Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe

Dive into the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad. Bursting with crisp cucumber spirals, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy kalamata olives, and rich feta, all brought together with a zingy lemon dressing, this salad is a feast for the senses. It's an easy, healthy dish that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.

spiralized greek cucumber salad with lemon and feta recipe

Photos of Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad are readily available in regular supermarkets. However, Kalamata olives, a type of Greek olive, might not be in your everyday pantry. They are generally found in the international or deli aisle of most supermarkets. They are worth seeking out for their unique flavor - rich, tangy, slightly smoky and utterly delicious.

Ingredients for Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta

English cucumber: A type of cucumber that is longer and thinner than regular cucumbers, with a much milder flavor.

Green bell pepper: Adds a crisp, sweet flavor to the salad.

Grape tomatoes: Smaller and sweeter than regular tomatoes, adding a burst of juicy flavor.

Kalamata olives: Greek olives that offer a unique rich and tangy flavor.

Red onion: Adds a spicy, pungent flavor that contrasts the other ingredients.

Fresh lemon: Offers a tangy citrus note, bringing freshness and balance to the salad.

Feta: A Greek cheese, it adds creaminess and a unique tangy-salty flavor to the dish.

Extra virgin olive oil: Used to dress the salad, adding a rich, smooth flavor.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Fresh oregano leaves: A staple herb in Greek cuisine, it adds an earthy and slightly bitter flavor.

One reader, Baxter Crooks says:

This spiralized Greek cucumber salad with lemon and feta is a refreshing delight! The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and zesty lemon creates a burst of flavors. It's a perfect summer dish that's light, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend trying this recipe!

Baxter Crooks

Techniques for Making the Perfect Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad

Spiralize the cucumber: Use a spiralizer to create long, thin strands of cucumber, or alternatively, dice the cucumber into small cubes.

Toss the salad: Combine the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, and red onion in a large bowl. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad, drizzle with olive oil, and toss with fresh oregano, salt, and pepper.

Plate and serve: Arrange the salad on a plate, top with a slice of feta, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve and enjoy!

How To Make Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta

Enjoy this healthy cucumber salad for a light lunch meal! It’s made with a delicious combination of fresh cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, and feta.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½English cucumber,about 7 oz, seedless
¼green bell pepper,chopped
⅓cupgrape tomatoes,halved
5kalamata olives,pitted
1tbspred onion,sliced
½fresh lemon
1ozfresh feta,sliced thick
½tbspextra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
½tspfresh oregano leaves,minced

Instructions

Spiralize the cucumbers using the chipper blade on the Paderno spiralizer.
Cut the strands into smaller pieces, about 5 to 6 inches long. Alternatively, just dice the cucumbers with a knife into small cubes.
Place the cucumber in a large work bowl along with the bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, and red onion.
Squeeze half of the lemon over it, drizzle with half of the olive oil, and toss with fresh oregano, salt, and pepper.
Place on a plate, top with a slice of feta, then finish with remaining olive oil. Serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 208.01kcal
Fat: 14.97g
Saturated Fat: 5.52g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.54g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.18g
Carbohydrates: 15.85g
Fiber: 3.90g
Sugar: 7.08g
Protein: 6.48g
Cholesterol: 25.23mg
Sodium: 766.22mg
Calcium: 209.16mg
Potassium: 503.38mg
Iron: 1.91mg
Vitamin A: 76.88µg
Vitamin C: 51.85mg

Crucial Technique for Achieving the Best Texture in Spiralized Cucumber Salad

When spiralizing cucumbers, it's important to choose a firm cucumber for the best results. A soft or overripe cucumber may not hold its shape well and could turn mushy. Also, if you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler to create thin, noodle-like strips of cucumber. This tool is a great alternative and can be used for other vegetables as well.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Refreshing Salad

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking utensils to save time on cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make larger portions and freeze the extras for quick and convenient future meals.

Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.

Plan your menu: Create a weekly meal plan to organize your cooking schedule and reduce last-minute decision-making.

Substitute Ingredients For Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta Recipe

English cucumber - Substitute with Persian cucumber: Persian cucumbers are similar in flavor and texture to English cucumbers, making them a suitable replacement.
Green bell pepper - Substitute with Red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor.
Grape tomatoes - Substitute with Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for grape tomatoes, offering a similar size and flavor profile.
Kalamata olives - Substitute with Nicoise olives: Nicoise olives share a similar briny and rich flavor to Kalamata olives, making them a suitable replacement.
Red onion - Substitute with Shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onions, providing a milder flavor and similar texture.
Fresh lemon - Substitute with Lime: Lime can be used as a substitute for lemon, offering a slightly different citrus flavor.
Fresh feta - Substitute with Goat cheese: Goat cheese can be used as a substitute for feta, providing a tangy and creamy alternative.
Extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with Avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil, offering a mild and versatile flavor.
Fresh oregano leaves - Substitute with Dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for fresh oregano leaves, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor.

