Description
A refreshing and vibrant Herby Cucumber Salad featuring crisp English cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, protein-rich chickpeas, and a medley of fresh herbs tossed in a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Legumes
- 2 medium English cucumbers
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Herbs
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue, then dice them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite is crunchy and fresh.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the diced cucumbers, rinsed and drained chickpeas, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and the chopped fresh herbs to build a vibrant and textured base for the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and flavorful.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly, blending the tangy and herby flavors together; adjust seasoning as needed by tasting and adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve and store: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness or refrigerate it for up to four days; chilling allows the flavors to meld further, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled, making it ideal for warm weather or as a refreshing side dish.
- You can swap the feta cheese for a vegan alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- Fresh herbs are essential for the vibrant flavor, but feel free to adjust the herbs used according to your preference.
- To add extra crunch, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds like pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
