Greek style viral cucumber salad

The cucumber shaker salads are back…with a Greek twist

I don’t think I’ve ever been so obsessed with a recipe category as I am with these viral cucumber shaker salads.

They’re ridiculously simple, take all of five minutes to throw together and somehow manage to taste like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually have. All you literally need to do is chuck everything into a container, pop the lid on and give it a good shake. That’s the recipe. Seriously. 

This version takes all the fresh flavours of Greece and turns them into a delicious summer side dish. Creamy Greek yoghurt, salty feta, fragrant dill, garlic, crisp cucumber and a little red onion all come together in one seriously addictive salad. I can confirm I’m officially obsessed with it. 

Every mouthful makes me want to book a flight, find a little taverna overlooking the sea and order absolutely everything on the menu. Can I do that anyway? For research purposes…

My take on the viral cucumber shaker salad

The cucumber shaker salad trend completely took over social media and I can absolutely understand why. 

Shaking the ingredients together coats every slice of cucumber evenly in the dressing without having to faff around mixing everything separately. It’s quick, satisfying and somehow makes the whole thing taste even better. It’s also ideal if you want to take out a little bit of rage, because I used this recipe as a bit of instant therapy. If you don’t have one of those smash rooms nearby, this is the next best thing. 

Can I make this into more of a meal?

Want even more Mediterranean flavour? Add a handful of sliced black or Kalamata olives for an extra added bit of Greek-ness. Or, you coud bulk this salad out even further by adding:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped peppers
• Fresh lemon juice
• Toasted pine nuts

Serving suggestions

If you want to add this side to your dinner, I’d recommed the following: 

• Grilled chicken, lamb or pork
• Homemade gyros or souvlaki
• Warm pittas and hummus
• Burgers
• Salmon or grilled prawns
• Crispy roast potatoes or air fryer chips

FAQs

What actually is a cucumber shaker salad?

A cucumber shaker salad is made by adding sliced cucumber and all the dressing ingredients into a container with a tight-fitting lid, then shaking everything together until evenly coated. 

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best shaken together just before serving. If you’re preparing ahead, salt the cucumbers first to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry before mixing with the dressing.

Can I use something instead of Greek yoghurt?

You can swap some or all of the Greek yoghurt for sour cream if you’d prefer a richer dressing, although Greek yoghurt keeps it lighter and adds a lovely zingyness.

What can I add to this salad?

Sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, peppers or even chickpeas all work well if you want to make it a little more substantial.