Refreshing Greek Salad Recipe: A Mediterranean Delight

Greek salad is a delightful explosion of flavors that transports you straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece. Imagine biting into crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all drizzled with fragrant olive oil. Your taste buds will dance like Zorba himself at this Mediterranean feast.

This colorful dish isn’t just a salad; it’s an experience! I remember the first time I made Greek salad for my family. They were skeptical at first but soon found themselves fighting over the last bite. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinner nights, this salad promises a flavor adventure that you’ll want to embark on again and again.

I vividly recall the day my cousin brought this Greek salad to our family gathering; it was an instant hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cucumbers: Choose crisp cucumbers that are firm to the touch for that perfect crunch in every bite.

• Juicy Tomatoes: Opt for ripe tomatoes for their sweetness; vine-ripened is best when available.

• Red Onion: A small amount adds a punch; soak it in water first to mellow its sharpness.

• Feta Cheese: Look for good-quality feta; it should be crumbly yet creamy for the right texture.

• Kalamata Olives: Use pitted olives for convenience; their briny flavor elevates the whole salad.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil brings all the flavors together beautifully.

• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity and brightness; feel free to adjust to your taste preference.

• Dried Oregano: Essential for that authentic Greek flavor; sprinkle generously over your salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Veggies: Start by washing all your fresh veggies under cool water. Chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces while keeping an eye out for any sneaky seeds.

Slicing with Style: Thinly slice the red onion. If you’re sensitive to its strong flavor, soaking slices in cold water helps reduce its pungency and makes them milder.

Mixing Magic: In a large bowl, combine your chopped vegetables: cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Toss them gently so they mix without turning into a mushy mess.

Add Feta and Olives: Crumble feta cheese over the top like a snowstorm in Greece. Toss in those Kalamata olives too; their brininess balances out the freshness beautifully.

Dressing Delightfully: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar with dried oregano until well blended. Drizzle this dressing over your veggie mixture and toss gently once more.

Taste Test Triumphs: Give your Greek salad a final taste test. Adjust seasoning if needed—more salt or vinegar can elevate the flavors even further!

Now you’re ready to serve up this delightful Greek salad! It’s perfect as a refreshing accompaniment or enjoyed solo on warm afternoons when you crave something light yet satisfying.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best Greek salad, chop your vegetables first, then layer them in a bowl. Toss with feta and dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cucumbers for bell peppers or add olives for more flavor. A splash of balsamic vinegar brings a delightful twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy cold within two days; avoid reheating as salads taste best fresh.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that sunny afternoon when my friends devoured my Greek salad at our picnic, raving about how it tasted like summer on a plate.

FAQ

What is the traditional dressing for Greek salad?

The traditional dressing consists of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and salt.

Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead but dress it just before serving for freshness.

What are common variations of Greek salad?

Common variations include adding grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas for added protein and texture.

Print

Greek Salad

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Greek salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Bursting with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives, this salad is drizzled with high-quality olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal, every bite takes you on a flavorful journey to the sunny shores of Greece. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced
• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your veggies by washing them under cool water. Dice the cucumbers and chop the tomatoes.
2. Thinly slice the red onion; soak in cold water to reduce pungency if desired.
3. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions; toss gently.
4. Crumble feta cheese over the top and add Kalamata olives.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Drizzle dressing over salad mixture and toss gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider including bell peppers or toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. To enhance flavor depth, marinate the diced vegetables in the dressing for 30 minutes before serving.