Zesty Dill and Feta Cucumber Salad

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Craving a refreshing side that's perfect for warm weather and pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes? This Zesty Dill and Feta Cucumber Salad is your answer. It's bright, tangy, and full of fresh flavors that will elevate any meal.

Ingredients for Zesty Dill and Feta Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are the star of the show, offering a cool and crisp base. They soak up the tangy dressing beautifully. Feta cheese provides a creamy, salty contrast that complements the cucumbers perfectly. Fresh dill adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that's key to this salad's refreshing flavor profile. Red onion contributes a mild, sweet sharpness that balances the dish. The olive oil and lemon juice create a simple, zesty dressing, while salt and black pepper enhance and bring all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted pine nuts just before serving.
  • If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
  • To make slicing cucumbers easier, use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin slices.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delightful alongside grilled salmon or chicken. It also pairs well with a hearty grain like quinoa or farro for a more filling dish. Or, serve it as part of a mezze platter with hummus, pita, and olives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or ricotta salata would be excellent substitutes if you prefer something besides feta.
How long will this salad keep?
It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, but it's best eaten the day it's made.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.

Zesty Dill and Feta Cucumber Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl — you want plenty of space to toss everything together without making a mess. Thinly slice your cucumbers and toss them into the bowl. Add in the feta cheese, making sure it's nicely crumbled to spread throughout the salad. Next, chop up your fresh dill and slice your red onion thinly, then add both to the bowl with the cucumbers and feta.

In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This will be your dressing. Once it's well combined, pour it over the cucumber mixture. Now, gently toss everything together. You want to coat all the ingredients evenly without breaking up the feta too much.

Now, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld together, making it taste even better. Plus, a cold salad on a hot day? Perfect.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 15 minutes.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • A perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures.
  • Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and sliced red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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