Best 2 Simple Mediterranean Cucumber Salad Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean with our refreshing and delightful cucumber salad recipe. This simple yet flavorful dish celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh cucumbers, tangy red onions, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all harmoniously blended in a zesty vinaigrette dressing. As you explore the article, you'll discover variations of this classic salad, including a Greek-inspired version with crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives, a spicy Moroccan twist with harissa and preserved lemons, and a refreshing Persian take with fragrant mint and lime. Each recipe promises a unique taste experience, offering a burst of freshness and a delightful balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

1. **Classic Mediterranean Cucumber Salad**: Dive into the simplicity and elegance of this timeless recipe, where crisp cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing, creating a refreshing and light dish that's perfect for any occasion.

2. **Greek Cucumber Salad**: Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greece with this delectable salad, featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese dressed in a zesty vinaigrette infused with oregano and Kalamata olives. The briny feta and juicy olives add an extra layer of complexity and depth to this classic dish.

3. **Spicy Moroccan Cucumber Salad**: Embark on a culinary adventure to Morocco with this tantalizing salad, where cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions are tossed in a harissa-spiked vinaigrette, adding a delightful kick of spice. Preserved lemons lend a unique tanginess, while fresh cilantro brings a refreshing touch to balance the heat.

4. **Persian Cucumber Salad**: Experience the vibrant flavors of Persia with this refreshing salad, where cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions are dressed in a zesty vinaigrette infused with fragrant mint and lime. The combination of tangy lime, aromatic mint, and the crunch of cucumber creates a delightful symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY MEDITERRANEAN CUCUMBER SALAD

Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad image

Lively and refreshing, this cucumber salad has beautiful, fresh herbs and lots of crunch. Try it this summer when your garden is bursting with cucumbers, and your lettuce has said goodbye. You can toss it with some romaine, if you have some, or just simply enjoy the simplicity.

Provided by Bibi

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Cucumber Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups chopped English cucumber
20 cherry tomatoes
¼ red onion, thinly sliced, or to taste

Steps:

Combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, mint, and parsley in the bowl of a small food processor or blender. Process until herbs are finely minced and dressing is well blended. Season with salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.
Combine cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions in a large bowl. Lightly sprinkle vegetables with a pinch of salt. Toss vegetables with the dressing and garnish with lemon zest.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 57.9 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Cholesterol 0.7 mg, Fat 4 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 48.3 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

SIMPLE MEDITERRANEAN CUCUMBER SALAD

Simple Mediterranean Cucumber Salad image

This cucumber salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for those hot summer days.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Cucumber Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 (1 pound) English Cucumber, thinly sliced with a mandoline
4 radishes, thinly sliced with a mandoline
1 small red onion, sliced into petals
1 tablespoon freeze-dried dill
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Combine cucumber slices, radish slices, red onion, dill, and parsley in a large bowl.
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and mustard together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour dressing over the cucumber salad. Stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 61.5 calories, Carbohydrate 3.7 g, Fat 5.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 0.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 58.6 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

Tips:

Choose the right cucumbers: Look for firm, unwaxed cucumbers with deep green skin and no blemishes. English or Persian cucumbers are best for this salad, as they have fewer seeds and are less bitter than other varieties.
Slice the cucumbers thinly: This will help them absorb the dressing better and make them more refreshing.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as dill, mint, and parsley, add a lot of flavor to this salad. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use less, as they are more concentrated.
Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. You can always add more dressing if needed, but it's hard to take it out once it's been added.
Serve the salad chilled: This salad is best served chilled, so make it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

This simple Mediterranean cucumber salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it light and tangy or more flavorful and herbaceous, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table.