Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate summer side or a crave-worthy lunch, this irresistible Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons deserves a permanent spot on your table. It’s a celebration of color, crunch, and creamy tang, all tossed together in a zesty dressing and crowned with homemade air-fried croutons. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or as a fresh weeknight meal, you’ll fall in love with each herby, vibrant bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple medley of fresh veggies, herbs, tangy vegan feta, and crunchy croutons is what makes the Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons so sensational. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s a crisp texture, a boost of color, or a burst of bold flavor.

• Bread: Use thick-cut bread, preferably a bit stale, to make the perfect crisp croutons that won’t get soggy in your salad.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the croutons and dressing come together beautifully.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for giving both your croutons and the salad layers of savory depth.
• Onion Powder: Balances the brightness and enhances the croutons’ flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of heat that livens up the croutons and salad dressing.
• Italian Seasonings: Herbs like oregano and thyme add irresistible aroma and flavor to the croutons.
• Salt: Brings all the flavors together—sprinkle generously, but taste as you go!
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes are the heart of this salad, bursting with summery flavor.
• Cucumber: Refreshing crispness and a cooling note to balance the heat and acidity.
• Sliced Onions: Add sharpness and crunch for that classic salad bite.
• Chopped Parsley: Bright, grassy freshness that lifts up every forkful.
• Basil: Fragrant, sweet basil leaves add the most beautiful aroma and flavor.
• Lettuce: Brings structure and more crunch, making the salad feel hearty.
• Vegan Feta Crumbles: Creamy, tangy, and salty—these mimic feta perfectly for a plant-based upgrade.
• Green Chilies: A kick of spicy excitement with every bite—add to your taste!
• Minced Garlic: Intensifies the flavor and brings a savory edge to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zing of acidity and wakes up all the flavors.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Sharpens the taste and perfectly complements the veggies and feta.
• Black Pepper: Enhances all the other vibrant flavors in the bowl.

How to Make Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons

Step 1: Make Homemade Air Fried Croutons

For next-level crunch and flavor, make your own croutons! Slice up your bread into cubes, keeping the crusts for extra crunchiness. Whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt, then toss the bread cubes until every piece is well-coated. Pop them in your air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for about 6 minutes, shaking once halfway. Let them cool while you prep the rest of the salad—try not to sneak too many before they hit the bowl!

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Herbs

Peel and chop your cucumber (or slice it thin, depending on your preference) and halve your juicy cherry tomatoes. Add both to a large salad bowl with thinly sliced onion. Roughly tear or chop the basil and parsley, add shredded lettuce, and toss all the greens together gently. The combination of fresh herbs and crunchy lettuce fills your kitchen with the scent of summer!

Step 3: Add the Vegan Feta and Heat

Scatter vegan feta crumbles over your bowl of veggies and herbs. Toss in those finely chopped green chilies and minced garlic for boldness. Don’t forget a little extra kick from red pepper flakes, and season well with salt and black pepper. The vegan feta adds that creamy, tangy bite that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing and Toss

In a small vessel, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Pour the tangy dressing over the entire salad. Give it a thorough but gentle toss to make sure every piece gets a hit of that zesty, aromatic flavor. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving; this little pause lets the flavors meld and deepen.

Step 5: Finish with Croutons

Just before serving, fold in your cooled, air-fried croutons. This way, they stay super crunchy and delicious amidst the juicy salad goodness. Every forkful will be a bite of pure summer joy—crispy, creamy, herby, and super refreshing!

How to Serve Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons

Garnishes

Give your salad a gorgeous finishing touch with a shower of extra fresh basil or parsley, a sprinkle of extra vegan feta, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling festive, add a swirl of olive oil just before serving for that restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

This salad is so versatile! Pair it with grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or a big bowl of hummus and pita for a balanced vegan meal. It also shines alongside simple soups, grain pilafs, or as a bright, refreshing side to any cookout.

Creative Ways to Present

The Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons is a showstopper piled high on a shallow platter, but you can also serve it in individual glasses for picnics, or stuff it in pita pockets for a portable lunch. Turn leftovers into a wrap or sandwich for a next-day treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have salad left over (which is rare because it’s so good), cover it and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the croutons separate if possible so they don’t lose their crunch, and always give it a quick toss before serving again.

Freezing

The fresh veggies and vegan feta don’t stand up well to freezing, so this Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons is best enjoyed fresh. If you do want to prepare in advance, freeze just the croutons and keep the other ingredients freshly chopped.

Reheating

No reheating is needed. Let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off, and if you’ve stored the croutons separately, toss them in just before serving. This maintains the perfect contrast of crisp and juicy!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought croutons instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, grab your favorite crunchy store-bought croutons for this Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons. The homemade version adds extra flavor but store-bought works in a pinch.

What brand of vegan feta tastes best?

There are many great brands out there—look for one with a tangy, crumbly texture. Try Violife, Follow Your Heart, or local artisanal brands to see which one you love best in this salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and dressing a few hours ahead and keep them chilled. Toss in the croutons and vegan feta just before serving for the freshest, crunchiest results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free bread for your croutons, the Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons easily becomes gluten-free. All the other salad ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

How do I make this salad less spicy?

Just reduce or omit the green chilies and use fewer red pepper flakes. The salad will still be bright and refreshing, letting the flavors of the veggies and herbs really shine through.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says “fresh and fabulous” like the Easy Vegan Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad with Croutons. Every forkful brings the best of summer to the table, bursting with color and crunch. I can’t wait for you to try it and share your own twists—it’s sure to become a highlight in your recipe rotation!

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