An easy Mediterranean cucumber salad featuring crunchy cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, briny olives, fresh herbs, and tangy feta cheese. Naturally low carb!
I look forward to fresh summer produce every year. Yes, the magic of hot houses and refrigerated shipping affords us access to tomatoes and cucumbers year round, but they don’t taste the same. By contrast, there’s a little taste of summer in home grown vegetables from the garden.
Due to the terrible California drought these past years, I don’t garden anymore. Instead, I visit the local Farmer’s Market. It’s a great way to support local families and farms and capitalize on summer’s bounty without all the work!
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Mediterranean flavors are perfect for Summer. I love how fresh ingredients stand on their own with little to no fussing. A little olive oil, some fresh herbs and you’re good to go.
I serve some version of this Mediterranean cucumber salad every week in the summer. It’s a refreshing throw-together side that compliments any grilled meat. This recipe is easy to customize per taste and availability of ingredients.
At it’s very basic, this tomato and cucumber salad is just that – tomatoes, cucumbers and a little salt and pepper. Adding extra virgin olive oil gives it a sweet-peppery-earthy flavor. A little vinegar or lemon juice brightens it up. Chopped mint, basil, oregano, or parsley lend an herby pop. Briny Kalamata olives lend a contrast to the sweet vegetables. And, feta cheese adds a nice salty tang.
This is one of those salads that hits all the taste buds – which is completely satisfying. It’s perfect served with grilled meats and fish.
To Turn this Mediterranean cucumber salad into a meal, add flaked tuna, chicken, or salmon.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces English cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 ounce red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
- 15 Kalamata olives, halved
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Variations: (Optional)
- chopped fresh mint, parsley, basil, oregano or a combination
- sliced fennel
- minced garlic
- vinegar or lemon juice to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cut the cucumber. Halve the tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Slice the red onion. Crumble the cheese
- Add all ingredients to a bowl except for the olive oil. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make it new each time by trying variations listed above. Lasts 2-3 days covered in the refrigerator. Serves 4 at 4 net carbs each.
- See post for serving suggestions.
Notes
Nutrition
So quick and easy! Very tasty. I did add 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar to add more zip.
Best answer to a quick and easy supper. Ingredients always on hand and with a handful of precooked chicken, supper is done. My husband never tires of this one.
Kim, you are the best. I’ve tried other reciepes by other low carb people and yuk!
I’s so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Carol! -Kim
I will be putting this together tomorrow. Will need to sub for the feta. But I garden and fresh tomatoes, cukes, onion and basil. So looking forward to this and thank you, thank you, for all that you do!
Hi Virgina. I LOVE that you garden. You don’t have to use the cheese. Adding some mint or mint changes is a nice way to change up the recipe. Enjoy! -Kim
I just wanted to say Thank you Kim. My life has not been the same since I stumbled on your blog. I love healthy cooking but my family was not always on board with the meals I prepared which was discouraging. Well that changed about two months ago, I started preparing your recipes and voila! I get enthusiastic responses and clean plates every single time, It’s a joy; meal planning and cooking are no longer a chore, your recipes are healthy and delicious and I now look forward to meal prep and planning, cooking and eating with my family. You have made a big difference in our lives and I just want to say thank you!!!
Hi Bassey. I have to say that your kind comment brought tears to my eyes. This is why I share the recipes my family is eating on the blog. I hope that if my kids are eating the meals then other kids will, too. There is nothing worse than trying to provide healthy meals for the family and not having them eat. I’m so happy you have found renewed joy in cooking. Have a wonderful week and thank you again for the kind comment. Take care. -Kim