A refreshing and easy taste of summer, thisMediterranean cucumber saladis packed with fresh ingredients and flavors that you can totally make your own!

Sometimes, I just CRAVE a simple, refreshing, but packed full of flavor salad that comes together quickly and easily.Do you ever go through the same thing?It often hits me after, we’ll say, a more indulgent weekend, and I just want something green and from the ground on my plate. When these pangs strike, a crunchy, cucumber-filled Mediterranean salad soundspretty much perfect.

This one is a cinch to make,too, with just cucumber, tomato, red onion, and olives topped with a little olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.Plus,with its many colors and textures, I love bringing it to potlucks and picnics for an easy side in the summer.If you love Mediterranean-esque salads with fresh veggies and olives galore, you’ll be a fan of mySimple Italian Pasta SaladandGreek Quinoa Salad, too! They’re perfect options for a light lunch or healthy side dish for a get-together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Healthy: This salad is packed with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions so it’s full of good-for-you vitamins and minerals.
No Cooking Required: This is a no-cook recipe, which means it’s perfect for hot days when you don’t want to even think about turning on the stove or oven.
Colorful Presentation: The fresh veggies are full of vibrant colors that will catch everyone’s eye, making it a great dish to serve at gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

Cucumber
Tomato
Red Onion
Pitted Kalamata Olives
Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Herbs:like basil and parsley or even dill,optional

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

Popular Substitutions and Variations

You can add more fresh vegetables if you have them. It’s a great recipe to use up odds and ends in the refrigerator or when the garden is going crazy and you have lots to use.
The dressing would be delicious with a squeeze of lemon.
A little crumbled Feta cheese would be a delicious addition to all these Mediterranean flavors.
To add more protein, toss in some yummy and tenderChicken Brine!

How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Step #1.Add the cucumber, tomato, olives, and onion to a large bowl.

Step #3.Add salt and pepper to taste. Add herbs and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step #2.Add the vinegar and olive oil and gently toss.

Step #4.Serve salad right away or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours.

Recipe FAQs

How long does Mediterranean cucumber salad last for?

Since you dress it when you put the salad together, it can get a little soft if kept in the fridge longer than a few hours. I’d make it fresh and serve it immediately, or within 2 or 3 hours!

What’s in Mediterranean cucumber salad?

This recipe’s ingredients are super simple and fresh: cucumber, tomato, red onion, kalamata olives, oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and fresh herb if you have them! I love chopped fresh basil and parsley in it, or even a little dill tastes fantastic.

Expert Tips

If you’re using a regular, garden cucumber, cut it lengthwise and scrape the seeds out with a spoon– they can make the salad too watery.
Peeling the cucumber is optional but it’s a good idea to take a small taste and see if the peel is thick or bitter and go from there.(This usually isn’t a problem for English cucumbers, but it’s always good to check.)
If your onion is too strong,throw it in a bowl of cold water with a splash of vinegar for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad to draw out some of the sharpness.
Change up the dressing flavor and try atangy homemade Catalina dressinginstead.

cucumber and tomato salad with olives and basil in a white bowl

What Goes Well with Mediterranean Cucumber Salad?

This is so, so yummy with simple summer dishes, likebakedor grilled chicken, amargherita pizza, tacos, or anything else with summery vibes! (It’s also tasty on its own — top with feta cheese and a little chicken or turkey for some light protein!)