Cucumber, tomato, feta, olive, and mint salad

Quick and Easy Summer Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Light Grain-Free Alternative

This summer salad is incredibly quick and easy to make. It’s light and fresh making it a perfect summer snack or side dish that pairs well with various proteins. As a grain-free alternative to traditional pasta salad, it holds up well when made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for a dinner party or for lunch the next day. The fresh mint and crunchy cucumbers create a refreshing feel, while feta cheese and Kalamata olives add a delicious salty kick. The slightly sweet tomato rounds out the flavors, making this salad a well-balanced and flavorful option.

Since this salad lasts at least a day or so without getting too soggy, I like to make it directly into a large storage container, so leftovers are super easy. As a busy family, anything that means a few less dishes is alright with us!

We usually buy our Feta and Kalamata olives at Costco. Both ingredients can get pricey at other supermarkets, but are usually pretty affordable at Costco. Well... as long as you don't also leave Costco with a new umbrella, electric toothbrush, wagon, and pair of shoes.

Cucumber, Tomato, Feta, Olive, and Mint Salad

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

2 cucumbers

5 medium sized tomatoes (varieties like compari or roma work well)

1 1/2 c Kalamata olives, pitted

1 c feta cheese

1/2 c fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise. Then cut each half again lengthwise either once or twice, to make bite size strips. Then, chop the strips to form bite size pieces. Add cut cucumbers to medium sized bowl or storage container.

2. Dice tomatoes into bite size pieces. Add to container.

3. Strain olives from brine liquid and finely chop. Add to container.

4. Rinse fresh mint leaves and finely chop. Add to container.

5. If using crumbled feta, it can be sprinkled directly into the rest of the salad. If your feta comes as a block, chop it or break it up with your fingers before adding to the salad.

6. Once all ingredients have been added, mix the salad lightly to ensure that each bit will have a good mix of all the flavors.

7. Serve and enjoy!