Giada’s Herbed Cucumber Salad is one of those dishes that works year-round, whether you’re hosting a casual summer BBQ or setting the table for a cozy winter dinner. The fresh crunch of cucumbers, the sweetness of yellow tomatoes, and the tangy bite of feta make this salad a delightful balance of flavors.

It’s great for holiday spreads like Christmas or Thanksgiving, but it’s just as perfect for simple weeknight dinners in spring. Serve it with grilled chicken or warm flatbread, or enjoy it as is for a quick lunch. Pro tip: make it ahead to let the flavors really shine!

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes
• 2 jarred roasted red peppers
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup fresh dill fronds
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

How To Make Giada Herbed Cucumber Salad

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Wash the cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs thoroughly, and pat them dry. Quarter the cucumber lengthwise, then cut it into ½-inch wedges. Halve the yellow cherry tomatoes, and slice the roasted red peppers into strips.
2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cucumber wedges, halved cherry tomatoes, and roasted red pepper strips.
3. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the white balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning.
4. Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Gently fold in the parsley, mint, and dill, ensuring the herbs are evenly distributed.
5. Top with Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, and give it one last gentle toss to combine all the flavors.
6. Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more vibrant and balanced taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad fresh and enjoy its crisp, herbaceous goodness. It’s perfect on its own or alongside grilled fish, chicken, or crusty bread.

Recipe Tips

• Choose the freshest ingredients: Use firm cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and bright, fragrant herbs for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Avoid overripe vegetables for a crisp bite.
• Make it vegan-friendly: Skip the feta cheese and add a handful of toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch and plant-based protein.
• Switch up the herbs: Replace mint or dill with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile that pairs well with summer or Mediterranean-inspired meals.
• Try a tangy dressing twist: Swap white balsamic vinegar for lemon juice or red wine vinegar to create a more vibrant and zesty flavor that complements the roasted peppers.
• Add a protein boost: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier version of the salad that can easily be served as a light main dish.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Giada Roasted Cauliflower and Quinoa Salad
• Giada Lemon Mustard Potato Salad
• Giada Herbed Quinoa