greek salad
Greek salad is easy to prepare and refreshing. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, with fresh and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly.
- Dice the tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and Kalamata olives to a large bowl.
- Crumble or cube the feta cheese and add to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
Few dishes evoke the refreshing spirit of Mediterranean cuisine quite like a traditional Greek salad. Its versatility makes it perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a light lunch, or the centerpiece of a summer gathering. With its crisp veggies, briny olives, and creamy feta, Greek salad is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a slice of rustic bread.
Cutting vegetables evenly not only looks appealing but helps every forkful deliver all the signature flavors at once.
Vary it up with roasted red peppers, capers, or a sprinkle of fresh mint. If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to keep veggies crisp. This salad is a celebration of simplicity that rewards you with flavor and nutrition. Experiment and make it your own!
Practical Tips and Tricks
Always use the freshest vegetables you can find—firm tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant red onions. The texture and flavor shine when the ingredients are at their peak.- For a milder onion flavor, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This removes harshness while keeping the crunch.
- If you can’t find Kalamata olives, substitute with black olives. Similarly, Persian cucumbers can stand in for regular cucumbers if you want something extra crisp and seedless.
- Use block feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled for exceptional creaminess and taste. Cut it into generous chunks for a more authentic presentation.
Preparation Techniques
Mixing the dressing separately before pouring it onto the salad ensures every bite gets a balanced touch of acidity and savor. Toss gently to avoid breaking the vegetables.Cutting vegetables evenly not only looks appealing but helps every forkful deliver all the signature flavors at once.
How to Serve & Suggestions
For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to the salad. Crusty bread or pita on the side is perfect for soaking up the delicious dressing.Vary it up with roasted red peppers, capers, or a sprinkle of fresh mint. If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to keep veggies crisp. This salad is a celebration of simplicity that rewards you with flavor and nutrition. Experiment and make it your own!
