Cucumber salad is best described as a classic and light meal that is perfect for hot and warm summer seasons. What if we used a Mediterranean influence instead of a standard container ship? Adding a new and yummy version fast and creative – cucumber salad with feta and sumac mixed with Greek seasonings. This is one of the tastiest recipes with just cucumbers, feta, sumac, and Greek herbs: Fresh cucumber recipe with feta, sumac, and Greek herbs Not only is it making me hungry just to look right at it but it also has many health benefits.
We will guide you through the preparation process of this gorgeous salad in the framework of this post, as well as a glance at the nutritious value and the way that this dish is eaten. Allow me to take you into this fantastic combination of wetness and taste appropriate for any event.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Salad
Fresh ingredients: With cucumbers, red onions, and fresh herbs as its base, this salad presents flavors without being overpowering.
Quick and Easy: Preparing it takes only a few minutes so it’s perfect for a rush lunch or as an easy side dish.
Healthy and Light: Low in calories yet rich in vitamins, this is a guilt-free meal that does not sacrifice any of the taste.
Mediterranean Flavors: The feta, sumac, and Greek seasoning give it a wonderful tangy salty zesty profile, which is simply escapist to transport your mouth to the bright coasts of Greece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cucumbers: Thinly slice 2 big English cucumbers.
Red Onion: Thinly slice a small red onion.
Feta Cheese: Sprinkle 100g of crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
Sumac: Add 1 teaspoon for a tangy citrus flavor.
Greek Seasoning: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of either store-bought or homemade Greek seasoning mix of oregano, thyme, garlic, and rosemary.
Olive Oil: Use 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Lemon Juice: Include 1 freshly squeezed lemon.
Fresh Mint and Dill: Chop a handful of fresh mint and dill.
Salt and black pepper: to taste.
Ingredient Spotlight: Sumac (H3)
Sumac is a spice acquired from the berry of the sumac plant, usually red or reddish-purple in color, and will have a slightly sour taste similar to that of lemon. It creates a little extra kick, perfect in salads, and is better than salt in some preparations. In this cucumber salad, sumac serves more than as a flavoring agent; It comes in perfectly with the salty feta and crunch cucumber.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Cucumbers should be washed, and then cut into thin rounds. If you’d like the slices to be thin and uniform, you can use a mandolin slicer. Thinly chop the red onion and put it with the tuna mixture to one side in a large bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Into a side dish, add the olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, and Greek seasoning and mix it well. Add salt and pepper to taste. This is what makes this salad special, a tangy and aromatic dressing pulls everything together into perfection.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Combine crumbled feta cheese with cucumber, onion chopped fresh mint, and fresh dill. Then, add the dressing over the salad and mix gently in order not to squash the cucumbers.
Step 4: Serve
Let the salad stand for about 10 minutes to let the herbs blend with the other ingredients. Enjoy best when served cold. You can eat this cucumber salad by itself which is awesome or serve it as a side dish to BBQ meats, fish, or falafels.
Variations of Cucumber Salad
While this cucumber salad with feta, sumac, and Greek seasoning is a delicious classic, you can experiment with variations based on your preferences or dietary needs:
Add Tomatoes: Strictly speaking, for adding sweetness and colors cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes can be added.
Avocado: Because avocado has been processed to be creamy, it complements the crunch from the cucumber and the sharp taste from the feta to help make the salad more satiating.
Spice it Up: You may want to sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili for spiciness.
Vegan Option: Instead of using feta cheese use vegan feta or even omit the cheese altogether for a vegan option.
Nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Salad
| Nutrient | Source | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration | Cucumbers | Reduces inflammation, and supports skin health. |
| Calcium & Protein | Feta Cheese | The high water content helps keep you hydrated. |
| Antioxidants | Sumac, Cucumbers, Olive Oil | Reduces inflammation, supports skin health. |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Lemon Juice, Red Onion | Rich in Vitamin C, iron, and potassium. |
| Healthy Fats | Olive Oil | Promotes heart health and enhances flavor. |
Pairing Suggestions
Grilled Meats: The sharp taste of the salad is able to balance off the heavy flavors of grilled chicken, lamb or beef.
Seafood: It is best eaten alongside grilled or baked fish for a more light meal.
Falafel or Pita Bread: People love it with vegetarian foods such as falafel, hummus, and pita bread It is also a great accompaniment to vegetarian meals including falafel, hummus and pita.
Rice or Quinoa: This salad is best served with rice or quinoa for those who seek a more loaded meal healthily.
FAQ: Cucumber Salad with Feta, Sumac, and Greek Seasoning
Q1: Can I make this cucumber salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time, but for the best results, keep the dressing and salad components separate until about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help maintain the crisp texture of the cucumbers.
Q2: Is this cucumber salad suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes! Cucumbers are low in carbs, and as long as you stick with the suggested ingredients, this salad fits well into a low-carb or keto diet plan.
Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Definitely. While feta adds a unique tang, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different flavor profile.
Q4: How long does this cucumber salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best consumed fresh, but it can last in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers may start to lose their crunch.
Q5: What if I can’t find Sumac?
If sumac is unavailable, you can substitute it with a squeeze of lemon juice or a small amount of lemon zest for a similar tangy flavor.
Conclusion: Refresh Your Palate with This Mediterranean-inspired Salad
Cucumber salad with feta, sumac, and Greek seasoning is a delicious appetizing, and healthy option for a lovely light lunch or dinner, snack, or even breakfast! Those of you planning to have a quick meal, requirements for a side dish for BBQ, and especially all those who want a new variation to the usual cucumber salad are in for a pleasant surprise. It is light, has almost a hay-like feel to it, and nutritionally, could hardly get better, particularly in the warmer months.
Looking forward to trying this cucumber salad recipe that has a twist on the Mediterranean theme; flavors so fresh for your palate, you can keep on craving it!
