Mini Greek Salad Skewers
These Greek Salad Skewers are a simple, healthy appetizer made with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta. Drizzled with olive oil and herbs, they’re quick to assemble, low in carbs, high in protein, and perfect for parties, snacks, or easy meal prep.
Equipment
- 12 Bamboo Skewers or Picks
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Pastry brush
- Vinyl Gloves (optional, for handling ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 oz feta cheese block
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 large black olives pitted
- 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried Italian or Greek seasoning
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing your cucumber and cherry tomatoes under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the vegetables are crisp and that the olive oil and seasoning will adhere properly later. If you prefer, wear vinyl gloves while handling ingredients to keep your hands clean and maintain hygiene.
- Prepare the Olives: Open the container of black olives and drain them in a colander to remove any brine. If the olives are not pitted, carefully remove the pits using a small knife or olive pitter. Set the olives aside, ensuring they are whole and firm so they will hold well on the skewers without breaking.
- Slice the Cucumber: Place the washed cucumber on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut it into approximately ¼-inch thick slices, creating uniform “wheels.” The even thickness ensures that each skewer will balance properly and look neat when served. Set the cucumber slices aside in a single layer on a plate to avoid sticking together.
- Cube the Feta Cheese: Take the block of feta cheese and carefully cut it into ½-inch thick cubes. Try to make the cubes as even and straight as possible. These feta cubes will act as the base for each skewer, providing stability and adding a creamy, protein-rich element. Place the cubes on a plate and set them aside for assembly.
- Assemble the Skewers: Base Olive: Take a bamboo skewer and gently pierce a black olive through the center. Push the olive to the top end of the skewer so it will remain secure while adding the other ingredients. The olive adds a briny flavor and acts as the first “anchor” for the skewer assembly.
- Assemble the Skewers: Add the Cucumber: Next, carefully skewer a cucumber slice through one side, ensuring it sits flat against the olive. Depending on your preference, you can slightly angle the cucumber so that it rests neatly on the skewer without sliding. This crisp, refreshing layer provides a healthy crunch.
- Assemble the Skewers: Add the Cherry Tomato: Slide a cherry tomato onto the skewer above the cucumber. Ensure the tomato is centered and stable, creating a visually appealing layer. The tomato adds juiciness, color, and additional fiber, contributing to the overall nutrition of the skewer.
- Assemble the Skewers: Add the Feta Cube Base: Finally, carefully place a feta cheese cube at the bottom of the skewer. The feta will act as a supportive base, holding all the other ingredients in place when standing upright for serving. Adjust the skewer to make sure it is balanced and stable. Repeat these assembly steps for all 12 skewers, maintaining consistency for an attractive presentation.
- Prepare the Olive Oil Herb Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of dried Italian or Greek seasoning, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Use a spoon to mix thoroughly until the herbs and spices are evenly incorporated. This glaze will add flavor, shine, and a subtle Mediterranean aroma to your skewers.
- Brush the Skewers with Glaze: Using a pastry brush, gently coat each skewer with the olive oil and herb mixture. Make sure to cover all sides of the cucumber, tomato, and feta to enhance the flavor and presentation. The olive oil also helps to keep the vegetables moist and the feta from drying out.
- Arrange the Skewers for Serving: Stand all skewers upright on a serving tray so they look visually appealing and are easy to grab. If making the skewers ahead of time, lay them flat on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. About 30 minutes before serving, stand the skewers upright at room temperature to bring out the flavors and aroma.
- Optional Variations: For a fun twist, add fresh basil leaves to the skewers or swap the feta cheese for mozzarella cubes. This transforms the skewers into an Italian-inspired appetizer while keeping the same structure and ease of preparation.
Notes
- Use firm, fresh cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to ensure the skewers stay crisp and visually appealing.
- Choose block feta instead of pre-crumbled for easier cubing and better presentation.
- Pitted black olives prevent accidents when skewering and make the appetizer easier to eat.
- For consistent flavor, evenly coat each skewer with the olive oil and herb glaze.
- Wear vinyl gloves while assembling if you want to keep hands clean and prevent feta from sticking.
- Customize your skewers with fresh herbs or cheese alternatives to match seasonal flavors or dietary preferences.
