Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion

Crisp, juicy cucumbers. Sweet, ripe tomatoes. Sharp, tangy red onions. The Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion brings together the most vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast in one refreshing dish. This classic combination has graced tables across Greece, Italy, and the Levant for generations, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes that transport you straight to a seaside taverna. You’ll learn how to create this simple yet stunning salad that celebrates fresh ingredients and brings a burst of sunshine to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of simple, quality ingredients allowed to shine. The crunch of freshly cut cucumbers provides a satisfying textural contrast to the juicy, sweet tomatoes, while the sharp bite of red onion adds a welcome punch of flavor. What makes this salad truly special is its versatility—it’s equally at home alongside grilled meats at a summer barbecue as it is starring in a light lunch.

You’ll appreciate how this cucumber tomato Mediterranean salad comes together in minutes without requiring any cooking, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying. The bright, clean flavors are enhanced by a simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice that ties everything together without overwhelming the vegetables.

Health-conscious eaters will love that this salad is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s the perfect way to enjoy seasonal produce at its peak while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion:

• 2 large cucumbers (approximately 1 pound/450g), sliced into half-moons
• 4 medium tomatoes (approximately 1 pound/450g), cut into chunks or wedges
• 1 medium red onion (approximately 6 oz/170g), thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (120g) kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 4 oz (115g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The key to this Mediterranean cucumber salad is using the freshest produce available. Garden-ripe tomatoes will deliver the sweetest flavor, while English or Persian cucumbers offer a crisp texture with fewer seeds. For the authentic Mediterranean experience, choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, peppery finish.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Cucumbers: For the best Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion, opt for English or Persian cucumbers that have thinner skins and fewer seeds. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling them partially (creating a striped effect) and scooping out the seeds to prevent excess moisture in your salad. This helps maintain the crispness of the salad even after it sits for a while.

Perfect Your Onion Technique: To tame the sharpness of raw onions while maintaining their flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This removes some of the harsh compounds while preserving the essential onion flavor. For an even more mellowed taste, try soaking them in the lemon juice that will eventually be used in the dressing—this begins the pickling process and infuses the acid with onion flavor.

Master the Dressing Timing: Unlike green salads that should be dressed right before serving, this Mediterranean vegetable salad actually benefits from marinating time. Dress the salad about 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The salt in the dressing will draw out some moisture from the vegetables, creating a delicious juice at the bottom of the bowl that can be sopped up with crusty bread—a true Mediterranean tradition!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing all your produce thoroughly. For the cucumbers, you can either peel them completely, leave the skin on, or create decorative stripes by partially peeling them. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice into half-moons about 1/4 inch thick. Place them in a large mixing bowl. For the tomatoes, remove the core and cut into bite-sized chunks or wedges, depending on your preference. Add these to the bowl with the cucumbers. Peel and halve the red onion, then slice it thinly into half-moons. If you find raw onions too strong, place the slices in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow their flavor before draining thoroughly and adding to the salad.

Step 2: Add the Mediterranean Flair

To your bowl of vegetables, add the pitted and halved kalamata olives. These bring a briny, distinctive Mediterranean flavor that elevates the simple salad. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the vegetables now—the creamy, tangy cheese provides a perfect counterpoint to the fresh vegetables. Finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.

Step 3: Create the Simple Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until emulsified. Add the dried oregano, crushing it slightly between your fingers as you add it to release its aromatic oils. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese and olives are naturally salty, so you may need less salt than you think. Pour this dressing over the vegetables and herbs in your mixing bowl.

Step 4: Toss and Marinate

Using two large spoons or your clean hands, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or feta during mixing. For the best flavor development, allow your Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion to rest at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This marination time lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your salad to a serving bowl, preferably one with a slight depth to contain all the delicious juices. Garnish with the reserved parsley if desired. Serve your Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad with crusty bread on the side to soak up the flavorful dressing that pools at the bottom of the dish. This vibrant salad is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of preparation.

Variations

Greek-Style Mediterranean Salad: Transform your basic Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion into a classic Greek salad by adding more feta cheese and replacing the parsley with fresh oregano. Add some green bell peppers and a pinch of dried mint to complete the authentic Greek flavor profile. This variation pairs beautifully with grilled lamb or fish and makes a substantial lunch when served with warm pita bread.

Israeli-Inspired Variation: For a twist inspired by Israeli cuisine, dice the vegetables smaller (about 1/4-inch pieces) to create a chopped salad texture. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh mint and a tablespoon of za’atar spice blend. Replace the feta with 1/2 cup of tahini sauce drizzled over the top just before serving. This variation creates a Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad with deeper flavors from the Middle East that works wonderfully as part of a mezze spread.

Protein-Packed Meal Version: Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding a protein source. Toss in 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed chickpeas or 2 cups of cooked quinoa. For non-vegetarians, add 6 ounces of grilled chicken breast or 4 ounces of canned tuna. This heartier version maintains all the fresh flavor of the original while providing a more substantial meal option that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Storage and Serving

The Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The vegetables will release more liquid as they sit, and the flavors will intensify. Before serving again, drain some of the excess liquid and refresh with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

For serving, this vibrant salad makes a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, especially lamb or chicken souvlaki. Try it alongside a piece of grilled fish with a squeeze of lemon for a light, healthy meal that channels Mediterranean coastal dining. For a vegetarian feast, serve this salad with warm pita bread, hummus, and roasted eggplant for a complete mezze spread.

This Mediterranean cucumber salad also works beautifully as part of a buffet or potluck, as it can sit at room temperature for up to two hours without wilting like lettuce-based salads would. Consider serving it in a shallow bowl to showcase the beautiful colors and textures, and provide a slotted spoon for serving to leave behind excess liquid.

FAQs

Can I make this Mediterranean salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components up to 24 hours in advance, but for the best texture and flavor, combine them no more than 30 minutes before serving. If you need to make it further ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

How can I prevent my salad from becoming too watery?
Cucumber is the main culprit for excess moisture. After slicing, you can salt the cucumber pieces and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels before adding to the salad. This draws out excess moisture and actually enhances the cucumber flavor.

Is there a substitute for kalamata olives?
Any Mediterranean olive variety works well, such as Niçoise or green Castelvetrano olives. If you’re not an olive fan, try adding diced avocado for creaminess or capers for a similar briny flavor.

Can I add lettuce to this salad?
Traditional Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion doesn’t include lettuce, but you could serve it over a bed of romaine or mixed greens to create a larger salad. Just be aware that the dressing will wilt the lettuce quickly.

What can I use instead of feta cheese for a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free alternative with similar texture and saltiness, try cubed avocado sprinkled with a little extra salt, or add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Some specialty stores also offer plant-based feta alternatives made from tofu or nuts.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, Tomato and Onion is summer freshness at its finest — a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that reminds us that good cooking doesn’t always require complicated techniques or rare ingredients, but rather an appreciation for quality produce and balanced flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue, packing it for a picnic lunch, or enjoying it alongside grilled fish on a warm evening, this timeless Mediterranean classic brings a taste of seaside sunshine to your table.

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