Simple Greek Salad with Feta Recipe
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
A refreshing and vibrant Greek salad featuring crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a quick meal or side dish.
This Simple Greek Salad with Feta is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Quickly prepared, it's ideal for busy weeknights or as a colorful side dish at gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crisp and refreshing vegetables that burst with flavor
- Creamy feta cheese adds a delightful tang
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients
The beauty of a Greek salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Fresh, seasonal vegetables are essential for achieving that crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Look for firm cherry tomatoes that are bursting with sweetness, cucumbers that are crunchy and refreshing, and bell peppers that add a pop of color and crunch. Each ingredient contributes its unique flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.
Kalamata olives are a staple in Greek cuisine, bringing a briny richness that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly. Paired with creamy feta cheese, which adds a tangy and salty note, your salad will be a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Opt for high-quality feta for the best results, as it elevates the dish and provides that authentic Greek taste.
Don’t forget the dressing! A simple combination of olive oil and red wine vinegar, seasoned with dried oregano, transforms the fresh ingredients into a cohesive dish. Each component works together to create a refreshing salad that is both satisfying and healthy.
Versatile and Easy to Customize
One of the best aspects of this Greek salad recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Incorporate additional ingredients such as avocado for creaminess, or add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. If you enjoy a little heat, consider tossing in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
This salad is also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables or whatever you have on hand. If you have zucchini, radishes, or even artichoke hearts, feel free to throw them in. The key is to maintain a balance of flavors and textures while keeping the salad light and refreshing.
Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this Greek salad is adaptable and sure to please a crowd. It can be served as a main dish or as a side, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
A Simple Greek Salad with Feta is an excellent accompaniment to many dishes. It's particularly delightful alongside grilled meats, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, adding a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes like moussaka or spanakopita, enhancing the overall dining experience.
For a light lunch, serve the salad with some crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious dressing. You can also enjoy it as a topping for a grain bowl or as a filling in wraps. The possibilities are endless, making this salad a staple in your recipe repertoire.
When it comes to serving, consider presenting the salad in a large bowl for sharing or plating individual servings for a more elegant touch. A sprinkle of additional feta or fresh herbs on top just before serving can elevate the dish even further, making it visually appealing and inviting.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Simple Greek Salad:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix these fresh ingredients for a delightful salad experience.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Greek salad:
Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Add Feta and Dressing
Add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Toss and Serve
Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This salad can be enjoyed right away or chilled for a little while to meld the flavors.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the Greek salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the vegetables may release moisture and become a bit soggy over time, so it's best to enjoy it fresh. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider adding the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the salad.
To extend the shelf life of your ingredients, store the vegetables and feta separately. This way, you can mix them together whenever you're ready to enjoy a meal. The dressing can also be prepared in advance and stored in a sealed jar for convenience.
Nutritional Benefits
This Simple Greek Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The fresh vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, while cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.
Feta cheese, while creamy and flavorful, also offers a good source of protein and calcium. The inclusion of olives adds healthy fats to the mix, promoting heart health and providing a satisfying taste. Overall, this salad is a nutritious option that supports a balanced diet while being enjoyable to eat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like radishes, carrots, or even avocados.
→ How long does the salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to 2 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.
→ Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Greek salad is naturally gluten-free!
Simple Greek Salad with Feta Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Greek salad featuring crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a quick meal or side dish.
Created by: Penelope Dawson
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 5g