Vegetarian Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad
Bright, briny, and bursting with fresh herbs, this Mediterranean-inspired 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 so they stay perfectly crunchy rather than watery, which makes a real difference in the final texture. Kalamata olives bring a deep, savory punch that plays beautifully against the lemon-forward dressing, while fresh parsley, mint, and optional oregano keep every bite tasting garden-fresh. A touch of ground turmeric in the vinaigrette adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue without overpowering the other flavors. Everything here is naturally plant-based, so there's no need to swap or substitute a single ingredient — it's just clean, wholesome produce and good olive oil doing all the work. Toss it together right before serving and it's ready in minutes, making it an effortless side for grilled flatbreads, stuffed pitas, or a mezze spread.
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!