Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Skewers Recipe | Fresh and Flavorful Appetizer
1. Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a snack that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful, look no further than Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Skewers! This light and healthy appetizer is perfect for warm weather gatherings, barbecues, or simply as a quick snack when you want something satisfying without the heaviness.
The crisp, cool cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese are perfectly balanced on a skewer for easy snacking. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a bite-sized treat that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s so easy to assemble that even beginners in the kitchen will feel like pros.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some delicious variations to make your Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Skewers truly your own. Let’s get started!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these fresh and flavorful skewers:
Main Ingredients:
- Cucumber (1 large, sliced):
Crisp and refreshing, cucumber is the perfect base for these skewers. It adds a cool crunch and balances the richness of the feta cheese. For the best texture, use English cucumber, which has fewer seeds and a thinner skin. - Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint):
Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes offer a burst of flavor that complements the cucumber and feta perfectly. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best taste and color. If you prefer, you can also use grape tomatoes or any small tomato variety. - Feta Cheese (1/2 cup, cubed):
Feta brings a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables. Opt for block feta and cut it into cubes for a firmer texture. You can also use goat cheese or queso fresco if you prefer a milder cheese.
For the Dressing:
- Olive Oil (1-2 tbsp):
Olive oil helps to bind the flavors and gives the skewers a rich, smooth finish. You can also use avocado oil for a more neutral flavor or add a little lemon juice for a citrusy touch. - Fresh Herbs (1 tbsp, chopped):
Fresh basil, mint, or parsley work wonderfully here, bringing a bright, herby kick to the dish. You can mix and match based on your preference or use a dried herb blend if fresh herbs are unavailable. - Salt and Pepper (to taste):
A pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper enhance the flavors of the tomatoes and feta. If you’re looking to make this dish even more flavorful, add a sprinkle of smoked salt or chili flakes for an extra dimension.
Optional Add-ins:
- Olives:
If you love olives, add a few green or Kalamata olives to your skewers for extra flavor and brininess. - Red Onion:
For a bit of sharpness, add a few thin slices of red onion. They pair wonderfully with the sweet tomatoes and creamy feta.
Substitutions for Dietary Preferences:
- Vegan: Use vegan feta or tofu cubes for a plant-based alternative. You can also skip the cheese entirely and use an avocado for creaminess.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to serve it with bread, opt for gluten-free pita or crusty gluten-free bread.
- Low Carb: The recipe is low in carbs, but if you’re looking for a zero-carb alternative, skip the bread and focus entirely on the vegetables and cheese.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve got the ingredients covered, let’s dive into the easy step-by-step process for making these skewers:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the cucumber:
Slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch rounds. If using an English cucumber, you can leave the skin on. For a smoother texture, peel the cucumber before slicing. - Cut the feta cheese:
Cut your feta cheese into bite-sized cubes. Ensure the cubes are firm enough to hold their shape on the skewer. - Prep the tomatoes:
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and halve them for an added burst of flavor. If the tomatoes are large, you can quarter them.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
- Start with the cucumber:
Take a wooden skewer (or metal skewer if you prefer) and add a cucumber slice to the skewer, pushing it all the way down to the bottom. - Add the tomato:
Next, add a halved cherry tomato onto the skewer, followed by a cube of feta cheese. Repeat this process to fill the skewer, layering the cucumber, tomato, and feta for a colorful and tasty stack.
Step 3: Drizzle and Season
- Drizzle with olive oil:
Once the skewers are assembled, place them on a serving platter. Drizzle 1-2 tbsp of olive oil over the skewers for a smooth finish. - Add fresh herbs:
Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs (like basil or parsley) over the skewers. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a vibrant green color. - Season to taste:
Finish off with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a little heat, you can also sprinkle chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these refreshing skewers immediately, or let them rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld together. The cool and savory flavors of the cucumber, tomato, and feta are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last for a few hours if needed.
4. Tips and Variations
Here are some helpful tips and variations to make this recipe your own:
- Perfectly Layered Skewers: To avoid overloading the skewers, aim for a balanced layer of vegetables and cheese. Each bite should have a little bit of everything.
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella balls, for a different flavor profile.
- Add Spice: For a bit of a spicy edge, drizzle the skewers with sriracha sauce or sprinkle some chili powder for a bold twist.
- Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried oregano or dried basil. Just be sure to use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Low-Calorie Option: Skip the olive oil drizzle for a lighter version. You can also use low-fat feta if you’re trying to cut calories.
5. Serving Suggestions
These Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Skewers are perfect for various occasions. Here are a few ideas to serve them with:
- Side Salad: Pair with a refreshing Greek salad or arugula salad for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Dip Options: Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping. The creamy dips complement the fresh skewers beautifully.
- Main Course Pairing: These skewers are perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken, lamb chops, or a veggie burger.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Make sure they’re well-sealed to maintain their freshness.
- Reheating: If you need to reheat them, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. You can also heat them in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, but the texture might soften.
7. Recipe Notes
- Prep Ahead: These skewers can be prepped ahead of time. Just assemble them and store them in the fridge, then drizzle with olive oil and season right before serving.
- Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning during grilling (if you choose to grill them).
- Herb Options: Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or mint for a different flavor.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 100 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Slice the cucumber and halve the tomatoes.
- Cube the feta cheese.
- Assemble the skewers by layering cucumber, tomato, and feta.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Best served fresh.
- Can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition:
- 100 calories per serving.
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
These Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Skewers are a simple, fresh, and flavorful snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering. With their bright, refreshing flavors and beautiful presentation, they’re the perfect addition to your next party or casual get-together. Whether you serve them on their own or as a side to your favorite Mediterranean dish, these skewers are always a crowd-pleaser. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Enjoy!