Go Back
A fresh Cucumber Goat Cheese Salad in a white bowl, featuring sliced cucumbers, crumbled white cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and green herbs.
Layla

Refreshing Cucumber Goat Cheese Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette

A light and vibrant salad featuring crisp cucumbers, creamy goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill, all tossed in a zesty lemon-dill vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a refreshing side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 large English cucumbers peeled and thinly sliced into half-moons or diced
  • 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup Red onion thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 3 tbsp Fresh dill finely chopped, divided
  • 4 oz Goat cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Black olives pitted and halved (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Toasted walnuts roughly chopped (optional, for crunch)
For the Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Prepare the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill.
  2. Pour the prepared lemon-dill vinaigrette over the vegetables. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  3. Carefully fold in the crumbled goat cheese. If using, add the pitted black olives and toasted walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.
  4. Transfer the Cucumber Goat Cheese Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers. If preparing ahead of time, store the vinaigrette and salad components separately in the refrigerator and combine just before serving. For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.