This Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons is a fresh, flavorful, and crunchy tossed veggie salad that pairs well with just about any meal. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy dairy-free feta, this 15-minute vegan Mediterranean-style salad recipe is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or starter. The crispy air fryer croutons add the perfect texture, making it a satisfying and wholesome dish you'll want to make on repeat-especially during the warmer months!
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What's a Cucumber Tomato And Feta Salad
When we talk about indulgent, delicious meals, salads often get sidelined-but they absolutely shouldn't! If it's well-made, it can steal the spotlight, especially when it's vibrant, fresh, and loaded with texture and flavor.
This Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired salad that's crisp, light, and bursting with bold flavors. It's made with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, spicy seasonings, and creamy vegan feta cheese. Together, they create a refreshing, hydrating, and satisfying bite in every forkful.
This easy vegan tomato cucumber red onion salad recipe comes together in minutes-just chop, toss, and serve. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, prepping a quick lunch, or looking for a flavorful side to pair with dinner, this Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad delivers. It's wholesome, customizable, and loved even by salad skeptics!
Mediterranean Chopped Salad With Croutons
To elevate it further, I love adding homemade air-fried croutons to the Cucumber Tomato and Feta salad. They're golden, crisp, and seasoned to perfection-bringing the perfect crunch that complements the freshness of the veggies. The croutons make this feel more like a complete meal than just a side.
The Only Kind of Salad I'll Willingly Eat
KR enjoys a good bowl of greens, but I usually pass-unless it's the most basic kind, like the classic Indian Koshimbir with tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. That's why this is the best Feta Salad and has earned a spot on the blog! It ticks all my boxes-it's crunchy, spicy, flavorful, and far from boring.
In fact, here are some recipes on the blog that I love: Spicy Cucumber Salad, Dense Bean Salad, and Spinach Pasta Salad - they are bold and full of texture. If you're like me and tend to skip salads, give this one a shot. I guarantee you'll love it-even the picky eaters will be impressed!
Why make this
- 🥗 Vegan Mediterranean make-ahead Salad Recipe - 100% plant-based and dairy-free
- 🔥 No-Cook Recipe - No stove, no sweat
- 🥄 Practically a Meal on Its Own - Light, yet filling and satisfying
- 🍞 Air-Fried Croutons - Crunchy, oil-free goodness made in the air fryer
- 🥬 Healthy and Wholesome - Made with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients
- ⏱️ Prep Ahead Friendly - Chop and store to assemble quickly later
- 🌶️ Flavor-Packed - Every bite is crunchy, spicy, and bursting with taste
- 🧄 Quick and Easy - Comes together in under 15 minutes
- 💰 Budget-Friendly - Affordable ingredients, big on flavor!
Ingredients needed 🧾
Bread - Use white, multigrain, or sourdough-whatever you have on hand. One- to two-day-old bread works best, as it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Just make sure it's vegan and gluten-free, if needed.
Tomatoes - I've used juicy cherry tomatoes for their natural sweetness and bite. Feel free to use grape tomatoes, colorful heirloom tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or regular tomatoes-just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Got leftovers? Use them to make a quick tomato rice!
Other veggies - I recommend using English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and don't need to be peeled. For an extra crunchy texture, you can also use Persian cucumbers. Regular American, seedless cucumbers, or Indian cucumbers will also work. Red Onions add a sharp bite and refreshing flavor that really make this Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad pop. Pickled onions can also be used.
Greens - I've added a mix of fresh lettuce, parsley, and basil for brightness and herbaceous depth to this Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese.
For flavoring - A simple dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, green chillies, red wine vinegar, store-bought or fresh lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and pepper will act like dressing in this fresh vegan cucumber and tomato salad recipe. This light vinaigrette ties everything together in this Mediterranean-inspired vegan salad.
To flavor your bread cubes before air frying, you'll need garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasonings or mixed herbs.
Top it off with plant-based feta crumbles for that classic creamy-tangy flavor-without the dairy! It's easily available in all leading grocery stores. Violife, Trader Joe's, and Herbivorous Butcher are good brands to try. This is the only vegan ingredient in this make-ahead feta cheese salad recipe. Use regular feta cheese if you are following a dairy-free diet.
How to make it 🔪
To Make Air-Fried Croutons
If you're using store-bought croutons, feel free to skip this step. But if you want to make crunchy, flavorful croutons at home, here's a quick and easy way to do it in the air fryer!
- Cut the bread into even-sized cubes. The crust adds extra crunch, so keep it on!
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Add the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoned oil over and toss gently until all pieces are well-coated.
