greek salad
Greek salad brings a fresh touch to your table, with vibrant flavors, perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and prepare all the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives.
- Add cubed or crumbled feta cheese gently on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavors.
Notes
Greek salad effortlessly finds its place at any table, whether for a quick summer lunch, as a vibrant side dish for grilled meats, or as a healthy main course. Its global popularity comes from the way it combines freshness, brightness, and satisfying flavors in every bite.
Pro Tips and Smart Ingredient Swaps
- For extra bite, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them; this softens their sharpness and keeps the salad balanced.
- When choosing feta, opt for a block in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta — it tends to be fresher, creamier, and more flavorful.
- If kalamata olives aren’t available, experiment with other dark, briny olives to maintain the authentic salty punch.
- Sneak in variety using different tomato types for color and flavor contrasts, or swap cucumber for zucchini or bell peppers for added crunch.
Preparation and Presentation Tips
- Do not overmix after adding the feta; gently toss so the cheese keeps its shape and doesn’t dissolve into the other ingredients.
- Prepare the dressing right before serving and pour it on top just before tossing the salad to keep vegetables crisp and lively.
Serving and Pairing Inspiration
- This salad shines with grilled chicken or lamb skewers for a complete Mediterranean meal, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and pita bread.
- For a vegan version, skip the feta or try a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Enhance the experience with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or mint just before serving, or top with roasted nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
