Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (2024)

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You're only 10 minutes away from this bright and delicious Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, with roasted peppers, artichokes, feta and a light balsamic dressing.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (1)

We make this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad recipe at least once a week around here. Sometimes with chickpeas and Kalamata olives, other times with spinach mixed in and sometimes without feta for a vegan salad. And it's fantastic topped with grilled halloumi cheese!

While a tomato cucumber salad is a more classic example of a Mediterranean salad, this version is a fantastic variation that highlights some easily accessible pantry items – roasted red peppers and canned artichokes. Both versions fall nicely into the category of Mediterranean diet recipes that are understandably popular. Fresh, healthy ingredients with plenty of flavor.

It takes about 10 minutes to make, chopping the cucumbers and roasted peppers, and is flavored with fresh and dried herbs, and a 2-ingredient dressing. What's not to love?!

Serve this easy salad alongside kabobs, such as Grilled Paprika Yogurt Kabobs or Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. Or serve it with my favorite Greek Stuffed Peppers, Grilled Salmon Burgers or Rosemary Oven Baked Chicken Breasts.

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (2)

What you need for this Mediterranean Cucumber salad:

These are the main components of this recipe (affiliate links included):

  • Cucumber: English cucumbers have a wonderful flavorful and can be eaten with the skin on.
  • Roasted peppers: Look for roasted peppers that are packed in water or roast peppers at home.
  • Artichoke hearts: Look for canned artichoke hearts that are packed in water. They’re either sold whole or quartered.
  • Feta cheese: A couple of tablespoons adds just the right amount of tangy, salty flavor.
  • Herbs: Dried oregano and parsley. Fresh basil and mint are also great additions.
  • Dressing: All you need is 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil.

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (3)

Tips for making this Mediterranean salad recipe:

This cucumber salad recipe is really just a matter of chopping and stirring – nothing too complicated.

  • The easiest way to achieve half-circle cucumber slices is to cut the English cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut into thin slices.
  • Some roasted peppers are packed in halves and others as whole peppers. Use a whole pepper for this cucumber recipe. Roasted peppers are also a breeze to make at home. Follow the directions in How to Roast Bell Peppers.
  • Gently stir together the vegetables so that the artichoke heart quarters don’t fall apart. They’re so pretty when they maintain they’re shape!
  • I like to sprinkle the oregano, salt and pepper over the vegetables, then stir in the mixture of balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinegar. If preferred, whisk all of these ingredients together first, then pour over the veggies.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can this be made ahead of time?

This salad is best when served within a couple of hours of making it. However, it can be made up to 12 hours ahead of time. Cover and store it in the refrigerator. As the salad rests, the vegetables start to release liquid and soften, and the salad loses the best of its "crunch".

How do I make this salad recipe vegan?

That’s an easy one…yes! Simply leave out the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan version, like A Virtual Vegan’s homemade Vegan Feta Cheese.

What other vegetables could use instead?

If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand or want to switch up the flavors, try tomatoes, avocado, pepperoncini (for a little zip!), hearts of palm, un-roasted bell peppers or red onions. Try my Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad with Grilled Halloumi!

For the herbs, add or swap in fresh basil or mint. If you’re an olive fan (yes, please!) stir in some quartered Kalamata olives.

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (5)

Other quick side dish recipes:

Greek Sugar Snap Peas
5-Minute Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage

Three Bean Salad

Printable Recipe

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (6)

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

You're only 10 minutes away from this bright and delicious Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, with roasted peppers, artichokes, feta and a light balsamic dressing.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Cucumber Salad, Easy Side Dish, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Calories: 41.7kcal

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

  • ¾ English cucumber cut into thin half-circles (about 1 ¾ cups)
  • 1 roasted red pepper, cut into thin 1-inch long pieces
  • 4 canned (in water) artichoke hearts, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, feta cheese and parsley. Sprinkle the oregano salt and pepper over top.

  • In a small bowl, stir together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Drizzle over the cucumber mixture. Stir gently to coat the vegetables with the dressing. Serve.

Notes

Weight Watchers Points: 1 (Blue - Freestyle SP) / 1 (Green) / 1 (Purple)

Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I provide nutritional information for my recipes as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using the Sparks nutrition calculator and Weight Watchers points are calculated using the Recipe Builder on their site. While I attempt to provide information that is as accurate as possible, you should calculate the nutritional information independently before relying on it.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 41.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.5g | Protein: 1.7g | Fat: 2.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 4.2mg | Sodium: 187.5mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 2.6g

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (7)

Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipe - Cookin Canuck (2024)

FAQs

Is Greek salad the same as Mediterranean? ›

The primary difference lies in the use of specific ingredients. While both salads incorporate fresh vegetables and olive oil, Greek salad is characterized by the addition of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, giving it a uniquely Greek flavour.