- Arrange the cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, shaking halfway through. Let the croutons cool completely before adding to your tomato and cheese salad or storing for later use.
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To Make the Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad
- Peel and chop the cucumbers, then add them to a large bowl. You can also slice the cucumbers thin.
- Rinse and slit the cherry tomatoes vertically, and toss them in with the cucumbers.
- Add thinly sliced onions for a bit of bite.
- Throw in some roughly torn basil leaves, chopped parsley, and shredded lettuce for freshness and color.
- Sprinkle in the vegan feta crumbles to add that creamy, tangy element.
- Add minced garlic, chopped green chillies, salt, and black pepper for bold, spicy flavor.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
- Add the croutons, then toss everything well to combine, making sure the dressing coats the veggies evenly. Let the Cherry Tomato Onion Cucumber Salad rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
You can serve this Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad in a couple of ways depending on your texture preference:
- 🥣 Add the croutons along with the other ingredients and let them soak in the dressing and veggie juices for a softer, marinated texture.
- 🥗 Add the croutons just before serving if you prefer that irresistible crunch in every bite.
This refreshing summer Mediterranean chopped salad isn't just another side-it's a little different and special, and a great way to brighten up your dining table with something green, fresh, and vibrant.
This summer veggie bowl makes a delicious starter for any lunch or dinner, and it's also great for meal prep, cookouts, barbecues, pool parties (served with Rose Lemonade, or Lemon Iced Tea), family/friends get togethers, or packed lunches. If you're packing it to-go, just store the croutons separately and mix them in right before eating to maintain their crispness.
Honestly, this hearty, flavor-packed, and wholesome vegan tomato salad with croutons is satisfying enough to be a light and healthy main course all on its own!
What to serve with this Vegan Greek Salad
This Vegan Cucumber Tomato Salad With Feta Cheese is light, refreshing, and versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
🫓 With Bread or Wraps
- Serve it with warm pita bread, garlic naan, or toasted sourdough
- Make it a meal by stuffing it into wraps or pita pockets with hummus or falafel
🍲 With Main Dishes
- Pair it with grilled tofu, chickpea patties, or stuffed bell peppers
- Serve alongside a vegan pasta dish, risotto, or Capsicum Rice
🥣 With Soups or Stews
- Complements Mediterranean-inspired soups like lentil soup, broccoli soup, tomato soup, Thai noodle soup, Minestrone soup, or Greek lemon orzo soup
🍢 As a Side at BBQs or Picnics
- A great side for vegan burgers, chilli cheese toast, grilled corn, or vegetables, baked tofu or tempeh, or plant-based skewers
- Serve cold at picnics or potlucks with sandwiches like Potato Sandwich, Protein Sandwiches, or Bombay Sandwich-it travels well and holds up beautifully
🧺 As Part of a Mezze Platter
- Add it to a mezze board with hummus, olives, dolmas, baba ganoush, and roasted veggies
Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a starter, or a complement to a hearty main course, this fresh Tomato Feta salad fits in beautifully with almost any meal!
💭 Priya's Recipe Tips
Swap Plant-based feta crumbles with regular feta cheese cut in cubes, mozzarella balls, crumbled goat cheese or even fresh burrata if you are not following a dairy-free diet. To make this recipe gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free bread to make the croutons, or skip them altogether. Feel free to customize this Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have in your pantry! Italian dressing or Balsamic dressing can be added if you want.
Recipe FAQs 📖
You can also pan-fry them on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once midway. Alternatively, you can simply toast the bread slices in a toaster, cut and then add them to the bowl with the seasoning.
If you have leftovers, this Cucumber Feta Cheese Salad can be stored with a few simple tips to keep it fresh and flavorful:
🥣 Storage: Transfer the Mediterranean chopped salad (without the croutons and feta) to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables and vegan feta don't hold up well in the freezer and may turn mushy upon thawing.
🧀 Hold the Toppings: If you're not eating it right away, it's best to leave out the vegan feta and croutons. Add them just before serving to keep the texture crisp and the flavor intact.
🍞 Crouton Storage: Let the homemade air-fried croutons cool completely, then store them in an airtight jar or container at room temperature. They'll stay crunchy for 2-3 days.
💡Pro Tip: If your Cherry Tomato Feta salad looks a bit watery after refrigeration, just drain excess liquid and refresh it with a quick splash of olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
This vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is super versatile! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or the flavors you're craving.
🥬 Greens to Add
Add more leafy greens for extra freshness and color:
Mint leaves, dill, baby kale, arugula, spinach, sweet pea leaves, or even beet greens.
