Italian Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers and vibrant vegetables in zesty Italian dressing

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

02 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced

03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

04 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

05 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

06 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

07 - 1 clove garlic, minced

08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

10 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

11 - Fresh cracked black pepper

01 - Combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped basil in a large salad bowl.

02 - Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.

03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

04 - Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

05 - Top with crumbled feta cheese and additional black pepper if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

01 -

The dressing soaks into the vegetables as they rest, transforming crunchy raw ingredients into something that tastes like it's been marinating for hours
It's the kind of dish that gets better while you're busy setting the table or chatting with guests
Everything comes from the pantry or garden, no special shopping trip required

02 -

The vegetables release water as they sit in the salted dressing, which dilutes the flavors over time, so don't salt heavily at first
This salad actually improves after sitting for an hour, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining
If using feta, add it right before serving so it doesn't become too soft from the dressing

03 -

English or Persian cucumbers work well since they have thinner skins and fewer seeds
If your red onion seems particularly potent, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad
A microplane makes the garlic disappear into the dressing instead of leaving noticeable chunks