Description
Greek Feta & Cucumber Bite Skewers are fresh, colourful appetizers made with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, Kalamata olives, red onion, and a bright lemon herb dressing.
Ingredients
1 large English cucumber, cut into thick rounds
6 oz (170 g) feta cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted
1/4 small red onion, cut into small pieces
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp Greek yogurt, optional
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the cucumber and cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Cut the cucumber into thick rounds and the red onion into small bite-sized pieces. Keeping the cucumber rounds fairly thick helps them stay sturdy on the appetizer skewers.
2. Cut the feta into cubes roughly similar in size to the cucumber pieces. If the feta is very moist, gently pat it with a paper towel so the cubes hold their shape better during assembly.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
4. Thread one cucumber round, one cherry tomato, one feta cube, one Kalamata olive, and a small piece of red onion onto each small appetizer skewer.
5. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are used. Keep the pieces secure but avoid pressing them together too tightly.
6. Place the finished skewers on a large serving platter in a single layer. Arranging them neatly makes them easier for guests to pick up and helps prevent the feta from breaking apart.
7. Spoon or drizzle the lemon herb dressing lightly over the assembled skewers. Distribute it evenly so the cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and olives all receive a little of the bright dressing.
8. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and dill over the skewers. The fresh herbs add colour as well as a bright, refreshing flavour.
9. Refrigerate the assembled skewers for 15–20 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the flavours to come together while keeping the vegetables crisp.
10. Serve chilled or slightly cool as a Greek-inspired appetizer, party snack, summer bite, or light starter. If desired, serve with Greek yogurt on the side and sprinkle the skewers with toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Use an English cucumber because its firm texture and relatively thin skin make it ideal for appetizer skewers.
Dry the vegetables well before assembly. Excess moisture can make the skewers watery and cause the feta to slip.
Choose firm feta, preferably a block that can be cut into neat cubes rather than very soft crumbled feta.
Don’t overdress the skewers. A light drizzle is enough to add flavour without making the vegetables soggy.
Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter and cleaner dressing flavour.
Chill the assembled skewers briefly before serving. This helps the flavours meld while preserving the vegetables’ crunch.
Small appetizer skewers make these bites easier to serve and eat at parties.
You can assemble the skewers several hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. For the freshest texture, add the dressing shortly before serving.
Persian cucumbers or regular garden cucumbers can be used instead of English cucumber. If using a large cucumber with many seeds, remove some of the watery centre before slicing.
Firm goat cheese can replace feta, although feta provides the classic salty Mediterranean flavour.
Bell pepper, marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or small pieces of zucchini can be added for extra variety.
If you prefer a milder flavour, leave out the red onion or replace it with thinly sliced green onion.
Serve with hummus, tzatziki, pita bread, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or other Mediterranean-inspired appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek