I still remember the first time I made these Feta Skewers with Cucumber. I was hosting a last-minute get-together, and I needed something refreshing, easy, and impressive in a pinch. These skewers were an absolute lifesaver, disappearing from the platter faster than anything else! They’re the perfect little bite for when you want something light, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for a quick snack, a healthy appetizer, or effortless summer entertaining.
Why you’ll love this dish
Honestly, what’s not to love about Feta Skewers with Cucumber? They hit all the right notes for a fantastic, fuss-free dish. First, they are incredibly quick to assemble, perfect for those busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive. You’re looking at minutes, not hours, in the kitchen. Second, they’re wonderfully refreshing, especially on a warm day, thanks to the crisp cucumber and juicy cherry tomatoes. The salty feta provides a delicious counterpoint, making each bite a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan with a simple feta swap, making them a crowd-pleasing option for diverse dietary needs.
> “These feta skewers are my go-to for pretty much any gathering. They’re so light and fresh, and everyone always asks for the ‘recipe’ even though it’s barely a recipe! Super easy and always a hit.” — A satisfied reviewer
The cooking process explained
Making these Feta Skewers with Cucumber is less about ‘cooking’ and more about ‘assembling’ – which is part of their charm! Essentially, you’ll be dicing your feta and cucumber into bite-sized pieces, then threading them onto small skewers along with cherry tomatoes and olives. A quick drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano tie all the flavors together beautifully. It’s a no-cook process that focuses on fresh, quality ingredients and simple presentation, making it accessible to even the most novice of kitchen adventurers.
What you’ll need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle won, and for these skewers, you won’t need much. The beauty lies in the simplicity and freshness of each component.
- Feta Cheese: A good quality block of feta, preferably packed in brine, will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully as they have fewer seeds and thinner skins.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Look for vibrant, firm cherry tomatoes; grape tomatoes also work well.
- Kalamata Olives: Pitted Kalamata olives are perfect for convenience and their rich, briny flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality EVOO enhances all the flavors.
- Dried Oregano: This classic Mediterranean herb adds an authentic touch.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Small Skewers: Wooden or bamboo skewers, about 4-6 inches long, are ideal.
Directions to follow
Let’s get these delicious skewers assembled!
- Prepare the Feta: First, carefully cut your block of feta cheese into roughly ¾-inch cubes. Aim for pieces that are easy to thread onto a skewer but still substantial enough to hold their shape.
- Dice the Cucumber: Wash and dry your cucumber. If using a standard cucumber, you might want to peel it first; for English or Persian cucumbers, the skin is usually fine to leave on. Cut the cucumber into similar ¾-inch pieces as the feta.
- Wash Tomatoes: Gently wash your cherry tomatoes and pat them dry. No need to cut them unless they are particularly large.
- Drain Olives: Drain any brine from your Kalamata olives. Ensure they are pitted for easier eating.
- Assemble Skewers: Now for the fun part! Take a small skewer and begin threading your ingredients. A good sequence often includes a piece of cucumber, followed by a cherry tomato, then a feta cube, and finally an olive. Repeat this pattern once or twice per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers and how many ingredients you want on each.
- Arrange on Platter: Once all your skewers are assembled, arrange them neatly on a serving platter.
- Drizzle and Season: Lightly drizzle the assembled skewers with extra virgin olive oil.
- Garnish: Sprinkle dried oregano over the top, and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
These Feta Skewers with Cucumber are incredibly versatile in how they can be enjoyed. They shine as a standalone appetizer at any gathering, big or small. For a light lunch, you could serve them alongside a small green salad or a bowl of hummus and pita bread. They also make a fantastic addition to a mezze platter with other Mediterranean delights like olives, dolmades, and roasted red peppers. Or simply grab a few as a refreshing afternoon snack to beat the heat or satisfy a savory craving.
Keeping leftovers fresh
While these skewers are always best enjoyed fresh, if you happen to have any leftover (a rare occurrence!), they can be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. They will keep well for 1-2 days. The cucumber might lose a little of its crispness over time, but the flavors will still be delicious. I don’t recommend freezing these as the cucumber texture will become mushy upon thawing, and the feta can also become crumbly.
Pro chef tips
To really elevate your Feta Skewers:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there’s no cooking, the flavor of each ingredient truly shines. Invest in good quality feta (preferably made from sheep or goat milk), fresh, crisp cucumbers, and ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Marinate Slightly: For an extra burst of flavor, you can briefly marinate the feta cubes in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of oregano for about 15-20 minutes before assembling.
- Chill Before Serving: A quick chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving can enhance the refreshing quality of these skewers, especially on a hot day.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give each skewer a little breathing room on the platter. This makes them easier to pick up and look more appealing.
Creative twists
While classic is great, there’s always room for a little creativity!
- Herbaceous Boost: Beyond oregano, try adding a tiny sprig of fresh mint or basil leaf between the ingredients for an extra herbaceous note.
- Spicy Kick: A very thin slice of mild pickled jalapeño or a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat.
- Protein Power-Up: For a more substantial bite, add a folded piece of smoked turkey or a small cube of grilled chicken.
- Veggie Variety: Bell pepper pieces (red, yellow, or orange) or even some artichoke heart quarters could be threaded onto the skewers for added color and flavor.
- Dipping Delight: Serve these with a side of tzatziki or a balsamic glaze for dipping.
FAQ
How far in advance can I make these Feta Skewers?
It’s best to assemble them no more than 2-3 hours before serving to ensure the cucumber remains crisp and the feta doesn’t dry out. If you need to prep ahead, you can chop all the ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then assemble just before your guests arrive.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While feta provides that quintessential salty, tangy flavor, you could experiment with other firm cheeses like halloumi (though it’s often grilled), mozzarella balls (bocconcini), or even a firm goat cheese for a different profile. Keep in mind the texture will change.
Are these suitable for a party with kids?
Absolutely! These are very kid-friendly. Kids often love finger foods, and the bright colors are appealing. If your kids aren’t keen on olives, simply omit them from their skewers. You can even get them involved in the assembly process!
Classic Feta Skewers with Cucumber
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the feta into 1-inch cubes, slice the cucumber into ½-inch rounds, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Prepare the red onion as desired, either thinly sliced or cut into small wedges.
- Thread the ingredients onto skewers, alternating cucumber, tomato, feta, and red onion for visual appeal. Add mint or basil leaves periodically between ingredients for extra freshness.
- If using, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter and drizzle with the dressing just before serving, if desired. Enjoy immediately!