5-Ingredient Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion – Refreshing, Easy & Irresistible!

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I’ve been tossing together a Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion for years now, ever since a summer trip to Greece where I fell in love with its bright, fresh flavors. Picture this: I’m in a tiny seaside taverna, the kind with wobbly tables and checkered cloths, and the waiter slides this vibrant salad in front of me. It was like a little bowl of sunshine—crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onions, all tied together with a lemony dressing. Back home, I couldn’t wait to recreate it, and after a few tries (and one overly salty disaster), I nailed it.

This salad’s now a staple at my family barbecues. My kids, who usually dodge anything green, devour it—probably because of the feta crumbles I sneak in for that salty kick. It’s simple, but it’s got that magic where every bite feels like a Mediterranean vacation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve found that the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is a total crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just throwing together a quick lunch. It’s light, refreshing, and packs a flavor punch that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself. The mix of crisp veggies and tangy dressing always feels like a reset after heavy meals.

And honestly, it’s so easy to whip up! In my kitchen, this is my go-to when I’m short on time but want something that looks like I put in effort. My husband always says it’s “fancy without the fuss,” which, I mean, I’ll take the compliment!

Ingredients List

I love picking out the freshest ingredients for my Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion—it makes all the difference. I usually buy my veggies from the local farmer’s market, where the tomatoes are so ripe they practically burst in your hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salad Base

• Cucumbers: 2 medium (about 400g), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes for crunch
• Tomatoes: 3 medium (about 500g), preferably Roma or heirloom, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Red Onion: 1 small (about 100g), thinly sliced for a sharp bite
• Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup (75g), crumbled, for that salty, creamy goodness
• Kalamata Olives: 1/3 cup (50g), pitted and halved, for a briny pop
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (15g), finely chopped, for freshness

Dressing

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml), extra virgin for rich flavor
• Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (45ml), freshly squeezed for zing
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced, for a subtle kick
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (2g), for that Mediterranean vibe
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g), adjust to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1g), freshly ground for depth

I prefer getting my feta from a local Greek deli—it’s creamier than the supermarket stuff. And don’t skimp on the olive oil; a good one elevates this salad to another level.

Variations

The Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is like a blank canvas—you can tweak it to fit your mood or whatever’s in your fridge. I’ve tried a bunch of twists over the years, and here are my favorites:

• Spicy Kick: Toss in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the dressing for a little heat. I tried this once for a potluck, and it was a hit with the spice lovers!
• Herb Overload: Mix in 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint for an extra layer of freshness. My kids always ask for the mint version in summer.
• Protein Boost: Add 1 cup (150g) grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. I did this for a picnic, and it kept everyone full for hours.
• Avocado Dream: Dice in 1 ripe avocado for creamy richness. I stumbled on this when I was out of feta once, and it was a game-changer.
• Grainy Goodness: Stir in 1/2 cup (100g) cooked quinoa or farro for texture. I love this for meal prep—it holds up great.
• Bell Pepper Pop: Add 1 diced red or yellow bell pepper for color and crunch. My sister swears by this one.
• Lemony Zest: Grate in some lemon zest for an extra citrusy punch. I think it makes the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion feel even brighter.

Each version’s a little different, but they all keep that fresh, summery vibe I love.

Servings and Timing

In my experience, this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion serves about 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish. It’s perfect for a light lunch or alongside grilled meats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (no cooking required!)
• Servings: 4 side portions or 2 main portions

It usually takes me about 20 minutes if I’m chatting with my kids while chopping, but 15 minutes is doable if you’re focused.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is a breeze, but I’ve got a few tricks to make it shine. Here’s how I do it, step by step, like I’m walking you through it in my kitchen.

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Start by peeling and dicing your cucumbers into 1/2-inch cubes—they’re the backbone of the crunch in this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion. Chop the tomatoes into similar-sized pieces, and thinly slice the red onion (I soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite). Toss all these into a large mixing bowl with the parsley and olives.

