Cucumber, Nectarine & Feta Summer Salad

When summer hits hard here in Texas, I start craving cool, juicy, and colorful meals. This Cucumber, Nectarine & Feta Summer Salad is one of those dishes I could eat on repeat.

It balances sweet and salty flavors with a satisfying crunch and creamy texture, all brought together with a simple honey-lime vinaigrette.

It’s vibrant, quick to make, and perfect for picnics, lunches, or light dinners.

This refreshing summer salad combines thinly sliced English cucumber, pitted and sliced nectarines, and crumbled feta cheese for a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

It’s perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a light side dish.

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Recipe Highlights

This refreshing salad is a flavor explosion in every bite. The cucumbers keep things crisp and clean, the nectarines bring a juicy sweetness, and the feta adds that irresistible salty contrast.

Add a touch of red onion for zing and fresh mint for brightness, and you’ve got the ultimate summer salad.

• No cooking required
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• Made in under 15 minutes
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• Perfect for summer lunches or backyard gatherings
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• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
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• Sweet, salty, tangy, and herbaceous in every bite

Vibrant Ingredients for a Summer Delight

This summer salad showcases a delightful combination of thinly sliced English cucumber, pitted and sliced nectarines, and crumbled feta cheese.

The crispness of the cucumber pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the nectarines, while the feta adds a tangy twist.

Chopped fresh mint leaves bring a refreshing aroma, making this dish an ideal choice for warm-weather gatherings.

With the addition of thinly sliced red onion, the salad gains an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall experience.

• Cucumbers: Use English or Persian cucumbers for their crisp texture and minimal seeds.
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• Nectarines: Choose ripe but firm nectarines for juicy sweetness without becoming mushy.
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• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
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• Red Onion: Thin slices offer a pop of sharpness that cuts through the sweetness.
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• Fresh Mint: Adds cool, refreshing herbal notes that scream summer.
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• Honey: Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness.
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• Lime Juice: Balances the sweetness and brings acidity to brighten the salad.
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• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together.

How to Make My Cucumber, Nectarine & Feta Summer Salad

1. Prep the produce: Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Cut the nectarines into wedges or chunks.
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2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, nectarines, and red onion.
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4. Add cheese and herbs: Gently fold in crumbled feta and chopped fresh mint.
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5. Dress and toss: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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6. Chill or serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Simple Preparation Steps

Preparing this salad is quick and straightforward, taking only about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Begin by thinly slicing the cucumbers and nectarines, and don’t forget to slice the red onion for that extra crunch.

Crumble the feta cheese and chop the fresh mint leaves, ensuring all ingredients are ready for mixing.

Creating the Perfect Dressing

The dressing is a simple yet effective blend of extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, honey, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.

In a small bowl, whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a light and zesty dressing that complements the salad beautifully.

This dressing not only enhances the flavors but also adds a glossy finish to the vibrant ingredients.

Combining the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, nectarines, red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped mint.

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top and gently toss everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the integrity of the delicate ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served immediately for a fresh experience or chilled in the refrigerator for a short time to enhance the flavors.

Transfer the salad to a serving dish, showcasing the colorful array of ingredients, and enjoy it as a light side dish or a refreshing main course.

It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any summer gathering, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your table.

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp. It also makes a refreshing light lunch on its own or topped with quinoa or arugula for extra greens.

Pair it with iced tea, white wine, or sparkling water with lime for a summery meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is this salad visually appealing, but it also offers a range of nutritional benefits.

With ingredients like cucumbers and nectarines, it provides hydration and essential vitamins.

The addition of feta cheese contributes protein, while the olive oil adds healthy fats, making this salad a balanced choice for any meal.

Tips for the Best Cucumber, Nectarine & Feta Summer Salad

Use ripe but firm nectarines for the best texture. If red onion is too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.

Don’t overdress the salad—a light coating of vinaigrette goes a long way. Add feta and mint just before serving for peak freshness.

Storage of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The salad is best eaten the day it’s made, as the nectarines and cucumbers will release water over time.