Zesty Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe: Fresh Summer Joy in a Bowl

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber feta salad that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your plate.

Crisp cucumbers dance with tangy feta cheese in this simple yet elegant dish.

The combination creates a light and zesty experience that brightens any meal.

Herbs add an extra layer of freshness to each delightful bite.

Salt and lemon juice enhance the natural crispness of the cucumbers while complementing the creamy feta.

Each forkful promises a burst of clean, bright flavors that feel like a mini vacation.

Serve this salad as a perfect side or quick lunch that will leave you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Inside Cucumber Feta Salad

• Brown Rice: Provides hearty foundation with nutty flavor, choose long-grain variety for best texture.
• Mixed Greens: Adds freshness and nutrient boost, select crisp and vibrant leaves.

• Salmon: Rich omega-3 source, pick wild-caught or fresh fillet with firm, bright flesh.
• Avocado: Creamy protein complement, select ripe but firm fruit without dark bruises.

• Cucumber: Adds cool, hydrating element, choose firm and glossy without soft spots.
• Radishes: Brings peppery bite and crisp texture, select bright red, smooth-skinned varieties.
• Shredded Carrots: Provides sweet crunch, pick bright orange, firm carrots.

• Tahini: Creamy base with nutty undertone, choose pure sesame paste without additives.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity, select fresh, plump lemons.
• Olive Oil: Smooth binding agent, opt for extra virgin with rich flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth, choose firm, compact bulbs.
• Parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous note, select bright green, crisp leaves.
• Dill: Provides delicate, tangy accent, choose feathery, vibrant sprigs.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.

Handy Tools For Cucumber Feta Salad

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking brown rice perfectly and evenly.
• Baking Sheet: Crucial for roasting salmon with even heat distribution.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents salmon from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the herbed tahini dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Fork: Useful for fluffing rice and checking salmon doneness.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting salmon dry before seasoning.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Instructions To Make Cucumber Feta Salad Fast

• Flavorful Brown Rice Base

Unlock the heart of your culinary journey by cooking brown rice with a gentle touch. Let the grains absorb water and transform into a tender, comforting foundation for your delicious bowl.

• Oven-Kissed Salmon Magic

Awaken your salmon with a sprinkle of smoky spices and let the oven work its transformative powers. Watch as the fish turns golden and flakes beautifully, promising a mouthwatering centerpiece.

• Creamy Tahini Harmony

Craft a dreamy dressing that brings everything together. Whisk tahini with bright citrus notes and fragrant herbs to create a sauce that will elevate your entire bowl experience.

• Colorful Vegetable Canvas

Build layers of vibrant textures and colors. Scatter mixed greens, crisp carrots, cool cucumber slices, peppery radishes, and creamy avocado to create a stunning edible masterpiece.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle your herbed tahini dressing generously, allowing it to cascade over your carefully constructed bowl. Embrace the moment and savor every delightful bite of your culinary creation.

Creative Mix-Ins For Cucumber Feta Salad

• Perfect Rice Texture: Rinse brown rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that don't clump together. Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to absorb remaining moisture and improve overall texture.
• Salmon Cooking Hack: Check salmon's doneness by gently pressing the thickest part with a fork – it should flake easily and appear opaque throughout. Rest the fish for 2-3 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Dressing Flexibility: Swap tahini with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce. Thin the dressing with extra water or lemon juice if you prefer a more drizzle-friendly consistency. Add a touch of honey for subtle sweetness that balances the herbal notes.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Transform this recipe into a gluten-free meal by using quinoa instead of brown rice. For vegetarian options, replace salmon with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas seasoned with similar spices. Dairy-free eaters can substitute feta with nutritional yeast or avocado for creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and store in refrigerated containers for up to 3 days. Keep dressing, rice, and chopped vegetables in separate containers to maintain freshness.

Serving Up Cucumber Feta Salad The Easy Way

• Flavor Fusion Bowl: Layer the salmon, rice, and veggies in a way that lets each ingredient shine, creating a colorful and delicious masterpiece that's Instagram-worthy.
• Mediterranean Picnic Style: Pack this bowl in a portable container for a fresh lunch at work or a scenic outdoor meal, keeping the dressing separate to maintain crispness of vegetables.
• Protein Power Boost: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and nutritional value, transforming the salad into a more substantial and satisfying meal.
• Customizable Comfort: Swap salmon for grilled chicken or tofu if you prefer, allowing flexibility for different dietary preferences while maintaining the delicious herbed tahini dressing.

Plan And Store Cucumber Feta Salad For Meals

• Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness. Keep salmon, rice, and dressing in individual sealed containers to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp textures.
• Cool Container Strategy: Use glass containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent moisture and preserve ingredient quality. Separate wet ingredients like cucumber and dressing from dry components like rice and salmon.
• Quick Consumption Timeline: Consume prepared bowl ingredients within 2-3 days for optimal taste and nutritional value. Rice and salmon stay best when refrigerated and consumed within 48 hours.
• Temperature Wisdom: Always refrigerate salmon and rice at or below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Allow cooked ingredients to cool completely before storing to maintain food safety standards.

Crisp Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Greek cucumber feta salad mingles crisp vegetables with tangy Mediterranean flavors. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this salad a perfect summer side dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (113–170 grams)
• 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
• 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for salmon)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (for salmon)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (for salmon)
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for dressing)
• 2 tbsps water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• ½ tsp salt (for dressing)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (for dressing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Rinse brown rice under cool water to eliminate excess starch. Transfer to a saucepan, adding water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until grains become tender and fluffy.
2. Salmon Seasoning: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Create a spice blend using smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat fillets lightly with olive oil, then massage spice mixture into the fish surface.
3. Salmon Cooking: Arrange seasoned salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring spacing between fillets. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Tahini Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and dill. Adjust water to create a smooth, pourable consistency.
5. Bowl Assembly: Layer brown rice as the base. Arrange mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, radishes, and avocado pieces over the rice. Break salmon into rustic chunks and place on top of vegetables.
6. Serving: Drizzle herbed tahini dressing generously over the bowls. Serve immediately, enjoying the harmonious blend of warm salmon and fresh ingredients.

Notes

• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by washing brown rice under cool running water to prevent clumping and achieve fluffy texture.
• Monitor Salmon Baking: Check fish at 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking; salmon should flake easily but remain moist and tender.
• Adjust Tahini Dressing Consistency: Add water gradually while whisking to create smooth, pourable sauce without becoming too thin or runny.
• Customize Vegetable Selection: Swap or add seasonal vegetables like roasted bell peppers, pickled red onions, or grilled zucchini for varied flavor profiles and nutritional diversity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg