Cucumber salad with feta and mint

Refreshing cucumber salad with feta cheese and mint

This cucumber salad with feta and mint is a simple and delicious dish, perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish for festive meals. Combining fresh ingredients, this salad will not only delight your taste buds but will also add a splash of color to your table. It is a quick, healthy, and very versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 6 medium cucumbers
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 green onions
- 1 hard-boiled egg
- 100 g feta cheese
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Preparing the salad

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. The cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onions should be fresh to achieve a crunchy salad.

2. Cutting the cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers if you prefer a more delicate texture (you can leave the skin on if you like a stronger flavor). The cucumber slices should be thin, about 0.5 cm thick, to combine easily with the other ingredients.

3. Cutting the tomatoes and onions: Cut the tomatoes into small cubes, making sure to remove the seeds to prevent the salad from becoming too wet. Chop the green onions finely, both the white and green parts.

4. Preparing the egg: Boil the egg in a pot of water for 10 minutes, then cool it under cold running water and peel it. Cut it into small cubes.

5. Feta cheese: Cut the feta cheese into larger cubes to add a creamy texture to the salad.

6. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, and finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then add the olive oil and lemon juice. Gently mix to combine the salad.

7. Adding the egg and cheese: Finally, add the cubes of boiled egg and feta. Mix gently to avoid crushing the feta too much, leaving its texture intact.

8. Serving: The salad can be served immediately, or you can let the flavors combine for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator. This will enhance the taste and make the salad even more refreshing. You can serve the salad on its own or alongside a fluffy omelet for a healthy breakfast or lunch.

Chef's tip

To add extra flavor, you can add a few green or black olives, sliced. You can also try adding some nuts or toasted seeds for a crunchy texture. This salad pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or pita, and a bottle of lemon and mint-infused water will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them ideal for a healthy diet. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, while feta cheese provides protein and calcium, and mint adds flavor as well as digestive properties. In total, a serving of this salad contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other types of cheese?
Of course! You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a lighter version.

How can I store the salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if there are leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent oxidation.

What other ingredients can I add to change the flavor?
You can experiment with avocado, bell peppers, or even a bit of red onion for a stronger taste.

Serving and combinations

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meat, fish, or even cheese platters. It can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, but also as a refreshing appetizer before a hearty meal.

Personal note

This salad reminds me of summers spent at my grandparents' house, where we always gathered around the table to enjoy fresh produce from the garden. The flavors of mint and fresh tomatoes take me back to warm days and the joy of sharing simple yet flavorful meals. I encourage you to bring this joy into your home!

Savor every bite of this refreshing cucumber salad with feta and mint and enjoy the moments spent around the table with loved ones! Enjoy your meal!