Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta Cheese – Fresh and Easy!

If you love fresh, real-food meals that come together in minutes without turning on the stove, this Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad is for you. It’s crisp, juicy, and full of fresh flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or those too-hot-to-cook days. With just a handful of seasonal ingredients and a drizzle of good olive oil, you’ve got a vibrant side dish that pairs with almost anything—or can easily be turned into a light main meal.

A close up picture of cucumber tomato salad in a white bowl with  a serving spoon

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Why you will love this recipe

  • No cooking required – Just chop, toss, and enjoy.
  • Fresh and flavorful – Ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta blend well with a simple dressing.
  • Naturally wholesome – Made with real, minimally processed ingredients.
  • Flexible – Add grilled chicken or quinoa for a heartier meal.
  • Perfect for summer – Best enjoyed when tomatoes and cucumbers are in peak season.
a picture of the ingredients needed to make the cucumber salad

Ingredients

  • cucumbers
  • cherry tomatoes
  • red onions
  • cooked chickpeas
  • fresh basil
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • fresh lemon juice
  • garlic
  • oregano
  • feta cheese
  • kalamata olives

If you like cucumbers, here are more cucumber recipes for you!

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, chop the onions, slice the olives in half, mix up the dressing.

a picture of tomatoes, onions, chickpeas and cucumbers in a bowl

STEP 1: Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions and chickpeas into a large bowl.

A picture of the salad ingredients with feta cheese crumbles on top

STEP 2: Add the feta cheese crumbles and gently toss.

A picture of dressing pouring into the salad in a large bowl

STEP 3: Add the dressing and serve or refrigerate.

Tips for the Best Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad

  • Use the freshest produce you can find – Ripe, in-season tomatoes and crisp cucumbers make all the difference in flavor.
  • Slice, don’t dice – Slightly larger chunks of tomato and cucumber give a more satisfying bite and help the salad hold up better.
  • Let it rest – Toss the salad and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to mingle.
  • Choose a good olive oil – Since this is a raw salad, use extra virgin olive oil with a flavor you enjoy, it’s worth it.

To maintain freshness, your salad should be in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If needed adjust the salad with a little dressing or seasoning. Leftovers taste great as they are or served over a leafy green salad.

A picture of cucumber salad on a white plate over arugula

This salad is delicious as written, but it’s also the perfect base for mixing and matching, just like my No-Cook Dinner Matrix. Use what you have, keep it fresh.

  • Add Protein – grilled chicken, shrimp are great ways to boost the protein for a heartier salad.
  • Change up the cheese – Replace feta cheese with creamy goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or use vegan cheese for a vegan version.
  • Olives – Add a handful of sliced green olives instead of kalamata olives or leave them out.
  • Boost the veggies – Add extra veggies like bell peppers, or artichoke hearts or add leafy greens like arugula or baby spinach for a salad bowl.
  • Whole grains – Add a quarter to half cup of cooked whole grains, such as quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat.

Need help making veggies more exciting?
This guide has flavor tips and simple techniques to make any vegetable delicious.

This salad is a dish for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, burgers, steak or with hummus and a warm pita.

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Stuck on What to Make for Dinner?

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Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Reserve the cheese and half of the dressing which can be added just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

Peeling cucumbers is optional. If the skin is thick or bitter, peel them, if not, leave the skin on. It adds a nice crunch and extra nutrients.

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A close up picture of cucumber tomato salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon

Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad

This easy Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is refreshing, healthy and packed with flavor. healthy fats and fresh veggie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Click on serving size to scale this recipe

Course: Side Dish Recipes
Cuisine: American Mediterranean
Servings: 8
Calories: 119kcal
Author: Anne Lawton

Mediterranean Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Scale this Recipe 8

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cucumbers, chopped about one medium to large cucumber
  • 1 cup tomatoes, chopped or sliced cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chickpeas cooked
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives
  • 1 tablespoon basil fresh, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oregano fresh, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
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Instructions

  • Prepare the ingredients: Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, basil and fresh herbs.
  • In a small bowl or jar, mix together the dressing ingredients: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon oregano, and 1 tablespoon basil.
  • In a large bowl, add 1 cup cucumbers, chopped, 1 cup tomatoes, chopped, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 cup chickpeas, 1/4 cup feta cheese, and 1/2 cup kalamata olives. Add the dressing and stir to combine.
  • Refrigerate the salad until it's ready to serve.

Notes

  • Tomatoes: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Cherry, grape, or Roma tomatoes all work well year-round.
  • Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are crisp and less watery. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed for best texture.
  • Olives & Cheese: Kalamata olives and feta are classic, but you can swap in green or Castelvetrano olives, goat cheese, mozzarella, or omit the cheese for dairy-free.
  • Herbs: Fresh parsley, mint, or basil add a different but equally delicious flavor.
  • Dressing: Lemon juice is traditional, but red wine vinegar or balsamic can be used for a flavor twist.
  • Make Ahead: Chop vegetables and make dressing up to 1 day in advance. Store separately in the fridge and toss just before serving.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving; the tomato juices can double as a light dressing for greens.
  • Serving Ideas: Enjoy as a side with grilled meats, fish, or pita bread. Add chickpeas, quinoa, or grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
 
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used

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