Simple Greek Salad with Feta Recipe
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
A refreshing and vibrant salad that embodies the flavors of Greece, featuring crisp vegetables and creamy feta cheese.
This Simple Greek Salad with Feta is not only quick to prepare but also a delightful way to enjoy fresh vegetables. It's perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. The tangy feta cheese adds depth, while the olives and herbs bring an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crisp, fresh vegetables that are bursting with flavor
- Creamy feta cheese adds a delightful tang
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- A healthy option that doesn't compromise on taste
The Freshness of Ingredients
The beauty of a Greek salad lies in its simplicity, relying on fresh, quality ingredients to deliver a burst of flavor. Crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch, while juicy cherry tomatoes add a sweet and tangy contrast. Red onion and bell peppers not only introduce vibrant colors but also contribute their unique flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
The addition of Kalamata olives introduces a briny depth that complements the other vegetables beautifully. Their rich flavor profile harmonizes with the creamy feta cheese, which is the star of the salad. When selecting your vegetables, opt for organic or locally sourced produce whenever possible to ensure maximum freshness and taste.
Health Benefits of Greek Salad
This Simple Greek Salad is not just a feast for the eyes; it's also a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with vitamins A and C from the fresh vegetables, this salad supports a healthy immune system and contributes to overall well-being. The healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese can promote heart health, making this dish a heart-friendly option.
What’s more, the fiber from the vegetables aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight. Incorporating this salad into your meals can lead to better health outcomes while satisfying your taste buds.
Versatility and Pairing Suggestions
One of the greatest advantages of this Simple Greek Salad is its versatility. It makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or even as a light main course on its own. The vibrant flavors of the salad can complement a variety of cuisines, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Consider pairing this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete, balanced dish. It also works wonderfully with pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-themed meal. Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite ingredients, such as avocado or artichoke hearts, to make it your own.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix and match ingredients based on your preferences!
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced bell peppers.
Add Olives and Feta
Stir in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your fresh and delicious Greek salad!
Tips for the Perfect Salad
To ensure your Greek salad is as fresh and flavorful as possible, prepare it just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and losing their crispness. If you're making it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to enjoy the salad.
When it comes to feta cheese, opt for the block variety rather than pre-crumbled. Crumbling it yourself allows for better texture and flavor distribution throughout the salad. Also, feel free to experiment with different types of olives to find the flavor profile that you prefer.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Greek salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the flavors will continue to meld, it's best to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. The vegetables may start to lose their crunch after a day, so keep that in mind when planning your meals.
To revive the salad, consider adding a splash of fresh olive oil or vinegar before serving to enhance the flavors. This can help rejuvenate the salad and make it taste as good as new!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?
You can use goat cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat.
→ What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to add avocados, artichokes, or even grilled chicken for extra protein.
Simple Greek Salad with Feta Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant salad that embodies the flavors of Greece, featuring crisp vegetables and creamy feta cheese.
Created by: Amber Walsh
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced bell peppers.
Stir in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 6g