Write step-by-step instructions for preparing a refreshing cucumber salad using ingredients such as sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Include tips on how to properly slice and chop the ingredients, how long to marinate the salad before serving, and how to adjust the seasoning to taste. Additionally, provide suggestions for serving the salad as a side dish or topping for grilled meats.
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1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the cucumbers well and cut off the ends. Cut the cucumbers into thin rounds or slices using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. Halve tomatoes: Rinse cherry tomatoes and chop them in half. Add them to the bowl with the cucumber.

3. Chop red onion: Peel the red onion and cut it in half. Take one of the halves and slice it as thinly as possible. Set aside.

4. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the mixture is emulsified.

5. Add dressing to cucumber salad: Pour dressing over the cucumber and cherry tomatoes and toss to coat evenly.

6. Marinate the salad: Allow the salad to rest in the bowl for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the ingredients are coated in dressing. If refrigerating, let it sit at least 1 hour.

7. Add feta cheese and herbs: In batches, sprinkle feta cheese over the top and gently combine it with the cucumber mixture. Sprinkle the chopped herbs over the top of the cheese, and gently fold it into the salad.

8. Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired to adjust the seasoning.

9. Serve: Serve the cucumber salad on its own as a side dish or as a garnish to grilled meats and poultry.

Tips:

-For extra crunch, add some sliced radishes or pickles to the salad.

-If you prefer a creamier dressing, you may also add Greek or plain yogurt to the lemon juice and olive oil base.

-When slicing the red onion, it's best to do so by hand using the back of the knife to squish the slivers together. This will help to reduce the harsh onion taste.

-Marinating the salad before serving is optional, but it will allow the flavors to develop and the herbs and feta cheese to impart their flavor more effectively.

-You can make this salad
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Write step-by-step instructions for preparing a refreshing cucumber salad using ingredients such as sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Include tips on how to properly slice and chop the ingredients, how long to marinate the salad before serving, and how to adjust the seasoning to taste. Additionally, provide suggestions for serving the salad as a side dish or topping for grilled meats.
user
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized cucumbers, sliced thinly 
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or dill) 
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
- Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions:

1. Begin by slicing the cucumbers thinly. A mandolin or a sharp knife will produce the best results. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Add to the bowl with the cucumbers.
3. Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs, tossing gently to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil, seasoning the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the dressing over the cucumber salad and toss gently to combine. 
6. Allow the salad to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Before serving, adjust the seasoning to taste. You may need to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice, more salt or pepper.
8. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a topping for grilled meats such as chicken, steak or fish.

Tips:
- Be sure to slice the cucumbers thinly to achieve a more tender texture.
- When slicing the red onion, try to keep the pieces as thin as possible to prevent them from overpowering the other ingredients.
- For an even more refreshing salad, chill the bowl and utensils in the refrigerator for a few minutes before preparing the salad.
- If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, substitute it with crumbled goat cheese or sliced almonds.
- Experiment with different herbs and vinegars to create your own flavor profiles.
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