Refreshing Mediterranean Cucumber Bites
These Refreshing Mediterranean Cucumber Bites are a delightful and healthy appetizer that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a light snack, these cucumber cups are filled with a savory mixture of crunchy veggies, salty feta, and zesty olives. Each bite is bursting with freshness, thanks to the herbs and lemon, making them a great summer treat. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them chilled for the best experience!
5-6
Servings
53
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
small red onion
1 (finely chopped)
red bell pepper
1 (finely chopped)
vine ripe tomatoes
1 (seeded and finely chopped)
black olives
1/4 cup (pitted and chopped)
dried oregano
1/2 tablespoon
fresh feta cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled)
parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste
ground black pepper
to taste
lemon
1 (juiced and zested)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
English cucumbers
2 (seedless)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion, red bell pepper, seeded and chopped vine ripe tomato, chopped black olives, dried oregano, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
2
Drizzle the mixture with fresh lemon juice and zest, along with the extra virgin olive oil. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined.
3
Season the filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
4
For the cucumber cups, partially peel the English cucumbers in strips, leaving about a quarter of the skin on for a decorative look.
5
Trim both ends of each cucumber and slice them into pieces about 3/4 inch thick. You should have approximately 20 pieces.
6
Using a melon baller or small spoon, gently scoop out the center of each cucumber slice to create a hollow 'cup' while ensuring the shell remains intact.
7
Fill each cucumber cup with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the Mediterranean salad mixture, pressing gently to pack it in.
8
Arrange the filled cucumber cups on a platter and serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing appetizer!
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Refreshing Mediterranean Cucumber Bites?
Refreshing Mediterranean Cucumber Bites are a healthy and vibrant appetizer consisting of hollowed-out cucumber slices filled with a mixture of red onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 5 to 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling includes finely chopped red onion, red bell pepper, vine ripe tomato, black olives, dried oregano, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
Are these cucumber bites vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, cheese, and plant-based seasonings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 3.3g of fat.
How do I prepare the cucumber cups?
Partially peel English cucumbers in strips, slice them into 3/4 inch thick pieces, and use a melon baller to scoop out the center to create a cup shape.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
English cucumbers are preferred because they are seedless and have thinner skin, but regular cucumbers can be used if you peel them more thoroughly and remove any large seeds.
Should I serve these hot or cold?
These should be served chilled or at room temperature for the most refreshing experience.
How many cucumber cups should this recipe produce?
The recipe produces approximately 20 cucumber cups.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How do I zest a lemon for this recipe?
Use a microplane or fine grater to remove the bright yellow outer layer of the lemon skin, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the salad filling ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator before assembling the cups.
Is there a specific type of tomato recommended?
The recipe suggests using vine ripe tomatoes that have been seeded and finely chopped.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a combination of dried oregano and fresh chopped parsley.
How much feta cheese is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of crumbled fresh feta cheese.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, each serving has only 5g of carbohydrates, making it a great low-carb snack option.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 1.3g of protein.
What is the best way to chop the vegetables?
The vegetables should be finely chopped so they fit easily into the small cucumber cups.
Can I use kalamata olives instead of black olives?
Yes, kalamata olives would work well and provide a more intense Mediterranean flavor.
Are these bites suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are visually appealing, easy to handle, and perfect for gatherings or picnics.
How do I prevent the cucumber cups from tipping over?
Trim both ends of the cucumber before slicing to ensure each piece has a flat bottom.
What tags define this recipe?
Key tags include Mediterranean, cucumber cups, healthy snacks, appetizers, and vegetarian.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe uses the juice and zest of one whole lemon.
Is salt and pepper included in the measurements?
Salt and ground black pepper are added to taste.
Can I substitute the parsley?
Fresh dill or mint would also work well in this recipe if you want a different flavor profile.
How thick should the cucumber slices be?
The slices should be approximately 3/4 inch thick to provide enough structure for the filling.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How much filling goes into each cup?
Each cup should be filled with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the salad mixture.
What should I do with the scooped-out cucumber centers?
You can finely chop them and add them to a green salad or use them in a smoothie to avoid waste.