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Greek Salad: A Fresh and Vibrant Classic

  • Author: Ashley
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Description

A vibrant and fresh Greek Salad is full of bold, Mediterranean flavors. This salad features crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with oregano. A squeeze of lemon or a dash of red wine vinegar brings everything together, creating a refreshing and tangy salad that’s perfect as a side or as a light, nutritious meal on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 3 medium ripe tomatoes: Cut into wedges or chunks. The tomatoes should be juicy and ripe for the best flavor, which is key to making a great Greek Salad.
  • 1 cucumber: Peeled (optional) and sliced. Cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch that balances out the other ingredients. You can leave the skin on if you prefer.
  • 1 red onion: Thinly sliced. Red onion adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor, which is perfect for Greek Salad. If you prefer a less pungent taste, you can soak the onion slices in water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
  • 1 bell pepper (optional): Cut into thin strips. While not always included in the traditional Greek Salad, bell peppers add color and a slight sweetness.
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives: These briny olives are a staple in Greek cuisine. Their sharp, salty flavor is one of the signature elements of the salad.
  • 200g (about 7 oz) block of feta cheese: Traditionally, Greek Salad uses large blocks of feta cheese that are cut into thick cubes, not crumbled. The rich, creamy texture of the feta complements the vegetables beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano: Fresh oregano is the preferred herb for Greek Salad. It adds an earthy, aromatic flavor that’s essential to this dish. You can also use dried oregano in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing, olive oil brings richness and a fruity flavor to the salad.
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness, which balances the richness of the olive oil.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice: For a fresh citrusy zing that enhances the flavors of the salad.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Season the salad to your liking. Be cautious with salt, as the feta and olives are already salty.

Optional Add-ins:

  • Capers: For an extra briny punch, add a few tablespoons of capers. They pair wonderfully with the olives and feta.
  • Avocado: For added creaminess, dice an avocado into the salad. This will give the dish a slightly richer texture and flavor.
  • Chickpeas: To make the salad heartier, add a handful of chickpeas. This addition also boosts the protein content of the salad.
  • Grilled Chicken: If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, grilled chicken can easily be added to turn the salad into a full dinner.

Instructions

First Step: PREPARE THE SALAD INGREDIENTS

  1. Chop the Vegetables: Begin by preparing the vegetables. Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. For the red onion, thinly slice it and soak it in water for 5-10 minutes if you prefer a milder taste.
  2. Prepare the Olives and Feta: Drain the Kalamata olives and set them aside. Cut the feta cheese into large cubes. The cheese should be in large chunks so it can be enjoyed in each bite. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can crumble the feta instead.
  3. Fresh Herbs: If you’re using fresh oregano, wash and dry the leaves before chopping them. Fresh herbs are key to achieving the authentic taste of Greek Salad.

Second Step: MAKE THE DRESSING

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and fresh oregano. The olive oil should form an emulsion with the vinegar and lemon juice, creating a smooth, slightly tangy dressing.
  2. Season: Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the feta and olives are salty, so be conservative with the salt.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more acidity, you can add a little more vinegar or lemon juice.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE SALAD

  1. Combine the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, and olives. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
  2. Add the Feta: Place the feta cheese cubes on top of the salad. This is important for maintaining the integrity of the cheese, as you don’t want it to crumble into the salad too early. Feta should be a prominent feature of the dish.
  3. Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the vegetables and feta with the olive oil and vinegar dressing.
  4. Garnish with Fresh Oregano: Sprinkle the chopped fresh oregano over the top of the salad. The oregano adds a fragrant, earthy flavor that’s essential to the authentic Greek Salad experience.

Fourth Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

  1. Serve Immediately: Greek Salad is best served fresh, so enjoy it as soon as it’s tossed. The vegetables should retain their crisp texture, and the feta should remain in large chunks.
  2. Optional Garnishes: For added flavor and presentation, you can sprinkle a few capers on top or add a couple of slices of avocado for extra creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Assemble Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Fat: 19g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 6g

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Find it online: https://mydelightrecipes.com/greek-salad-a-fresh-and-vibrant-classic/