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Fresh Keto Cucumber Salad with Feta and Olives

fresh keto cucumber salad - featured image

A quick and easy keto-friendly cucumber salad featuring crisp English cucumbers, tangy feta, and briny Kalamata olives, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired side or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers well. Using a sharp knife, slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm thick). Optionally peel partially for a rustic look.
  2. Thinly slice about a quarter of a small red onion. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes then drain to mellow the flavor.
  3. Chop the parsley finely and set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste until fragrant and balanced.
  5. Add sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Crumble feta cheese over the top.
  6. Gently toss everything together until ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, being careful not to mash the cucumbers.
  7. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or lemon juice.
  8. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld. Optionally drain excess water before serving to keep salad crisp.

Notes

Use English cucumbers for less water and fewer seeds to keep salad crisp. Crumble feta by hand for better texture. Avoid over-dressing to maintain balance. For make-ahead, keep dressing separate until serving. Drain excess water if salad sits too long to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto salad, cucumber salad, feta cheese, olives, low carb, Mediterranean salad, quick salad, healthy side dish