Description
Mediterranean cucumber and feta salad showcases crisp vegetables and tangy cheese dancing with zesty herb dressing. Cool Mediterranean flavors invite refreshment, promising a light and elegant experience that delights palates with each vibrant bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium cucumbers
- 4 ounces (113 grams) crumbled feta cheese
- ½ medium red onion
Herbs and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup packed fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon packed fresh oregano
- 1 or 2 lemon verbena leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing and Garnish:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Edible flowers, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare cucumber by slicing and placing in a metal sieve positioned over a collection bowl to extract excess moisture.
- Generously salt cucumber slices and gently toss, allowing liquid to drain for approximately 25 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Create herb vinaigrette by blending fresh basil, parsley, oregano, and optional lemon verbena with high-quality olive oil until herbs are finely pulverized.
- Alternatively, hand-whisk olive oil and manually chop herbs for a more rustic texture.
- Transfer drained cucumber slices to a spacious mixing bowl, introducing thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese.
- Delicately drizzle half the prepared herb vinaigrette over the salad, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
- Adjust dressing quantity to personal preference, ensuring ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Enhance flavor profile by sprinkling freshly ground black pepper across the salad surface.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with delicate, edible floral elements for visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity.
Notes
- Drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery salad and enhance crisp texture.
- Salting cucumber helps remove excess moisture, creating a more concentrated flavor profile.
- Herb vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- Optional edible flower garnish adds elegant visual appeal and subtle floral notes to the dish.
- Serve chilled for maximum refreshment, perfect for summer gatherings or light lunch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg