Description
Crisp Mediterranean flavors dance through this Greek salad, combining fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Salty olives and zesty herbs create a refreshing meal that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumber, chopped
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Cheese and Proteins:
- 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 10 kalamata olives, pitted
Instructions
- Rinse all vegetables thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Prepare the cucumber by peeling (optional) and cutting into bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture.
- Dice the tomatoes into similar-sized pieces, removing any tough core sections for better salad composition.
- Slice the red onion into thin, translucent rings or half-moons to distribute a subtle sharp flavor throughout the salad.
- Chop the green bell pepper into small, even squares that complement the other vegetable sizes.
- Crumble the feta cheese into irregular, rustic pieces that will provide creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a robust Mediterranean-style dressing.
- Combine all prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable mixture.
- Add pitted kalamata olives, distributing them throughout the salad for authentic Greek flavor.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Choose crisp, fresh vegetables for the most vibrant and authentic Greek salad experience.
- Chill serving plates beforehand to keep the salad cool and refreshing, especially during warm weather.
- Consider removing seeds from tomatoes and cucumbers to prevent excess liquid and maintain salad’s crispness.
- Swap feta for vegan alternatives like tofu or nutritional yeast for dairy-free diets, maintaining the salad’s tangy profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg