The first time I whipped up some Feta Skewers with Cucumber, it was almost by accident. I had a block of feta nearing its expiry date and a fridge full of cucumbers, and guests arriving in under an hour. What started as a frantic attempt to use up ingredients quickly blossomed into an absolute revelation! These little bites are not just easy; they’re refreshingly vibrant and surprisingly versatile. Perfect for impromptu gatherings, a light snack, or even a sophisticated appetizer spread, they consistently disappear faster than anything else on the table.
What Makes This Recipe Special
You know those recipes that just hit all the right notes? This is one of them. For starters, these Feta Skewers with Cucumber are ridiculously easy to assemble, making them a lifesaver when you need a quick appetizer but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or presentation. They’re also incredibly fresh, thanks to the crisp cucumber and tangy feta, offering a delightful contrast that awakens the palate. Plus, we’re not just giving you one idea, but five! This means you can tailor them to your mood, your guests’ preferences, or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. They’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian (which they already are!).
> “I made these for a last-minute get-together, and everyone raved about how light and flavorful they were. So simple, yet so impressive!” – A Happy Host
How This Recipe Comes Together
Crafting these delightful skewers is less about complicated cooking and more about artful assembly. You’ll start by preparing your fresh ingredients – slicing cucumbers, cubing feta, and getting your chosen additional elements ready. Then, it’s a simple matter of threading everything onto small skewers, arranging them beautifully, and perhaps adding a final flourish like a drizzle or a sprinkle. The magic truly lies in the combination of textures and flavors on each stick, offering a perfect bite every time.
Ingredient List
You’ll need a few core items, plus some flavorful additions depending on which of the five ideas you choose to explore.
Core Ingredients:
- English Cucumber: Roughly 1 large, or 2 smaller ones. Choose firm, dark green cucumbers.
- Feta Cheese: 8 oz block. Opt for a good quality feta packed in brine; it’s creamier and more flavorful.
- Small Skewers: Wooden or bamboo, about 4-6 inches long.
Optional Additions (for your 5 ideas!):
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved
- Kalamata Olives: Pitted
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Small
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced or finely diced
- Bell Pepper: Any color, cut into small squares
- Prosciutto or Salami: Folded or rolled (for a non-vegetarian option)
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Small
- Balsamic Glaze: For drizzling
- Lemon Zest: For brightness
- Dried Oregano or Za’atar: For seasoning
Directions to Follow
Let’s get these delicious skewers assembled!
- Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Depending on your preference, you can peel it or leave the skin on for extra color and nutrients. Slice the cucumber into rounds, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. If using a block of feta, try to make the cucumber slices similar in size to your feta cubes for an even look.
- Cube the Feta: If using a block, carefully cut the feta into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch. If using pre-crumbled feta, you might want to press it lightly into small clumps or consider a different shape for easier skewering.
- Gather Your Additions: Prepare any additional ingredients you’ve chosen for your specific skewer ideas (e.g., halve cherry tomatoes, pit olives, tear mint, chop bell pepper).
- Assemble the Skewers: This is where the fun begins! Thread your ingredients onto the small skewers. There’s no strict order, but aim for a visually appealing combination of colors and textures.
- Idea 1: Classic Greek: Feta cube, Kalamata olive, cucumber slice, cherry tomato.
- Idea 2: Mediterranean Mint: Feta cube, cucumber slice, fresh mint leaf, red onion sliver.
- Idea 3: Colorful Veggie: Feta cube, bell pepper square, cucumber slice, cherry tomato.
- Idea 4: Savory Twist: Feta cube, folded prosciutto/salami (if using), cucumber slice, basil leaf.
- Idea 5: Lemon Herb: Feta cube, cucumber slice, a tiny sprinkle of oregano/za’atar, and a tiny strip of lemon zest.
- Arrange and Serve: Once all your skewers are assembled, arrange them artfully on a platter. If using, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Feta Skewers are incredibly versatile. They shine as a light and refreshing appetizer for almost any occasion – backyard BBQs, elegant dinner parties, picnic spreads, or just a sophisticated snack while you unwind. For a more substantial offering, consider serving them alongside a vibrant green salad, some crusty bread with olive oil, or a bowl of hummus. They also make a fantastic addition to a mezze platter, complementing other Mediterranean-inspired dishes beautifully.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Feta Skewers with Cucumber are best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumber can start to release water and become less crisp over time. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To ensure they stay as fresh as possible, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. Avoid drizzling with balsamic glaze or other dressings until just before serving if you anticipate having leftovers, as this can make the ingredients soggy more quickly. These skewers do not freeze well due to the high water content of the cucumber and the texture of fresh feta.
Pro Chef Tips
- Quality Feta Matters: Don’t skimp on the feta! A good quality feta, ideally Greek and packed in brine, will have a creamier texture and a richer, saltier flavor that elevates the entire skewer.
- Uniform Cutting: Try to cut your cucumber and feta into similar sizes and shapes. This not only makes for a more aesthetically pleasing skewer but also ensures an even distribution of flavors with every bite.
- Balance of Texture: Think about contrasting textures. The crisp cucumber against the soft, crumbly feta is key. Adding an olive provides a firmer bite, while a bell pepper adds a gentle crunch.
- Chill Before Serving: A brief chill in the refrigerator (15-30 minutes) before serving can enhance the refreshing quality of these skewers, especially on a warm day.
- Don’t Overload: Keep the skewers manageable. A few well-chosen ingredients on each skewer are better than trying to cram too much on, which can make them difficult to eat.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of these skewers lies in their adaptability! Here are a few more creative twists beyond the initial 5 ideas:
- Pesto Drizzle: Instead of balsamic glaze, try a light drizzle of fresh basil pesto for an herbaceous kick.
- Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to one of your skewers for those who like a little heat.
- Fruit Infusion: For a surprising sweet and savory combination, try adding a small piece of cantaloupe or watermelon alongside the feta and cucumber.
- Artichoke Hearts: Quartered marinated artichoke hearts can add a lovely tang and unique texture.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Submerge a few rehydrated sun-dried tomato pieces for a concentrated burst of sweet and tangy flavor.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I prepare these Feta Skewers in advance?
A: You can prepare the ingredients (cube feta, slice cucumber, etc.) a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. For the best texture, assemble the skewers no more than 2-3 hours before serving to keep the cucumber crisp and fresh.
Q: What kind of skewers should I use?
A: Small wooden or bamboo skewers, typically 4-6 inches long, work perfectly. If you’re going for a more elegant presentation, you can find decorative cocktail picks or even small metal skewers.
Q: I’m not a fan of olives, what can I substitute?
A: No problem! Olives are just one option. You can easily substitute them with bell pepper pieces, marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or even small cubes of roasted red pepper from a jar. The goal is to add another layer of flavor and texture you enjoy!
Classic Feta & Cucumber Skewers
Equipment
- Paper Towels
- Small Skewers or Toothpicks
- Platter
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Feta Cheese block, in brine
- 1 unit English Cucumber
- 1 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Pitted Kalamata Olives
Dressing & Garnish
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the feta block dry with a paper towel, then cut it into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes.
- Wash and slice the English cucumber into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds, half-moons, or cubes similar to the feta size.
- Wash the cherry/grape tomatoes and ensure the Kalamata olives are pitted.
Assembly and Serving
- Thread the prepared ingredients onto small skewers in your desired pattern, such as cucumber, feta, tomato, and olive, ensuring not to overload them.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter; if not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Just before serving, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano if desired.