I make this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad all summer long because it goes with almost everything. Whether we're grilling chicken, seafood, burgers, or just putting together a simple mezze platter, this fresh salad always ends up on the table.
It's crisp, refreshing, and comes together in about 15 minutes with everyday ingredients. I also love how easy it is to customize depending on what's in my fridge, which makes it one of those recipes I come back to again and again.
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Key Ingredients
- Cucumbers - I almost always use English or Persian cucumbers because they're crisp, have thin skins, and very few seeds. If I'm using garden cucumbers, I usually peel them since the skins can be a little tougher. If your cucumbers seem especially watery, scoop out some of the seeds before slicing.
- Tomatoes - Cherry or grape tomatoes are my favorites because they're naturally sweet and don't release as much juice into the salad. Roma tomatoes also work well, while larger tomatoes should be diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Fresh herbs - Fresh parsley and mint are my favorite combination for that classic Mediterranean flavor. If you don't have mint, basil is a delicious substitute and gives the salad a slightly different but equally fresh flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil - Since the dressing has just a handful of ingredients, this is one place where using a good-quality olive oil really makes a difference.
- Lemon juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the dressing its bright, fresh flavor. If needed, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar make great substitutes. I also like to drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the salad in addition to the existing dressing.
- Easy add-ins - This salad is incredibly flexible. I often add crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, artichokes, avocado, or toasted nuts depending on what I'm serving it with.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
- I like chilling the vegetables for 20-30 minutes before assembling the salad if I have time. It makes every bite taste even fresher.
Note: If you want the salad to remain fresh longer, you can remove the seeds from the tomato and cucumber, but it is not necessary because I'd make as much as you'd consume on day 1.
- Mix the salad dressing in a small bowl or mason jar.
- Place cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, mint, parsley in a large mixing bowl, toss in the dressing, adjust the seasoning and serve!
- Or chop it very fine and serve as a dip!
- I like to serve this salad with Greek dishes like souvlaki, lemon potatoes and Greek Chicken.
If you like fresh and easy salad recipes please take a look at my similar recipes such as Cabbage and Cucumber Salad With Dill and Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad.
Julia's Best Tips
- Chill the vegetables first - If you have a little extra time, refrigerate the cucumbers and tomatoes before assembling the salad. It makes the whole salad taste even more refreshing.
- Toss just before serving - I like mixing the dressing into the salad right before serving so the vegetables stay crisp and fresh.
- Turn it into a meal - Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas for an easy lunch or light dinner.
- Add extra crunch - Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans are one of my favorite additions when I want a little extra texture.
- Serve it mezze-style - This salad is delicious alongside hummus, pita, olives, grilled meats, or other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Storing Leftovers
- To Store. Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's freshest the day it's is made, but leftovers are still delicious.
- To Make Ahead. To get a head start, chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing separately. Store them in the refrigerator and toss everything together just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
🍅 Have too many cherry tomatoes? Make marinated salad or freeze them for later!
Easy Salad Recipes
For more easy gluten-free Fresh Salad recipes check out my SALAD as well as ALL APPETIZER recipe index here.
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and cut all fresh veggies (tip: for best flavor chill the vegetables prior)
- If you want the salad to remain fresh longer you can remove the seeds from the tomato and cucumber but it is not necessary because I'd make as much as you'd consume on the day 1.
- Mix the salad dressing in a small bowl or mason jar.
- Place cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, mint, parsley in a large mixing bowl, toss in the dressing, and serve! Optional add ons include salty feta cheese, trio of olives, bell peppers, artichokes.
Nutrition
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Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Common Readers Questions
Not usually. English and Persian cucumbers have thin, tender skins that are perfect for salads. If you're using larger garden cucumbers with thicker skins, I recommend peeling them.
It's delicious with grilled chicken, seafood, souvlaki, burgers, lamb, or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus and pita.
Fresh parsley and mint are the classic combination, but basil, dill, or cilantro also work well depending on the flavor you're after.
Absolutely! Feta is one of my favorite additions and pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables and lemon dressing.
Yes! For the freshest texture, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, then toss everything together just before serving.
More Favorite Mediterranean Recipes
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Tom
this salad goes with everything! I like to add green onions over red onions
Ronnie J
So when you say 'easy salad recipes', how easy are we talking? Everyone's version of easy is different. I've seen some that say 'easy' and you need like 20 ingredients.
EllieMay Clarkson
Loved the Mediterranean Cucumber Salad recipe, Julia! I threw in some olives and feta cheese from the optional add-ons and it turned out amazing. Anyone else tried adding avocado? Thinking it might be a nice creamy contrast to the cucumbers.
Lisa H
I was thinking the same thing about the avocado!! I'm going to give it a try when I make this tomorrow!
Leah E Marty
Just made this I can't wait to serve it to my husband with Italian grinder for dinner. I added yellow pepper. Tastes awesome! Will make it again!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you so much Leah, it's delicious with so many dishes!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
A delicious and super refreshing side salad for any main course!