When the temperature climbs and you need something refreshing for a summer gathering, this Mediterranean-inspired dip delivers bright, vibrant flavors in minutes. Crunchy cucumber and celery meet tangy feta and fresh basil vinaigrette for a dip that tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
The secret? No cooking required. Just dice, toss, and let the flavors meld for 15 minutes while you prep the rest of your spread. This dip shines with quality feta, so choose wisely. Whether you're hosting a backyard party, packing a picnic, or looking for a healthier snack alternative, this fresh dip brings Mediterranean ease to your table.
Tips & Variations
Cucumber Choices: Use English (seedless) cucumber for less wateriness and no seed removal. Regular cucumbers work fine too; just scoop out the seeds with a spoon before dicing. Persian cucumbers are another excellent choice for their thin skin and crisp texture.
Vinaigrette Variations:
- Classic Lemon-Oregano: Swap basil for oregano and add extra lemon zest
- Balsamic: Use balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, richer profile
- Red Wine Vinegar: More traditional Greek flavor with sharper tang
Make It Heartier:
- Add halved cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness
- Toss in Kalamata olives for briny depth
- Mix in thinly sliced red onion for bite
- Add diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
Turn It Into a Salad: Double the vegetables, reduce the feta slightly, and serve over mixed greens or as a chunky chopped salad in pita pockets with grilled chicken.
Choosing the Best Feta
Want to understand how to choose the best feta for this dip? The better your feta, the better your dip tastes. Learn the complete guide in our article.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dip works in countless ways:
- Classic dipping: Tortilla chips, pita chips, or warm pita bread
- Crudité platter: Fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes
- Grilled protein topper: Spoon over grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a fresh Mediterranean finish
- Pita wraps: Stuff into pita with grilled chicken or falafel
- Salad base: Toss with mixed greens for a quick chopped salad
- Game day spread: Lighter alternative to heavy dips
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The dip stays fresh and crunchy.
Make-Ahead: The dip actually improves after sitting for 15 minutes as the flavors meld. For longer make-ahead (4-6 hours), prepare the vegetables and feta separately, then toss with vinaigrette 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Pro Tip: If your dip sits overnight, you may notice excess liquid from the cucumber and feta. Simply drain off the liquid before serving and give it a quick stir.
Cucumber Celery Feta Dip
Nutrition (per serving)
*Nutrition is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions.
Ingredients
Instructions
Chef's Notes
• Use English or seedless cucumber for less wateriness. • Works great as a refreshing filling in pita bread with grilled chicken. • The dip improves after sitting 15 minutes as flavors meld. • Drain excess liquid if making ahead overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Feta is really what makes this dip shine with its tangy, salty character, but you can substitute if needed. Crumbled goat cheese gives you a similar tangy profile with creamier texture. Fresh mozzarella (torn into small pieces) works for a milder, fresher flavor but lacks the signature tang. For best results, stick with feta and choose quality Greek or Bulgarian feta for maximum flavor.
