Escape to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this vibrant and refreshing Greek salad recipe! This classic Mediterranean dish is bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it the perfect light lunch, side dish, or starter. Our step-by-step guide ensures even beginner cooks can master this iconic Greek salad, guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the Aegean Sea. Get ready to experience the true taste of Greece!
The simple yet satisfying Greek salad recipe relies on the quality of its ingredients. From juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers to Kalamata olives and creamy feta, every element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of Greece. Learn how to make this incredible Greek salad, a dish so simple, yet full of flavor and the taste of summer.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
This Greek salad is not only delicious, but also incredibly healthy. Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats, it’s a perfect addition to any diet. Each serving provides a generous helping of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a nutritious boost for your well-being!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Tomatoes | 2 large, or 4 medium |
| Cucumbers | 1 large, peeled and sliced |
| Red Onion | ½ small, thinly sliced |
| Kalamata Olives | ½ cup, pitted |
| Feta Cheese | 4 oz, crumbled |
| Fresh Oregano | 1 tablespoon, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions
- Wash and chop all the vegetables. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges, slice the cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and Kalamata olives. This Greek salad is all about fresh ingredients.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the vegetables. The creamy feta complements the fresh vegetables beautifully in this Greek salad.
- Sprinkle the fresh oregano over the salad. The fragrant oregano adds an authentic Greek touch to this recipe.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Drizzle the dressing over the Greek salad.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, the secret to a great Greek salad is to let the flavors of the fresh ingredients shine through.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients. Avoid over-mixing, as you want to preserve the texture of the vegetables.
- Serve immediately or chill for later. This Greek salad is delicious served at room temperature or chilled.
This Greek salad is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or green beans. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as dill or mint. This Greek salad is also fantastic with grilled chicken or fish.
For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of honey to your Greek salad. The slightly sweet and nutty flavors complement the salty feta and tangy dressing perfectly. Don’t forget to garnish with extra fresh oregano for that authentic Greek touch. This Greek salad is truly a culinary masterpiece.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your homemade Greek salad as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or a refreshing appetizer before a larger meal. It’s a delicious and healthy addition to any summer gathering or barbecue. The possibilities are endless with this simple yet stunning Greek salad!
Notes and Tips: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh oregano, you can substitute with dried oregano, but use a smaller amount (about ½ teaspoon). For a richer flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Remember, the key to a delicious Greek salad is simple: high-quality fresh ingredients and a light hand with the dressing. This Greek salad is easy to prepare, but the resulting flavors are anything but simple. Enjoy this taste of the Mediterranean!
