Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is a plant-based version of the classic dish. The cubes of feta are actually tofu, making this a high-protein salad. It’s the perfect healthy recipe when tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil are in season.
Ever since I started making Greek Millet Salad, I’ve been obsessed with tofu feta.
I know it doesn’t taste exactly like dairy cheese, but it has its own appeal.
Besides snacking on the flavorful cubes, I love adding them to vegetable salads.
And that’s why I decided to share this Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad with you.
If you already enjoy recipes like Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad and Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad, I think you’re going to want to try this one, too.
Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is simple to make and holds up well in the refrigerator.
The key to this recipe is making the tofu feta in advance since it needs time to marinate.
While two hours is enough, I highly recommend adding the cubes of tofu to the coconut vinegar, dried oregano, and salt a day or two ahead of time.
If you’re not familiar with coconut vinegar, check out the article what you need to know about coconut vinegar.
I add the ingredients to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, or you can use a resealable zipper bag.
Then simply place it in the refrigerator.
The tofu gets more flavorful the longer it sits.
And when you’re ready to make the Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad, simply remove the cubes from the marinade and place them in a bowl.
Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, vinegar, and fresh basil, and it’s time to eat!
The leftovers taste great the next day, too.
Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is perfect as a light lunch or a starter.
Try it at your next barbecue, or alongside pizza or pasta.
Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad goes well with a wide variety of dishes.
And for entertaining or family dinners, I love serving it with Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes with Chickpeas or Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri.
Now let’s make Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad!
Vegan Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Ingredients
For the Tofu Feta:
- 1 pound extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed, cubed (or use super-firm tofu and skip the pressing)
- 1/4 cup coconut vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the salad:
- 1 dry pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, (or 2-3 Persian cucumbers) sliced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
- fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- To prepare the Tofu Feta, place the tofu cubes in a resealable glass container or zipper bag. Add the coconut vinegar, oregano, and salt. Seal the container, then gently shake to combine. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- When you're ready to make the salad, add the Tofu Feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers to a salad bowl.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Katia
Yummmmmmy !
Amy Katz
Thank you, Katia!
nina from Southern California
First of all, learn how tofu is made. It starts with cooking the soybeans well.
So tofu is definitely NOT raw. There is no reason to “boil” it again, and would likely ruin it for any dish that calls for the cube shape.
Years ago Japanese friends invited anyone who wanted to know how to make tofu to their home and they did a full demo for us. I have to say that the fresh, warm, homemade tofu was the most delicious thing that I had tasted. We ate it warm with only a bit of Bragg’s on top. Yummmmmmy !
Amy Katz
Hi Nina, thanks for your feedback. I’m a little confused though because this recipe does not refer to tofu as being raw, nor does it call for it being boiled. The cubes of tofu are marinated in coconut vinegar and seasonings to mimic the flavor of feta cheese. The tofu is not heated in this recipe. By “marinated” I mean that the tofu and other ingredients are placed in a container in the refrigerator. I hope this clears things up.
kristin
yum! is there a sub for the coconut vinegar? maybe balsamic? or just white?
Amy
The coconut vinegar really helps to give it that feta-like taste. But if you can’t find it, I would substitute white vinegar.
Tiffani
This salad looks good. I like the idea with using the coconut vinegar on the tofu, but I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to eat tofu raw (not the kind packaged in water, silken is fine). I may try this but will boil my tofu first, before marinating and re-chilling (or perhaps the vinegar kills any bacteria? Do you know?) Thanks for the idea!
Amy
I don’t know that it’s harmful to eat raw tofu, but you can steam it first if you like.