Cucumber-Feta Salad
This refreshing Cucumber-Feta Salad is a light and vibrant side dish or lunch. It combines crisp cucumbers with salty feta, creamy Greek yogurt, a subtle kick from jalapeño, and the bright freshness of mint and lemon. Quick to prepare, it's perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl For dressing
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb. fresh garden cucumbers
- ¼ c. crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ c. Greek-style yogurt
- 1 small jalapeno
- 5 mint leaves
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and peel the cucumbers, then dice them into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Carefully wash the jalapeño, remove the stem, and finely mince, discarding the seeds and white pith for less heat, then add to a small mixing bowl.
- Wash the mint leaves, pat dry, and finely chop or chiffonade, setting aside a few for garnish if desired.
- To the small bowl with minced jalapeño, add the Greek-style yogurt, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk well to combine and form the dressing.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint to the large mixing bowl with the diced cucumbers.
- Pour the prepared yogurt-jalapeño dressing over the cucumber, feta, and mint mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or lemon juice) if necessary to suit your preference.
- For best results, cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light meal.
Notes
1. For crispier cucumbers and to prevent the salad from becoming watery, consider salting the sliced cucumbers lightly for 15-20 minutes, then draining and patting them dry before adding to the salad. This draws out excess moisture. 2. Adjust the heat from the jalapeño by removing more or less of the seeds and white pith. For a milder flavor, omit it entirely or use a pinch of red pepper flakes. 3. Fresh mint is crucial; chiffonade it just before adding to maintain its vibrant aroma and prevent bruising. 4. Taste the dressing before combining with the main ingredients and adjust lemon, salt, and pepper as needed. A final drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can enhance the mouthfeel.