Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad is one of those dishes that wraps you in comfort with the very first bite. The first time I tasted it, I was in my grandmother’s kitchen — sunlight streaming in, spices sizzling in the air, and a warm pita piled high with kefta, hummus, and a bright, herb-laced salad. It was love at first chew.
This recipe brings that magic to your table — juicy, spiced beef kefta, creamy lemon-garlic hummus, and a crisp, refreshing tomato cucumber salad. It’s balanced, bold, and ready in under an hour.
If you’re craving Mediterranean flavor without the fuss, you’re going to love what’s coming next.
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Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
When it comes to flavor-packed meals that satisfy every craving, Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad rises to the top. It’s not just another weeknight dinner — it’s a vibrant trio of juicy grilled kefta, creamy homemade hummus, and a crisp, herbaceous salad that comes together effortlessly. What makes it even more special? Every element complements the other. The spice and heat from the kefta are mellowed by the velvety hummus, and the tangy cucumber tomato salad brings it all back into balance with freshness and crunch.
This recipe checks all the boxes for real-life cooking: it’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require any fancy tools. You can mix and shape the kefta in advance, chill the hummus for up to five days, and prep the salad while the skewers are on the grill. It’s also a great meal-prep option, whether you’re feeding the family or planning a picnic-friendly menu.
One thing I love is how easy it is to adjust this dish to what you have on hand. Don’t have beef? Ground lamb or turkey works beautifully. Need a dairy-free side? This hummus is naturally vegan and creamy without a drop of cream.
If you’re a fan of bold yet balanced Mediterranean dishes, you’ll also love my Caramelized Onion Hummus — it’s sweet, smoky, and makes an excellent spread on flatbread or as a dip beside kefta. Pair that with a Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, and you’ve got a mezze platter worthy of a summer evening gathering.
From casual dinners to weekend cookouts, this dish never fails to impress. It’s hearty yet light, easy to make yet incredibly flavorful. Once you try it, Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad just might earn a permanent place in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients & Preparation
Every Ingredient Matters (and Why)
To make Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad, you don’t need a long grocery list — just fresh ingredients, warm spices, and a bit of prep. The magic is in the harmony: bold beef, smooth hummus, and a crisp, zippy salad. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into each component and what you can swap if needed.
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Beef Kefta | 1 lb ground beef 1/4 cup red onion, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander Pinch of red pepper flakes 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup fresh herbs (mint, parsley, or cilantro) |
| Hummus | 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained 3 tbsp tahini Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp salt Water (as needed for texture) |
| Tomato Cucumber Salad | 1/4 cup diced red onion 1 beefsteak tomato, diced 1/2 cucumber, diced 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) Kosher salt, to taste |
All three components use accessible, budget-friendly ingredients, and most are pantry staples. The use of fresh herbs throughout ties everything together beautifully.
Tools, Tips & Substitutions
You don’t need much to prepare this dish. A good mixing bowl, grill pan (or outdoor grill), food processor, and cutting board will do the trick. If you don’t have skewers, you can simply form the kefta into patties or logs — they’ll grill up just as well.
For substitutions:
Print
Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad is a bold, flavor-packed Mediterranean meal featuring juicy grilled beef skewers, lemony hummus, and a crisp, herb-laced salad.
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (mint, parsley, or cilantro)
•
• For the Hummus:
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained
• 3 tbsp tahini
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold water (as needed)
•
• For the Tomato Cucumber Salad:
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 beefsteak tomato, diced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
• Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, red onion, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, coriander, pepper flakes, salt, and herbs.
2. Shape the mixture onto skewers, forming log shapes (about 1/4 cup per skewer).
3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high. Brush lightly with olive oil.
4. Grill kefta for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and cooked through.
5. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding cold water gradually.
6. In a separate bowl, combine tomato, cucumber, red onion, vinegar, and herbs. Toss to coat. Season with salt.
7. To serve, spread hummus on a plate, top with salad, and place grilled kefta skewers over the top. Serve with pita or flatbread.
Notes
– Substitute ground lamb or turkey for beef if preferred.
– Make hummus up to 5 days in advance for convenience.
– Add paprika or sumac on top of hummus for extra flavor.
– Salad is best served fresh but can be prepped 1 day ahead without salt/vinegar.
– Leftover kefta can be used in wraps, bowls, or served cold in lunchboxes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
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Protein: Ground lamb or turkey are excellent alternatives to beef.
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Herbs: Swap mint or parsley with dill or basil if needed.
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Tahini: If you’re out, peanut butter (yes!) or Greek yogurt can be used for a twist on the hummus.
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Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works in place of red wine vinegar.
Want to try more Mediterranean-inspired spreads? My Greek Orzo Salad Recipe uses similar herbs and is a light, vibrant dish perfect for pairing. And if you’re craving a creamy dip with a twist, don’t miss the Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki — the sauce alone is worth making!
With your ingredients lined up, you’re ready to move on to the fun part: cooking.
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step: Bringing It All Together
Cooking Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad is all about timing and technique. With everything prepped, you’ll be surprised how quickly this meal comes together.
Step 1: Prepare the Kefta Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, red onion, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, salt, and chopped herbs. Mix well using your hands until fully blended.
Step 2: Shape the Kefta
Take about 1/4 cup of the mixture and press it around a skewer to form a log shape. Repeat with remaining mixture. You should get around 8 skewers.
Step 3: Grill the Kefta
Brush a grill pan or outdoor grill with olive oil. Heat to medium-high. Grill kefta for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown with a slightly charred exterior. Keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Hummus
Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water a tablespoon at a time (about 1/4 cup total) until creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 5: Toss the Tomato Cucumber Salad
In a bowl, combine red onion, diced tomato, cucumber, red wine vinegar, herbs, and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Tips & Tricks to Perfect Your Plate
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Don’t overmix the kefta – it can become tough. Just blend until evenly combined.
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If you don’t have skewers, form the meat into oval patties and grill them directly.
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Let the hummus sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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Use very cold water when blending hummus — it gives it a fluffy texture.
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For the salad, salt the tomatoes first and let them sit for 5 minutes before mixing — this draws out excess moisture and boosts flavor.
These techniques bring out the best in each part of the dish. If you’re looking for more ideas to serve alongside or grill next, try my Greek Orzo Salad Recipe — it’s light, lemony, and perfect for warm days. And if you love bold Mediterranean burgers, don’t miss these Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Spinach Burgers with Tzatziki — they use similar flavor notes and work well on the grill.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
How to Serve It Like a Pro
Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad is a feast that deserves to be plated beautifully — not for the sake of perfection, but because every layer brings texture and color to your table.
Start by spreading a generous spoonful of hummus across the plate. You want it thick, creamy, and just slightly warm. Next, spoon over a heap of the cool, crisp tomato cucumber salad. Finish by laying the grilled kefta skewers right on top, letting the juices mingle with the hummus beneath.
You can serve this dish family-style on a large platter or assemble individual plates. Either way, warm pita or flatbread on the side is non-negotiable. It’s perfect for scooping up that dreamy hummus and every last bite of the salad. A sprinkle of flaky salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a dash of sumac or paprika finish it all off with flair.
This meal shines as a standalone main, but it also plays well with other Mediterranean favorites. I love to serve it with my Roasted Veggie and Hummus Wraps, especially when feeding a crowd — the flavors and textures complement each other perfectly. Another go-to pairing? This vibrant Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives. Its briny olives and creamy feta contrast beautifully with the spiced meat.
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a mezze-style gathering, this dish fits right in — hearty, fresh, and totally satisfying.
How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Flavor
Have leftovers? Lucky you. Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad stores remarkably well and makes a fantastic next-day lunch.
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Beef Kefta: Let the skewers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or wrap in foil and place in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible — it tends to dry the meat.
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Hummus: Keep it sealed in a container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir and maybe a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
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Tomato Cucumber Salad: This is best fresh, but it will keep for about 1–2 days in the fridge. If you know you’ll have leftovers, you can toss everything except the salt and vinegar in advance and add those just before serving to keep things crisp.
Want to repurpose leftovers creatively? Warm the kefta and hummus in a wrap with greens for a quick lunch, or layer them into a grain bowl with couscous or quinoa. They also make fantastic toppings for a Mediterranean-style flatbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the kefta without skewers?
Absolutely. If you don’t have skewers, simply shape the kefta into small logs or patties and grill or pan-sear them. You’ll still get that same juicy, spiced flavor — no sticks needed.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey (especially dark meat) is a great leaner option for beef kefta with hummus and tomato cucumber salad. Just reduce cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
How far in advance can I make this recipe?
You can prepare the hummus and salad up to a day ahead. The kefta mixture can also be shaped and chilled a day in advance — just grill right before serving.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The main components — kefta, hummus, and salad — are naturally gluten-free. Just skip the pita or use a gluten-free wrap to keep everything safe.
Can I freeze the kefta?
Yes. Shape the raw kefta onto skewers, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.
What if I don’t have tahini for the hummus?
No tahini? No problem. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a creamy twist or even try peanut butter for a subtle nutty flavor. It’s not traditional, but it works in a pinch!
Conclusion
Beef Kefta with Hummus and Tomato Cucumber Salad is more than just a meal — it’s a sensory experience that brings people together around the table. With juicy, spiced kefta, rich lemony hummus, and a fresh herb-packed salad, every bite is balanced, bold, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re craving something cozy for a weeknight or pulling together a fresh Mediterranean-inspired spread for guests, this dish is ready to shine. It’s easy to prep, fun to serve, and satisfying down to the last scoop of hummus.
If you’re looking to expand your love for kefta-style dishes, check out these Middle Eastern Baked Meatballs — they offer a comforting, oven-baked variation with all the warm spices you already love.
And while you’re at it, explore more of my Mediterranean favorites like these Roasted Veggie and Hummus Wraps or this crowd-pleasing Greek Orzo Salad Recipe. Both are simple to make and pair beautifully with the flavors in today’s recipe.