Simple Greek Salad with Feta Recipe
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
A refreshing and vibrant Simple Greek Salad with Feta, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner.
This Simple Greek Salad with Feta is a classic dish that showcases the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. With crisp vegetables and creamy feta cheese, it's a delightful addition to any meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and refreshing vegetables that burst with flavor
- Creamy feta cheese adds a delicious tang
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weekdays
- Nutritious and light, making it a guilt-free indulgence
The Freshness of Greek Cuisine
Greek cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The Simple Greek Salad with Feta embodies this culinary tradition, showcasing a delightful combination of crisp vegetables and rich, tangy feta cheese. Each bite is a burst of flavor, making it not just a meal but an experience that transports you to the sunny shores of Greece. This salad is an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
Using seasonal produce enhances the freshness of this salad, making it ideal for warm weather meals. The crunch of cucumbers paired with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes creates a refreshing balance, while the olives add a briny depth that complements the creamy feta. This dish is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch, ensuring you feel energized and satisfied.
Nutritional Benefits
This Simple Greek Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them a great base for any salad. Cherry tomatoes provide a dose of antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports your immune system. The addition of red onions offers anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Feta cheese, while creamy and indulgent, is also a source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to your meal. The Kalamata olives contribute healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated fats, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded dish that satisfies your hunger while nourishing your body.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious salad:
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped cucumbers
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to make your salad!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Greek Salad:
Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Add Feta and Dressing
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve
Enjoy your Greek salad immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Your Simple Greek Salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Perfecting Your Greek Salad
To elevate your Greek salad, consider using a variety of colorful bell peppers. They add sweetness and crunch, enhancing the salad's visual appeal and flavor profile. Additionally, using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of vinegar can offer a bright, zesty twist that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
If you're short on time, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the vegetables. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep, ensuring you have healthy options ready for busy days.
Serving Suggestions
This Simple Greek Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish, making it an excellent side dish for any Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken skewers or a piece of lemon-herb salmon for a wholesome dining experience. You can also enjoy it as a light meal on its own, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
For a more substantial dish, consider adding some cooked quinoa or chickpeas to the salad. This will not only increase the protein content but also create a heartier meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. The versatility of this salad makes it a great option for various dietary preferences, accommodating both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and toss them together just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using tofu or a vegan feta cheese alternative.
→ How long will leftovers last?
Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the vegetables might lose their crunch.
→ Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or avocados.
Simple Greek Salad with Feta Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Simple Greek Salad with Feta, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner.
Created by: Erin Wallace
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped cucumbers
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Enjoy your Greek salad immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g