Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad

A Refreshing Taste of the Mediterranean

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful journey to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean? This Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad is just what you need! Bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is the perfect blend of crunchy cucumbers, luscious olives, and zesty herbs. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also a family-friendly dish that everyone will love. Just imagine biting into the cool, juicy cucumber, perfectly paired with the briny olives and a tangy dressing, all in one delightful forkful!

This salad is a fantastic option for any meal, whether as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or a refreshing solo dish on a warm day. If you enjoyed our classic Greek Salad, you’ll love this Mediterranean twist that brings similar flavors with a different flair! Each ingredient is a celebration of the Mediterranean diet, encouraging healthy eating that doesn’t skimp on taste. So, let’s dive into this tantalizing salad and elevate your dining experience!

What is Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad?

So, what exactly is this Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad? Well, if there was an award for the most refreshing salad, this beauty would be holding the trophy! With its crisp cucumbers and briny olives taking center stage, it’s like a party in your mouth! Have you ever wondered why cucumbers made it into the salad spotlight? Perhaps it’s because they keep us cool during hot summer days, or maybe because ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’—and what better way than to start with a light, fresh salad?

If you haven’t made a cucumber salad before, now is your moment! Grab your chopping board, and let’s make some culinary magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad

1. Refreshing Flavor: It’s packed with delightful ingredients that keep your palate excited. The crispness of the cucumber paired with the salty bite of olives makes every bite a refreshing experience. Plus, add a dash of herbs for an aromatic twist!

2. Cost-Effective: Why pay for overpriced salads at restaurants when you can whip this up at home? With budget-friendly ingredients like cucumbers and olives, you can serve a stylish dish without breaking the bank!

3. Customizable: The best part? You can tweak this salad to suit your tastes. Add some feta cheese for creaminess, cherry tomatoes for sweetness, or a splash of red wine vinegar to elevate the flavor. If you love our Caprese Salad, mix it up with this Mediterranean delight to keep your meal plan exciting!

Ready to impress your friends at the next gathering? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad

Quick Overview

This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. With prep time taking less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious side or light meal on the table in no time. Trust me; you’ll love the fresh, crisp texture of this salad combined with the savory notes from olives and herbs!

Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad

• 2 large cucumbers (sliced)
• 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
2. Chop the Onion: Slice the red onion thinly. If you find raw onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to lessen the intensity.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and red onion.
4. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
5. Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine. Add in the fresh parsley and give it another toss for even distribution.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld. Enjoy!

What to Serve Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad With

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes! For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken skewers, roasted vegetables, or hummus and pita bread. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, try it as a topping over quinoa or alongside grilled fish. The refreshing flavors will balance out the richness of grilled cuisine beautifully!

Top Tips for Perfecting Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad

• Choose the Right Olives: Experiment with different types of olives to customize flavor! Marinated olives can add an extra zing.
• Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the parsley! Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile of your salad. You can also add mint for a fresh twist.
• Adjusting the Dressing: Feel free to play around with the vinegar ratio to suit your liking. More vinegar for tanginess or less for a milder taste!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad stays fresh for up to 3 days, though the cucumbers may soften with time. For best taste, enjoy it fresh and avoid reheating as the crispness is part of its charm! If you’d like to take it on-the-go, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain that crunchy freshness.

Embrace the summer vibes and brighten your meals with this tantalizing Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad! You won’t just be satisfying your hunger; you’ll be indulging in a fresh, flavorful experience. Don’t let another summer pass without trying this recipe! Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad

A refreshing salad featuring crunchy cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, and zesty herbs, perfect for summer meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the salad

• 2 large large cucumbers, sliced Choose fresh, firm cucumbers.
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved You can experiment with different types of olives for flavor.
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced Soak in cold water if too strong.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh herbs elevate the flavor.

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil Use high-quality extra virgin for best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Adjust to taste for tanginess.
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

Method

 

Preparation

1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into rounds or half-moons.
2. Slice the red onion thinly, soaking in cold water if desired.

Combining Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and red onion.

Making the Dressing

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Final Assembly

1. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
2. Add in the fresh parsley and toss again for even distribution.

Serving

1. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
2. Enjoy with your favorite Mediterranean dishes!

Notes

For best freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid reheating to maintain crispness.