Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons

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.