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These vibrant feta skewers with cucumber have become my go-to appetizer for summer gatherings and picnics. Fresh vegetables and creamy feta come together for an easy snack that feels both elegant and effortless. They are perfect for warm evenings when I want something light but satisfying.
My kids love helping assemble the skewers and it gets them excited to eat more veggies. The first time I brought these to a picnic, everyone asked for the recipe and they have been a crowd favorite ever since.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese cubed: Quality feta is creamy and tangy For best results choose sheep’s milk feta stored in brine
- Cucumber sliced: Choose a crisp cucumber with firm flesh English cucumbers have delicate skin and tiny seeds
- Cherry tomatoes halved: Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes with bright color
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices and herbs stick Choose extra virgin for bold flavor
- Dried oregano: Gives a classic Mediterranean note Try to find Greek oregano for authenticity
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste Use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper for extra punch
- Small skewers or toothpicks: You will need these to assemble the bites Pick sturdy ones so everything stays together
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Cube the feta into bite size pieces and slice the cucumber into thick rounds Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes
- Set up your assembly line:
- Arrange feta cubes cucumber slices and tomato halves on plates Place skewers or toothpicks nearby so you can work efficiently
- Assemble the skewers:
- Working one at a time thread a cube of feta followed by a slice of cucumber and a tomato half Repeat the pattern for each skewer until you run out of ingredients
- Season and garnish:
- Arrange the completed skewers on a serving platter Drizzle with olive oil then sprinkle with dried oregano salt and pepper over the top For a special touch add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill
- Chill and serve:
- Place the finished skewers in the refrigerator for at least ten minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together Serve cold for the best texture and taste
I love using really briny sheep feta because it holds its shape and never turns mushy. My youngest niece once declared these the fancy cheese pops and the name stuck in our family.
Storage Tips
These skewers keep well in the fridge for up to two days as long as you store them in an airtight container. Place a damp paper towel in the bottom to keep the cucumber crisp. Avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables and cheese will change.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use firm goat cheese or mozzarella balls if you prefer milder flavors. Substitute ripe bell pepper chunks for cherry tomatoes for a sweeter bite. Add kalamata olives for an even more Mediterranean twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these alongside grilled meats or fish for a complete meal. They also make a popular addition to summer buffets sandwiches and packed lunches. I sometimes drizzle a little pomegranate molasses or balsamic glaze for extra tang.
Cultural and Historical Note
Feta cheese cucumber and tomatoes are staples of Greek cuisine and are commonly served together as meze or appetizers. The idea of serving them skewered dates back to village celebrations where fresh produce was highlighted simply and beautifully.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try using roasted red pepper strips or small cubes of watermelon during summer In the fall add pickled onions or marinated artichoke hearts Swap in grilled zucchini slices when cucumbers are out of season
Success Stories
One friend brought these to her brunch party and told me everyone thought she spent hours making them. My sister-in-law serves these every Easter and they always disappear first from the table. The simplicity makes them a hit even with picky eaters.
Freezer Meal Conversion
These skewers are not suitable for freezing because of the high moisture content in the vegetables and the feta. However you can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and assemble just before serving for peak freshness.
These skewers deliver amazing flavor and are always a hit at gatherings. Assemble ahead and chill so you have an effortless appetizer ready to serve.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Welche Feta-Sorte ist am besten geeignet?
Ein cremiger, qualitativ hochwertiger Feta sorgt für besonders aromatische Spieße. Schafmilch-Feta eignet sich besonders gut.
- → Kann ich die Spieße im Voraus zubereiten?
Ja, die Spieße lassen sich einige Stunden vorher vorbereiten und im Kühlschrank frisch halten.
- → Welche Kräuter passen besonders gut dazu?
Frische Kräuter wie Petersilie, Dill oder Minze bringen zusätzlichen Geschmack und Frische.
- → Wie lange sind die Spieße haltbar?
Luftdicht verschlossen bleiben sie im Kühlschrank bis zu zwei Tage frisch.
- → Kann ich andere Gemüsesorten verwenden?
Auch Paprika oder Zucchini passen hervorragend zu Feta und Gurke und lassen sich einfach kombinieren.