Sandy Beach Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta
A refreshing salad combining juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and salty feta cheese, inspired by seaside simplicity. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs ripe cherry tomatoes, halved, large English cucumber, diced, feta cheese, crumbled into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 large diced English cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: Drizzle 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the vegetables, tossing gently to coat.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano evenly, mixing to distribute the seasoning.
- Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, tossing lightly to combine without breaking the cheese.
- Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and offer a cool contrast reminiscent of a breezy beach day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sandy Beach Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sandy Beach Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe cherry tomatoes, halved from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sandy Beach Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sandy Beach Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sandy Beach Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Feta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.