Greek Salad: A Mediterranean Delight
Picture this: a sun-kissed Greek island, the soft sound of waves, and a vibrant, refreshing salad that captures the essence of the Mediterranean in every bite. That’s exactly what our Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and green olives brings to your table. This delightful dish is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, perfectly combined to create a harmonious explosion of flavours. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a perfect potluck offering, this Greek salad is your go-to recipe.
Serving Size and Cook Time
– Serving Size: 4-6 people
– Prep Time : 15 minutes
– Cook Time : 0 minutes (No cooking required!)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this Mediterranean masterpiece:
– 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 large cucumber, diced
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Prepare the Vegetables
– Wash and dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
– Peel and dice the cucumber.
– Thinly slice the red onion for a sharp, flavorful crunch.
– Slice the green bell pepper into thin strips.
– Tip: To mellow the onion’s bite, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients :
– In a large salad bowl, toss together the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper.
– Add the green olives. Their briny flavor is the star of this dish.
3. Add the Cheese :
– Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. It adds a creamy, tangy note that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly.
4. Make the Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.
– Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.
5. Dress the Salad:
– Pour the dressing over the salad.
– Toss everything gently to ensure even coating. Each bite should be a delightful mix of flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve:
– If you like, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
– Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the vegetables and the tanginess of the cheese.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Greek Salad
– Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: The magic of this salad lies in the freshness of its ingredients. Choose the ripest tomatoes, the crunchiest cucumbers, and the best quality feta and olives you can find.
– Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing touch, chill the salad in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes it a perfect summer dish.
– Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your preferences. Love a bit more crunch? Add some diced bell peppers. Fan of kalamata olives? Go ahead and use those instead of green olives.
