Greek Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a fresh, vibrant explosion of Mediterranean flavors that makes me feel like I’m dining on a Greek island right in my own kitchen. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something delicious and healthy without too much fuss.

I love to assemble an invigorating Greek salad, filled with diverse and nourishing components. This cool dish made up of the crisp lettuce, luscious tomatoes, and cucumber slices doesn’t ask much of the cook.

Its main attractions are the briny Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese, accessorized by a somewhat oily dressing of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. To my mind, this is a simple but flavorful salad that offers the perfect balance of taste and health.

Ingredients

Romaine Lettuce:
Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K; contributes cool crispness.

Cherry Tomatoes:
Sugary, succulent, and rich in powerful antioxidants such as lycopene.

Cucumber:
Quenching with a gentle taste; scant in calories.

Red Onion:
Imparts a tangy, zesty kick and is rich in antioxidants.

Kalamata Olives:
Fats that are good for you and packed with flavor; high in antioxidants.

Feta Cheese:
A creamy texture; contributes protein and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by gathering your ingredients: the Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber must be washed well.

2. Take Romaine lettuce and cut it into pieces that are small enough to be bites. Put those pieces in a bowl that is large enough to hold a salad.

3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in the bowl with the lettuce.

4. Cut the cucumber into thin rounds and add them to the salad mixture.

5. Slice the red onion very thinly, and add it to the salad.

6. Include the minced green bell pepper in the bowl.

7. Add the Kalamata olives.

8. Crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the salad top.

9. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

10. The dressing should be drizzled over the salad, and then a light hand should be used to toss everything together. It shouldn’t be too much salad for the bowl; that way, you can give it a good, but gentle, toss.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Salad spinner or colander
4. Large salad bowl
5. Small bowl or jar
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
9. Spoon or salad tongs (for tossing salad)

FAQ

• What makes this Greek salad authentic?Classic Greek flavor comes from key ingredients like Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano.
• Can I make the salad in advance?Prepare the ingredients in advance, but mix them just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
• What can I add for extra protein?Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad is an excellent way to enhance its flavor.
• Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can be used instead; they produce a slightly different flavor but are still delicious.
• How should I store leftovers?Store leftovers in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator and eat them within two days for optimal freshness.
• Can the salad be made vegan?Certainly. Just leave out the feta or use a vegan feta substitute to make it plant-based.

Substitutions and Variations

Romaine lettuce: Replace with mixed greens or spinach for a different texture.
If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, you can substitute grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes that have been diced.
Zucchini: For a bit of a change but still crunch, replace cucumber with zucchini.
Kalamata olives: For a less robust flavor, use black or green olives.
Substitute with either ricotta salata or goat cheese for a creamy alternative to feta.

Pro Tips

1. For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes after adding the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

2. Toast some pita bread or slices of baguette, and serve them alongside the salad for a crunchy accompaniment.

3. If possible, use fresh oregano instead of dried to enhance the flavor of your dressing. Finely chop the leaves and add them to the dressing.

4. For added texture and flavor, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts just before serving.

5. To intensify the taste of the red onion and make it less pungent, soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. Pat it dry before mixing it in.