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greek tomato cucumber salad with feta cheese and Kalamata olives in serving bowl

Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad

A light and refreshing Greek salad combining juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny olives with a lemon-herb dressing. This simple salad showcases the best of Mediterranean flavors with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and aromatic oregano.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Greek Salad
  • 3 medium tomatoes cut into wedges
  • 2 large cucumbers sliced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 100 g feta cheese cubed
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
For the Lemon Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Prepare the Tomatoes
  1. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, cut each tomato into 6–8 wedges depending on size. If the tomatoes contain excessive watery pulp or large seed pockets, gently remove some of the interior seeds so the salad does not become overly watery. Place the tomato wedges into a large mixing bowl or serving platter.
Slice the Cucumbers
  1. Wash the cucumbers and trim both ends. If using standard cucumbers with thick skin, peel them partially or completely depending on preference. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds approximately 4–5 mm thick using a sharp knife or mandoline. Thin slices ensure the cucumbers distribute evenly throughout the salad and absorb the dressing more effectively. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Prepare the Red Onion
  1. Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly into half-moon slices about 2 mm thick. Thin slices allow the onion to blend into the salad without overpowering the other ingredients. If the onion flavor is particularly sharp, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry before adding them to the salad.
Prepare the Kalamata Olives
  1. Ensure the olives are pitted. If they are whole, slice them in half lengthwise so they distribute evenly throughout the salad. Kalamata olives add a briny, salty depth that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers.
Combine the Vegetables
  1. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion slices, and olives to a large bowl. Toss gently using a spoon or salad tongs to distribute the ingredients evenly before dressing.
Prepare the Lemon Dressing
  1. In a small bowl combine the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture emulsifies slightly and becomes well combined. The dressing should taste bright, tangy, and aromatic with a subtle herbal note from the oregano.
Dress the Salad
  1. Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the vegetables. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are lightly coated with the vinaigrette.
Add the Feta Cheese
  1. Cut the feta cheese into small cubes about 1–2 cm in size. Scatter the cubes evenly across the top of the salad. Feta adds creamy richness and saltiness that complements the bright lemon dressing.
Finish with Parsley
  1. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley evenly over the salad. Parsley provides fresh herbal brightness and enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
Rest and Serve
  1. Allow the salad to rest for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving. During this time the tomatoes release a small amount of juice that blends with the dressing, creating a light natural sauce. Serve immediately while the vegetables remain crisp.

Notes

Mediterranean tomato cucumber salad relies on fresh, high-quality vegetables rather than complex preparation.
Ripe tomatoes are essential because they provide sweetness and natural juice that forms the base of the salad’s flavor.
Kalamata olives add salty depth and characteristic Mediterranean flavor that balances the acidity of the lemon dressing.
Feta cheese contributes creamy texture and tangy richness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables.
Allowing the salad to rest briefly after dressing helps the vegetables absorb the vinaigrette and allows the flavors to meld.