Refreshing Zucchini and Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad is a great way to use up summer's bounty of zucchini and cucumbers. The combination of crisp vegetables, salty feta, and tangy dressing is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This recipe was inspired by a trip to Greece, where I had a similar salad at a taverna on the island of Crete. The salad was so good that I asked the chef for the recipe, and he kindly obliged. I've been making this salad ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of zucchini and cucumber provides a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
• The red onion adds a bit of sharpness and acidity.
• The feta cheese provides a salty and creamy contrast to the vegetables.
• The mint adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
• The dressing is a simple combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper that ties all the ingredients together.