keep its shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mediterranean cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine them shortly before serving for the freshest texture.
What type of cucumber works best?
English and Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skins and fewer seeds.
Is Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Healthy?
Yes. Mediterranean cucumber salad is naturally rich in fresh vegetables and healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil. It is low in processed ingredients and fits well into a Mediterranean-style eating pattern.
Is Mediterranean cucumber salad healthy?
Yes. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and nutritious Mediterranean ingredients.
Should you peel cucumbers for salad?
English and Persian cucumbers usually don’t need peeling, while thicker-skinned varieties can be peeled if preferred.
Can I use different herbs?
Absolutely. Parsley, mint, dill, and basil all work well.
How long does cucumber salad last?
It’s best enjoyed fresh but will keep refrigerated for up to two days.
Can I make cucumber salad without feta?
Yes. Simply omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I prepare this salad the night before?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving for the freshest texture.
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Final Thoughts
Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make, this Mediterranean cucumber salad is everything summer cooking should be. It celebrates simple ingredients, requires almost no effort, and delivers big Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re planning a barbecue, preparing a healthy lunch, or looking for the perfect side dish for grilled meats and seafood, this refreshing Mediterranean cucumber salad deserves a place in your regular recipe rotation. Give it a try and let us know your favorite variations in the comments below.
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