Italian Cucumber Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Italian Cucumber Salad is an effortless summer side dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Featuring crisp English cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives, this vibrant salad is perfectly complemented by the aromatic sweetness of fresh basil and a zesty homemade dressing made with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and dried oregano. Thinly sliced red onions add a delightful crunch, while an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese elevates the dish with a touch of savory richness. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-cook recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, or potluck gatherings, delivering a refreshing burst of Italian-inspired flavor in every bite. Serve immediately or let the salad chill to deepen its bold and tangy profile—either way, it’s the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces English cucumbers
• 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 0.5 medium Red onion
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves.

Step 2

Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds; alternately, halve them lengthwise and slice into half-moons.

Step 3

Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves.

Step 4

Thinly slice the half red onion.

Step 5

Roughly chop the basil leaves into small pieces or leave them whole for a more rustic feel.

Step 6

Combine the cucumber slices, cherry tomato halves, red onion, kalamata olives, and basil in a large salad bowl.

Step 7

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 8

Pour the dressing over the mixed vegetables in the salad bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper to your liking.

Step 10

If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 11

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1314.6 grams (1314.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1073

Total Fat 94.60g	121%
Saturated Fat 14.10g	71%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 8mg	3%
Sodium 2792mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 55.10g	20%
Dietary Fiber 18.50g	66%
Total Sugars 22.00g
Protein 13.60g	27%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 425mg	33%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 1891mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 75.6%

Protein: 4.8%

Carbs: 19.6%