🥕 Extra Veggies
Boost the crunch and flavor with:
Bell peppers, avocado, radishes, beets, boiled potatoes, shredded cabbage, carrots, corn, olives, or capers.
🍽️ Plant-Based Proteins
Turn this Cucumber Tomato and Feta Cheese Salad into a hearty, protein-rich meal by adding:
Cooked or canned beans - like chickpeas, kidney beans, or lentils
Tofu (grilled or baked), or paneer if you're not vegan.
Grains - such as quinoa, couscous, herbed rice, bulgur, or teff.
Mini pasta or orzo - for a Mediterranean grain-salad twist.
🍉 Add a Fruity Twist
Yes, fruit works beautifully in this Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad! Try:
Watermelon, strawberries, mangoes, oranges, apples, pears, or peaches for a sweet, juicy contrast.
🧄 Flavor Boosters
Sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami-rich finish, or add a teaspoon of roasted cumin powder for warm, earthy depth. Sambal olek will also spice it up.
For an Indian-inspired twist, add a tempering of fresh curry leaves and cumin seeds.
This refreshing summer tomato cucumber salad is like a blank canvas-feel free to get creative and make it your own!
If you're skipping croutons-whether for a gluten-free option or just for variety-there are plenty of delicious, crunchy substitutes you can use:
🥜 Toasted Nuts - Try almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
🌻 Seeds - Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds add texture and healthy fats. You can also store-bought plant-based salad toppers.
🧆 Crispy Chickpeas - Roasted or air-fried chickpeas bring protein and a satisfying crunch. Pita chips can also be added.
🌱 Crunchy Lentils - Fried or roasted lentils are a great savory topping.
🍞 Pangrattato - Also called "poor man's Parmesan," these toasted breadcrumbs are a flavorful substitute.
🍚 Roasted Puffed Rice - Adds a fun, light crunch and an Indian-inspired twist.
These crouton alternatives make this vegan tomato feta salad recipe even more versatile-perfect for customizing to your taste and dietary needs!
🧂 Fried Capers - Tiny but mighty! They add a salty, crispy burst of flavor and elevate your summer salad instantly.
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious dressing alternatives you can try with this Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad:
🧀 Whipped Feta Dressing - Blend vegan feta with a splash of olive oil, mustard, and lemon juice for a creamy, tangy drizzle.
🥛 Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing - Use plant-based Greek yogurt with garlic, herbs, and lemon for a cool, protein-packed option.
🇮🇹 Italian Dressing - A classic mix of olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs-zesty and flavorful.
🍇 Balsamic Vinaigrette - Adds a sweet-tart note that pairs beautifully with tomatoes and feta.
🌿 Tahini-Based Dressing - Creamy, nutty, and a little different-great for an earthy flavor twist.
Feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences or what you have in your pantry!
🍃 Pesto Sauce - Stir in few spoonfuls of pesto for a rich, herbaceous punch that complements the fresh veggies beautifully.
To make Greek-style Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, skip the lettuce. Add kalamata olives or green olives along with bell peppers. In the dressin, add dried oregano (a must in Greek salad) and even ground cumin or Dijon mustard.
More Summer Recipes
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Recipe 📖
Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons
Equipment
Ingredients
To Make Homemade Air Fried Croutons
- 4 slices bread
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- salt
To Prepare The Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup sliced onions
- ½ cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup basil
- 1 cup lettuce
- 6 oz vegan feta crumbles
- 2 chopped green chillies
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
To Make Homemade Air Fried Croutons
- If you're using store-bought croutons, feel free to skip this step. But if you want to make crunchy, flavorful croutons at home, here's a quick and easy way to do it in the air fryer!
- Cut the bread into even-sized cubes. The crust adds extra crunch, so keep it on!
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Add the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Pour the seasoned oil over and toss gently until all pieces are well-coated.
- Arrange the cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, shaking halfway through. Let the croutons cool completely before adding to your tomato and cheese salad or storing for later use.
To Prepare The Cucumber Tomato And Feta Salad
- Peel and chop the cucumbers, then add them to a large bowl. You can also slice the cucumbers thin.
- Rinse and slit the cherry tomatoes vertically, and toss them in with the cucumbers.
- Add thinly sliced onions for a bit of bite.
- Throw in some roughly torn basil leaves, chopped parsley, and shredded lettuce for freshness and color.
- Sprinkle in the vegan feta crumbles to add that creamy, tangy element.
- Add minced garlic, chopped green chillies, salt, and black pepper for bold, spicy flavor.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
- Add the croutons, then toss everything well to combine, making sure the dressing coats the veggies evenly. Let the Cherry Tomato Onion Cucumber Salad rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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