This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is so refreshing and packs so much flavor! Naturally gluten free, vegan, paleo, and whole30!
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Your boring potluck keto cucumber salad, with its creamy dressing, took a little vacation. And you might never want it to return when you taste how FRESH this little number is. It’s no secret that I love Mediterranean flavors (hello Mediterranean grilled stuffed peppers and Mediterranean chickpea pasta salad!) but it never really crossed my mind to bring them to cucumber salad. Until I was eating Greek salad one day, which is basically a cucumber salad? And the idea hit. 💡
And I may never go back to Grandma’s creamy cucumber salad ever again.
Why you will LOVE This Recipe
I am SUCH a fan of salads that mix things up a little! I’m talking about something different and unique, something FUN to keep salads interesting and exciting and that’s why I created this mediterranean cucumber salad recipe. It’s crunchy, it’s tasty, it’s got ALL that Mediterranean flavor and flair and to top it all off, it is healthy! Also, since everything is raw and no cooking is required, it’s super easy and foolproof to throw together for a healthy and colorful side dish that compliments so many main dishes. Serve it alongside some Mediterranean tuna salad or perhaps some Mediterranean Grilled Avocados and you will have one happy crew!
What is the difference between a Greek and Mediterranean salad?
None, they are essentially the same healthy, hearty and bright salad. Both are made with the same ingredients which include cucumber, onions, and a zesty vinaigrette and potentially tomato and feta. These are especially common during hot summer days and are served chilled. Mediterranean salads are also eaten when you are trying to eat healthier or when you’re trying to lose weight. Naturally, it’s gluten-free, great for eating veggies, and can be served as a side or main dish.
Ingredients Needed
For this salad recipe, you’ll need some fresh ingredients from the produce section of your local grocery store or farmer’s market as well as some herbs, oil and seasonings to bring it all together! You could even get creative and throw in some tomatoes to make it a mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad if you’d like! Here’s what you will need:
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Red Onion, diced
- Fresh Mint, minced
- Dukkah Seasoning
- Salt
How to make Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Stream
Pour the fresh lemon juice into a bowl. Whisking constantly, stream in the olive oil until it is well mixed and thickened.
Toss
Add in all remaining ingredients and toss to coat all the veggies evenly.
DEVOUR
If you’d like, you can cover the salad and chill it for a couple of hours to let the flavors sink into the veggies but this step is optional. Serve it up and enjoy!
How do I keep my cucumber salad from getting watery?
It’s easy to ruin a simple salad. And a soggy salad is a sad sight to behold. To prevent this from happening dry your veggies. Use those salad spinners and some elbow grease. Also, add your dressing in small amounts at a time. Overdressing can also make your salad watery. So only add it to your salad when it’s time to serve.
Cucumber Salad Storage
Usually, when I make this delicious cucumber salad mediterranean recipe, Mr. FFF and I gobble it up right away. BUT if you happen to have leftovers, it keeps really well- simply store it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Recipe Variations
I love a good salad recipe that I can get creative with and that’s exactly what I recommend doing with this recipe! If you want it to go further and have more flavors and textures, feel free to add some crumbled feta cheese or chopped tomato. If you’re really into fresh herbs, add some minced parsley or dill along with the mint or instead of it, and if you want to make it a bit creamier, toss in a smidge of tahini!
What kind of Cucumbers should I use for Mediterranean Cucumber Salad?
I recommend using either hot house cucumbers or large English cucumbers sliced up for this cucumber salad recipe!
How do I cut Cucumbers for Salad?
This is totally up to you! I love slicing mine really thinly in rounds for my salad, but you could also cut it into thicker chunks, then chop them up into bite sized pieces if you prefer.
What is Dukkah Seasoning?
You may have noticed an unfamiliar ingredient on this recipe list, and that is Dukkah! Dukkah is a commonly used Mediterranean spice blend that includes nuts, sesame seeds, coriander and cumin and is absolutely delicious on meats and veggies, especially when mixed with a bit of oil and grilled. It’s also delicious with oil on fresh bread!
more healthy salad recipes
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 Cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 Of a large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp Fresh mint, minced
- 2 tsp Dukkah seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Place the lemon juice in a medium bowl. While constantly whisking, stream in the oil until thick and well mixed.
- Add in all the remaining ingredients and toss to coat well.
- OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED: cover and chill at least 1 hour to develop flavors.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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