These Greek Feta & Cucumber Bite Skewers are a fast, fresh crowd-pleaser—cool cucumber, salty feta, bright lemon and herbs all on a tiny skewer. I make these whenever I need an easy appetizer that looks elegant but takes under 20 minutes to assemble. Over several tests I learned the best cube size and a quick salting trick to keep the bites crisp and neat.
Why Make This Recipe
- Bright, refreshing flavor with a pleasing contrast of crunchy cucumber and creamy feta.
- Ready in about 20 minutes and easy to scale for parties or weeknight snacks.
- Low-calorie, veggie-forward bites that still deliver protein from feta.
- No oven required — a great make-ahead cold appetizer.
- Personal note: I love this because it travels well to potlucks and still looks polished after a short chill. Try pairing it with other small bites like this make-ahead frozen Greek yogurt peanut butter bites for a balanced spread.
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 10 minutes optional draining)
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (including chill)
Servings: about 24 skewers (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Cold assembly—slice, cube, thread, and chill. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even cucumber slices and a small bowl for a quick herb dressing. Also see sweet bite inspiration like this apple crisp cheesecake bites for dessert pairing.
My Experience Making This Recipe
In testing I found that 1/2-inch feta cubes and 1/4–1/3-inch cucumber rounds give the best balance and hold on a 2–3 inch skewer. Salting and patting the cucumber for 8–10 minutes before assembly prevents sogginess and keeps the skewers tidy. I also learned that using a block of feta (not crumbled) makes assembly faster and neater.
How to Make Greek Feta & Cucumber Bite Skewers
Start by draining and cubing the feta (about 8 oz block into 24 cubes). Slice 2 English cucumbers into 1/4–1/3 inch rounds—if you prefer ribbons, use a vegetable peeler. Make a quick dressing: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 small clove minced garlic (optional), pinch of black pepper. Pat cucumber slices dry, then thread: cucumber round, feta cube, small herb leaf (mint or dill), and optionally a half kalamata olive or cherry tomato half. Drizzle with dressing and chill 15–30 minutes before serving.
Equipment recommendations: sharp chef’s knife or mandoline, small bowl for dressing, paper towels, 2–3 inch wooden skewers or toothpicks, serving platter.
Expert Tips for Success
- Salt-and-drain cucumbers: sprinkle sliced cucumbers with 1/4 tsp kosher salt, rest 8–10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess water and prevent soggy bites.
- Use a firm block feta: cut into uniform 1/2-inch cubes so pieces don’t crumble while skewering. If your feta is in brine, drain and press gently with paper towels.
- Even slices matter: use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to get consistent cucumber rounds so skewers sit flat on the platter.
- Thread sequence for stability: cucumber first (flat base), feta second, herb third, olive/tomato last to lock the stack. Short 2–3 inch bamboo skewers work best. Also consider baked feta ideas like baked feta eggs for warm variations.
- Dress lightly and late: drizzle the olive-lemon dressing just before serving to avoid soggy cucumbers and wilted herbs.
How to Serve Greek Feta & Cucumber Bite Skewers
- Party platter: arrange on a flat white platter with extra lemon wedges and a small bowl of extra dressing for drizzling.
- Mezze board: pair with hummus, pita, and olives for a Greek-style spread.
- Cocktail hour: these make elegant finger food and pair well with dry white wine or a light rosé. For a sweet-and-salty finish, serve near something like this baked pears with feta, honey and cranberries.
- Individual servings: place 3-4 skewers per small plate with microgreens for a refined starter.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store assembled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; cucumbers lose crispness after longer storage. For best texture, store components separately: cubed feta (in its brine or lightly oiled) up to 5 days, unseasoned cucumber slices in a sealed container with paper towels for 2–3 days. Freezing is not recommended for assembled skewers (cucumber becomes watery and feta becomes crumbly); if necessary, freeze feta cubes alone for up to 2 months, but expect textural change. No reheating needed—serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian/Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian as written. Serve with gluten-free crackers if desired.
- Dairy-free: swap feta for firm marinated tofu cubes or a commercial vegan feta; press tofu first and marinate 15–30 minutes in olive oil, lemon and oregano.
- Add protein: fold prosciutto or smoked salmon strips around the feta for a richer bite.
- Flavor twist: use za’atar or smoked paprika in the dressing, or top with toasted pine nuts for crunch.
Nutritional Highlights
- Low-calorie, high-water-content from cucumber helps with hydration and adds fiber.
- Feta provides a good source of calcium and protein but can be high in sodium—watch portion sizes if you’re sodium-sensitive.
- Allergen note: contains dairy (feta). The recipe is naturally gluten-free; adapt for dairy-free as suggested above.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy skewers: likely from excess cucumber water—salt and drain slices for 8–10 minutes, then pat dry before assembling.
- Feta crumbles when skewering: use a firm block feta and cut slightly larger 1/2-inch cubes; press gently when threading.
- Skewers tip over on the platter: use thicker 2–3 inch skewers and lay cucumber slices flat first, or serve on a bed of greens to steady them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I assemble these ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes—assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but keep the dressing separate and drizzle within 30 minutes of serving to preserve cucumber crunch and herb freshness.
Q: What size should I cut the feta and cucumber?
A: Aim for 1/2-inch feta cubes and 1/4–1/3-inch cucumber rounds. This ratio balances bite size and stability on a 2–3 inch skewer.
Q: Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of olives?
A: Absolutely—use halved cherry tomatoes and thread them last. Pat them dry to avoid extra moisture on the skewer.
Q: How do I prep feta that’s in a brine tub?
A: Drain the feta, pat it dry with paper towels, then press gently between towels for a minute to remove surface moisture before cutting into cubes.
Conclusion
For more inspiration on similar handheld Greek-style appetizers, check out this take on Greek Salad Skewers (Party Favorite!) – Little Broken.
Greek Feta & Cucumber Bite Skewers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 skewers (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-free
Description
A fast, fresh crowd-pleaser featuring cool cucumber, salty feta, bright lemon, and herbs on skewers.
Ingredients
- 8 oz block feta cheese, cut into 24 cubes
- 2 English cucumbers, sliced into 1/4–1/3 inch rounds
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Fresh herb leaves (mint or dill)
- Kalamata olives or cherry tomatoes (optional, halved)
- Kosher salt (for salting cucumbers)
Instructions
- Drain and cube the feta cheese into 24 cubes.
- Slice the cucumbers into 1/4–1/3 inch rounds or ribbons.
- Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, minced garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle cucumber slices with kosher salt and let sit for 8–10 minutes, then pat dry.
- Thread cucumber round, feta cube, herb leaf, and optionally an olive or tomato half onto each skewer.
- Drizzle the dressing over the assembled skewers and chill for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep the assembled skewers refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For best texture, store components separately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Cold assembly
- Cuisine: Greek