Soy Free Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad
Bright, briny, and loaded with fresh herbs, this Mediterranean salad is the kind of dish that makes a simple weeknight feel a little more special. Crisp English cucumbers get a quick salt-and-drain treatment before hitting the bowl, which keeps everything from turning watery and ensures each bite stays satisfyingly crunchy. Kalamata olives bring a deep, savory punch that plays beautifully against the lemon-forward dressing, while fresh parsley, mint, and optional oregano layer in that unmistakable garden-fresh aroma. The dressing itself is nothing but olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, a touch of turmeric, and sea salt — every single ingredient is naturally free of soy in any form, no label-reading required. That can be a genuine relief when store-bought dressings and pre-marinated olives so often sneak in soy-based emulsifiers or additives. Everything comes together in one large bowl with a gentle toss, making this as low-effort as it is impressive. Serve it straight away for maximum crunch, or let it sit a few minutes if you want the flavors to meld just a little deeper.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 english cucumbers (about 1 ½ lb total), halved lengthwise and sliced into ¼-inch half-moons
- ¾ cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- 1
Place the sliced cucumber in a colander set over the sink, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toss to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt until the dressing is uniform and slightly emulsified.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!