Step 2: Crumble the Feta

Crumble the feta over the veggies. I like doing this by hand—it gives you those nice, uneven chunks that add character to the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion. (Pro tip: don’t overdo it with the feta; a little goes a long way.)

Step 3: Whip Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. I usually taste-test the dressing with a spoon to make sure it’s zesty enough. Pour it over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Let It Chill (Optional)

If I’ve got time, I pop the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. It’s not mandatory, but it makes the salad taste even better. Serve it up and watch it disappear!

One time, I forgot to toss the dressing properly, and half the salad was bland—lesson learned: mix it well!

Nutritional Information

This Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is as good for you as it tastes. Here’s the breakdown per side serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 14g (mostly from olive oil and feta)
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sodium: 420mg

I love that it’s low-carb but still filling. The olive oil’s healthy fats keep me satisfied, though I’m no nutritionist—just a home cook who loves good food!

Healthier Alternatives

When I’m watching my calories, I’ve swapped a few things in my Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion to lighten it up. Here’s what works:

• Lower Fat: Use 2 tablespoons olive oil instead of 1/4 cup, or swap half for Greek yogurt in the dressing for creaminess.
• Less Sodium: Skip the olives and cut the feta to 1/4 cup. I tried this once when my mom was on a low-sodium diet, and it still tasted great.
• Vegan Twist: Ditch the feta for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. I made this for a vegan friend, and she loved it.

These tweaks keep the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion fresh and flavorful, just a bit lighter.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion in all sorts of ways—it’s so versatile! Here are my go-to ideas:

• With Grilled Meats: Pair it with grilled chicken or lamb skewers for a full Mediterranean meal. It’s a hit at summer barbecues.
• As a Pita Stuffing: Spoon it into warm pita bread with some hummus. I did this at my last dinner party, and everyone raved.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a slice of crusty bread to sop up the dressing. It’s my favorite way to eat it on a lazy Sunday.

It’s like the salad was born to play nice with other dishes!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my share of blunders with this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion, so trust me on these pitfalls:

• Overdressing: Too much dressing makes it soggy. I learned the hard way when I drowned my first attempt—stick to the recipe amounts.
• Bad Veggie Cuts: Chopping veggies unevenly messes with the texture. I once rushed and ended up with huge onion chunks—nobody was happy.
• Skipping the Soak: Not soaking the onions can make them too sharp. I skipped this once, and my guests were breathing fire!

Keep these in mind, and you’ll nail the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion every time.

Storing Tips

This Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is best fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The tomatoes might get a bit soft, so I usually eat it within 24 hours. If I’m prepping ahead, I keep the dressing separate until serving to avoid a mushy mess. (I’ve ruined a batch by storing it all mixed—never again!)

FAQs

Got questions about the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion? Here’s what I get asked a lot:

• Can I make it ahead? Yep, chop the veggies and store them separately from the dressing. Mix just before serving for the freshest Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion.
• What if I don’t like olives? Skip ‘em! I’ve made it without olives for picky eaters, and it’s still delicious.
• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley? Sure, but use half the amount since dried is stronger. I’ve done this in a pinch, and it works fine for the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion.
• How do I keep it from getting watery? Pat the cucumbers dry after chopping, and don’t let it sit too long after dressing.

These tips come from years of tweaking this recipe in my kitchen!

More Relevant Recipes

Craving more Mediterranean-inspired dishes? Check out these recipes from Recipes by Sylvia, where I share more of my kitchen adventures (and pin-worthy ideas on Pinterest):

• Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A hearty twist with pasta and bold flavors, perfect for potlucks.
• 5-Minute Double Bean Mediterranean Salad: Quick and protein-packed, great for busy weeknights.
• 30-Minute Mediterranean Turkey Burgers: Juicy, healthy burgers that pair perfectly with this salad.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion is my go-to for a quick, healthy dish that never fails to impress. It’s like a little taste of summer, no matter the season, and I hope you’ll love it as much as my family does. Give it a try, play with the variations, and don’t forget to check out more recipes on Pinterest for inspiration!

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