Mediterranean-Inspired Persian Lunch Salad: Keto Cucumber & Feta Delight with Mint-Infused Vinaigrette

Discover this delicious and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired Persian lunch salad on a keto diet. Featuring cool cucumber slices, tangy feta cheese, and a fragrant mint-infused vinaigrette, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Time: (Prep, Cook, Total): Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: None Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Persian-Mediterranean Fusion

Allergens

Dairy (Feta Cheese)

Ingredients

4 cups English cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped mint leaves and let it infuse for 15 minutes to develop the aroma.
Thinly slice the cucumbers and arrange them on a serving platter or individual plates.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the cucumber slices.
Drizzle the mint infused vinaigrette evenly over the salad, ensuring each component is well coated.
Optional: Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts for added crunch and texture.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chef’s Insight

The secret to this dish is in the balance of flavors - the tangy feta, the cool cucumber, and the fragrant mint all come together to create an irresistible combination. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Notes

Be sure to use English cucumbers for their tender skin and minimal seed content. Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing aroma and flavor, so avoid using dried mint in this recipe.

Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, replace feta cheese with vegan cheese or omit it entirely. Use lemon juice and apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a more budget-friendly option.

Alternative Preparations

This dish can be easily adapted to include grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete protein source, turning it into a hearty meal.

Alternative Methods

While this recipe calls for no cooking, you can add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Best Storage Practice

Store cucumber slices and feta cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The mint-infused vinaigrette can be stored in a sealed jar. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Shelf Life

Cucumbers and feta cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. Mint leaves will last up to two days, while the vinaigrette can be stored for up to a week.

Plating Tips

Arrange cucumber slices artfully on the plate or platter, creating a visually appealing pattern. Drizzle the vinaigrette generously over the salad and garnish with additional mint leaves for added color.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving, this dish contains approximately 25g of fat (mostly from olive oil), 10g of protein (from feta cheese), and 4g of fiber (from cucumber).