Delve into the refreshing world of salads with this simple yet vibrant Cucumber, Onion, Arugula, and Feta Salad recipe. Perfect for summer picnics or as a light dinner side, this salad captures the essence of freshness in every bite. The crunch of the cucumber, the bite of the onion, the peppery flavor of arugula, and the creamy tanginess of feta all play their part to bring you a dish that's as tasty as it is nourishing.
With its bright colors and enticing flavors, this salad is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Not only is this salad delicious, but it's also an incredibly simple dish to whip up, making it the perfect quick fix for your culinary needs.
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, this salad hits the sweet spot of balance between simplicity and complexity of flavors. The natural sweetness of cucumber, complemented by the slight sharpness of onion, the unique peppery taste of arugula, and the rich, salty tang of feta cheese all combine harmoniously in this dish. The balance in textures - the crunch of cucumber, the crispiness of arugula, the softness of feta - also add to the overall delight. Moreover, the dressing, a straightforward mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, ties all these components together seamlessly without overpowering any of them.
Secondly, this recipe is not just about taste; it's about health and nutrition too. Cucumbers are hydrating and contain beneficial antioxidants, onions are rich in vitamins C and B6, arugula is a good source of Vitamin K and also contains antioxidants, while feta cheese adds protein and calcium. Furthermore, this salad is a perfect fit for many dietary preferences, being vegetarian and gluten-free. It can easily be modified for vegan diets too, by replacing the feta with a plant-based cheese. So, this recipe isn't just a medley of delightful flavors; it's also a powerhouse of nutrition and a versatile dish for everyone to enjoy. Make it a staple on your meal plan and enjoy a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful salad that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Cucumbers: Use 2 fresh, crisp cucumbers. Ideally, you should use English cucumbers, known for their thin skin and minimal seeds, but regular cucumbers can also work. If you can't find cucumbers, zucchini makes a decent substitute.
Onions: 1 medium-sized red onion is perfect for this salad. They provide a pop of color and a sharp flavor that contrasts with the other ingredients. If you want a milder flavor, you could substitute with a sweet Vidalia onion.
Arugula: Around 3 cups of fresh arugula will do. This leafy green adds a unique, peppery taste to the salad. Baby spinach could be a potential substitute, though it won't have the same peppery kick.
Feta Cheese: Use about 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This salty, creamy cheese adds a lot of character to the salad. If you can't find feta, crumbled goat cheese or ricotta salata could be used instead.
Dressing: For the dressing, mix ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. This simple vinaigrette adds a tangy, fresh flavor to the salad. A red wine vinaigrette or a simple balsamic dressing could also work well with these ingredients.
Tips
- Make sure all the vegetables are thoroughly washed and dried before chopping. This helps to maintain the crunchiness of the salad.
- Slice the cucumber and onion thinly. This allows them to absorb more dressing, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad instead of mixing it in, to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the dressing only when you're about to serve it.
How to Serve
This cucumber, onion, arugula, and feta salad is a fantastic addition to any meal. It's fresh, vibrant, and provides a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete, balanced meal. The tanginess of the salad complements the smokiness of the grill perfectly.
- This salad also works well as a light lunch. Pair it with some crusty bread or a bowl of soup for a delightful midday meal.
- You could also use it as a filling for wraps or pita sandwiches. The crisp vegetables and creamy feta make a delicious and nutritious filling.
Similar Recipes
Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 red onion
- 3 cups of arugula
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- For the dressing: ¼ cup of olive oil 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumbers, onion, and arugula.
- Slice the cucumbers and onion thinly. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add the arugula to the bowl.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Crumble the feta cheese on top. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure all the vegetables are thoroughly washed and dried before chopping. This helps to maintain the crunchiness of the salad.
- Slice the cucumber and onion thinly. This allows them to absorb more dressing, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad instead of mixing it in, to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the dressing only when you're about to serve it.