Presentation Tips for a Beautiful Spiralized Cucumber Salad

Elevate the salad with precision cutting: Use a mandoline to slice the cucumber and bell pepper into thin, uniform pieces for a refined presentation.
Create a visually appealing arrangement: Arrange the spiralized cucumber, diced bell pepper, grape tomatoes, and kalamata olives in a circular pattern on the plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Carefully drizzle the olive oil in a circular motion around the salad, ensuring even distribution and a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta and finely chopped fresh oregano to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the dish.
Balance flavors and textures: Ensure each component is delicately placed to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Use high-quality tableware: Select elegant, minimalist tableware to complement the sophistication of the dish and enhance the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad

Spiralizer: A kitchen tool used to create spiral-shaped noodles or ribbons from vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchinis, and carrots.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Work bowl: A bowl used for mixing and tossing ingredients together.
Citrus juicer: A tool used to extract juice from citrus fruits such as lemons.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad

This greek cucumber salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The cucumbers will release water as they sit, so if you're storing leftovers, you may want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
If you want to make this salad ahead of time, spiralize the cucumbers and store them separately from the other ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
When you're ready to serve, toss the cucumbers with the other ingredients and dress the salad.
This salad doesn't freeze well because the cucumbers will become mushy and lose their texture when thawed.
If you want to prep some of the ingredients ahead of time, you can chop the bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, and red onion and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The feta cheese can also be crumbled and stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Interesting Trivia About Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad

Spiralized Greek cucumber salad with lemon and feta is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.

Is Making Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

The spiralized Greek cucumber salad with lemon and feta recipe is highly cost-effective for households. The use of simple, fresh ingredients like cucumber, bell pepper, and feta keeps the cost low. The recipe's versatility allows for easy customization based on budget and preference. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an affordable and nutritious option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delightful flavors.

Is This Greek Cucumber Salad Healthy?

The spiralized Greek cucumber salad with lemon and feta is a refreshing and nutritious dish that packs a flavorful punch. This salad is loaded with healthy ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions, which are all low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals. The kalamata olives add a briny flavor and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the feta cheese provides a tangy and salty taste along with a good source of protein and calcium. The lemon juice and oregano add a bright and herbal note to the salad, elevating its overall taste profile.

However, there are a few ways to make this salad even healthier:

Use a reduced-fat feta cheese to lower the overall calorie and saturated fat content of the dish
Increase the amount of vegetables in the salad, such as adding more cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Use a light hand when drizzling the olive oil, as it is high in calories despite its healthy fats
Consider adding a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more satiating and balanced

Editor's Opinion on This Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe

This spiralized Greek cucumber salad with lemon and feta is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances the flavors of crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and zesty lemon. The combination of fresh ingredients and the use of spiralized cucumber adds a unique twist to the traditional Greek salad. The dish is light, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, making it an ideal choice for a summer meal or a side dish. The addition of kalamata olives and fresh oregano enhances the overall taste, creating a delightful culinary experience. Overall, this recipe is a delightful and satisfying addition to any menu.

Enhance Your Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before grilling to perfection.

Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Toss a variety of colorful vegetables in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting until tender and caramelized.

Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Coat the chicken in a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze before baking until juicy and flavorful.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Spiralized Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These skewers are a perfect way to enjoy a variety of vegetables with a burst of flavor from the grill. The combination of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion make for a visually appealing and delicious dish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This creamy and tropical dessert is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also getting a dose of healthy chia seeds. The combination of ripe mango and coconut milk creates a luscious pudding that is perfect for a light and refreshing treat.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: This savory and aromatic roasted chicken is a classic dish that is sure to please a crowd. The tangy lemon and pungent garlic infuse the chicken with irresistible flavors, while the crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with This Spiralized Greek Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon with Citrus Glaze: Impress your guests with a succulent grilled salmon dish, drizzled with a tangy citrus glaze. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the bright, zesty flavors of the glaze will leave everyone craving for more.

Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Indulge in the creamy and luxurious flavors of a perfectly cooked mushroom risotto, finished with a drizzle of aromatic truffle oil. Each bite is a symphony of earthy mushrooms, rich Parmesan cheese, and the unmistakable essence of truffle.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Tangy Lemon Tart: Enjoy the zesty and refreshing flavor of a tangy lemon tart, with a buttery crust and a silky smooth lemon filling. The perfect balance of sweet and tart makes this dessert a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta Recipe:

This recipe offers a fresh and vibrant take on a classic Greek salad, using spiralized cucumber to add a unique twist. The combination of kalamata olives and feta cheese provides a rich and savory flavor, while the fresh oregano and lemon juice add a zesty and aromatic touch. The use of extra virgin olive oil ensures a high-quality and flavorful dressing. With a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and authentic Greek salad experience. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of this recipe for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Share your thoughts on the Spiralized Greek Cucumber Salad with Lemon and Feta Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to share!

FAQ:

What can I use if I don't have a spiralizer?

If you don't have a spiralizer, you can simply dice the cucumber into small cubes using a knife. It will still work great in the salad!

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! You can use crumbled goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, or even some shaved Parmesan. Get creative and use your favorite cheese!

How long can I store the salad for?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

Can I add some protein to this salad?

Of course! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be fantastic additions to make this salad a complete meal.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Combine everything together with the dressing and feta just before serving to keep it fresh and delicious.