Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Vegetables: Wash your English cucumber. Use a vegetable peeler to create a “striped” pattern on the skin for extra visual flair, then slice it into sturdy, 1/2-inch thick wheels to act as the base. Halve your cherry tomatoes and give them a quick roast in the oven with olive oil until slightly collapsed, or use jarred sun-dried tomatoes.Fruits & Vegetables
Cut and Season the Feta: Pat the block of feta dry. Cut it into thick squares or use a round biscuit cutter to match the shape of your cucumber slices. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Gently press the feta pieces into the herb mixture until heavily crusted on all sides.
Assemble the Skewers: Lay your cucumber wheels flat on a serving platter to establish the foundation. Stack a piece of the herb-crusted feta directly on top of each cucumber. Follow with a tomato half, a small piece of fresh dill, and cap it off with a whole Kalamata olive.
Anchor and Drizzle: Push a wooden toothpick straight down through the center of the stack until it secures firmly into the cucumber base. Just before serving, spoon any remaining herb oil from the bowl over the tops of the skewers for a glossy, aromatic finish.
Chef’s Pro Tips
Choose the Right Feta: For this recipe, avoid pre-crumbled feta. Buy a whole block sold in brine—Greek sheep’s milk or a high-quality French feta works best. It is creamier, holds its shape beautifully when sliced, and absorbs the herb oil much more effectively.
Moisture Management: If making these a few hours ahead, let your sliced cucumbers sit on a paper-towel-lined plate for 10 minutes to absorb excess moisture before assembling. This prevents them from slipping or creating a puddle on your serving platter.
Flavor Twists
The Watermelon Refresh: Swap out the cucumber wheels for small squares of cold, crisp watermelon. The sweet-and-salty combination of watermelon and seasoned feta is an absolute summertime classic.
The Pesto Drizzle: Instead of the dried oregano vinaigrette, drizzle the finished skewers with a vibrant, store-bought or homemade basil pesto and a splash of balsamic glaze.
Prosciutto Wrap: Wrap a thin ribbon of prosciutto around the seasoned feta block before skewering it to the cucumber for an extra layer of savory, rich complexity.
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