What does a Mediterranean salad contain? ›

This Mediterranean salad recipe is super fresh and full of fantastic flavor. It's made with delicious ingredients like crisp lettuce, spicy red onion, tomatoes, olives, crunchy cucumber and feta cheese. Top everything off with a bright, homemade lemon and olive oil dressing!

How to mash up cucumber? ›

Instructions
  1. Bash the cucumbers until they split open on the sides (see video) using something heavy like the smooth side of a meat mallet, rolling pin, pestle or even a can.
  2. Cut into 2.5cm/1" chunks then place in a bowl.
  3. Sprinkle with salt, toss, leave for 20 minutes.
  4. Drain excess liquid in the bowl.
Nov 14, 2019

Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad? ›

The secret to this incredible cucumber salad is salting the cucumbers for 30 minutes. As they sit, the cucumbers become even more “cucumbery” and release extra moisture, which, if not removed, would make the vinegar dressing watery.

Is it okay to eat Greek salad every day? ›

Conclusion. Greek salad is much more than a simple dish; it's a powerhouse of nutrients, offering myriad health benefits ranging from improved heart health to weight management. By making it a regular part of your diet, you can enjoy these benefits while indulging in one of the Mediterranean's most beloved dishes.

What is in Costco Mediterranean salad? ›

Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad Kit

Chock full of romaine, chicory, broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage and carrots, crunchy flatbread strips, crumbled feta and basil vinaigrette, this one comes as a single large salad kit.

What are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Key ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine include olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes, fish and whole grains with moderate amounts of wine and red meat.

What is not eaten in a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

Is Mayo OK on Mediterranean diet? ›

Avoid sauces made from cream or mayonnaise. Choose whole-grain breads, whole wheat pasta and pizza crust, brown rice, beans, and lentils. Cut back on butter or margarine on bread. Instead, you can dip your bread in a small amount of olive oil.

What can you put on cucumbers to make them taste good? ›

Salt – It draws moisture out of the cucumbers, giving them a crisp, pickle-like texture. It also makes the flavors in this salad pop! Fresh dill and chives – Dill is a classic ingredient in a cucumber onion salad, as its sour flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy vinegar dressing.

Does cucumber help wrinkles? ›

7. Combats aging signs. Cucumbers are an age-old secret to combat the aging process. Not only are they helpful in reducing signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, but they also hydrate skin and slow down collagen depletion to keep it looking smooth and youthful.

Why should you crush a cucumber before you eat it? ›

By crushing our cucumber before we cut it, we produce flavors that un-smashed cukes can't. When you crush the cells in a vegetable, as opposed to cutting cleanly through them, certain compounds get mixed together, which can result in a significantly different flavor.

What does a cucumber salad contain? ›

Ingredients
  • 1 to 2 large cucumbers (or 4 to 5 smaller cucumbers)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, basil, or Thai basil (see Recipe Note)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

How to jazz up cucumbers? ›

If you want to jazz up your cucumber salad, here are some ideas!
  1. Stir in halved grape or cherry tomatoes.
  2. Add crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Add a little green pepper or red pepper.
  4. If you want to add a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Jun 27, 2023

What's the difference between Greek and Mediterranean food? ›

While Greek cuisine is a part of Mediterranean fare, the broader Mediterranean cuisine encompasses a diverse range of culinary traditions. It's a cultural melting pot, bringing together the flavours of regions like Italy, Spain, Morocco, and Turkey.

Why is Greek food called Mediterranean? ›

Greek food is a part of Mediterranean food, a term that encompasses the cuisine of all the countries of the Mediterranean. In brief, it's Mediterranean food with characteristics and ingredients common to other Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, Turkey, Malta, Lebanon, etc.

Is Greek seasoning the same as Mediterranean? ›

While Greek seasonings and Mediterranean seasonings can be used interchangeably, they are not identical. Greek spice blends typically contain marjoram, which is not found in Mediterranean seasonings. As well, Mediterranean blends generally include cardamom and cloves which are not found in Greek blends.

Do people in Greece eat Greek salad? ›

In Greece, Horiatiki or Greek village salad, is served most often from early spring through summer and up until mid fall. It's truly the best use of the season's produce, like crunchy cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and earthy green bell peppers. I know you'll love it as much as I do.

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