Greek Salad with Feta

This Greek-inspired salad is an absolute celebration of freshness and color. When you’re craving something crisp, light, and impossibly flavorful, this combination of juicy tomatoes, cool cucumber, tangy olives, and crumbly feta cheese hits every note. The easy dressing is packed with zing, and the addition of fresh parsley brings it all together. If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe with straightforward Ingredients: and bold Mediterranean energy, this is your go-to salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of vibrant, everyday ingredients for this recipe, but each one brings a special layer to the flavor and appearance. Here’s why these Ingredients: are so crucial, and a helpful tip for each:

• Tomatoes: Use ripe, medium tomatoes for the juiciest bite and maximum sweetness.
• Red onion: Finely chopped for a punchy bite that adds color and crunch without overpowering.
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crispness—go for seedless if you want an even crunchier texture.
• Kalamata olives: Their briny flavor is a must for authentic Greek flair; chop carefully to distribute the saltiness evenly.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta melts seamlessly throughout, providing a creamy-salty counterpoint.
• Fresh parsley: Tossed in for herbaceous brightness—flat-leaf parsley works best for fresh flavor.
• Olive oil: Use extra-virgin if possible for a rich, peppery finish.
• Lemon juice: Adds tang and helps all the Ingredients: come together in perfect harmony.
• Dried oregano: Brings that signature Mediterranean herbal note to the salad.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—add to taste and adjust just before serving.

How to Make Ingredients:

Step 1: Chop and Combine the Vegetables

Start by dicing the tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion and Kalamata olives. Place all these Ingredients: together in a medium mixing bowl. The mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and aromatic onion sets a flavorful foundation—don’t skip tossing gently so the vegetable colors stay vibrant.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Herbs

Crumble the feta cheese over your vegetable mixture, then sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley. Use a spoon to fold the Ingredients: into the vegetables, making sure the feta and parsley are evenly dispersed for a bite that’s creamy and aromatic every time.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—remember, feta and olives both add salt, so go light at first. The dressing is where these Ingredients: truly shine and tie the salad together.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over your vegetable and cheese mixture. Gently toss everything together, making sure each piece gets a little love from the dressing. At this point, the salad will glisten, and all the Ingredients: will be beautifully coated in that zesty olive oil-lemon blend.

How to Serve Ingredients:

Garnishes

Bring your salad to the next level by adding a final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, extra crumbled feta, or a quick dusting of dried oregano just before serving. Not only do these garnishes add color and aroma, but they also make the Ingredients: pop visually—perfect for a dinner table centerpiece.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderful on its own but truly shines alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or your favorite pita bread. The crisp and creamy Ingredients: pair beautifully with savory mains or as part of a mezze platter; think of hummus, tzatziki, or stuffed grape leaves for a true Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in lettuce cups for an instantly elevated hors d’oeuvre, or spoon it atop warm couscous or quinoa for a heartier meal. Layering the Ingredients: in mason jars makes for a cheerful portable lunch, while individual ramekins can turn this classic into elegant starters at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The flavors deepen as the Ingredients: marinate, becoming even tastier the next day. Just note that tomatoes may release extra juice, so give the salad a quick toss before serving again.

Freezing

This salad truly shines fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Many of the Ingredients: (like tomatoes and cucumbers) lose their texture after thawing. For best results, make only what you’ll enjoy within a few days.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this recipe is at its crisp, vibrant best when served cold or at room temperature. In fact, chilling for 20 minutes before serving lets the Ingredients: harmonize, but if you prefer to take the chill off, 10 minutes on the counter before plating works well.

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of medium tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes add a lovely sweetness and are especially easy to halve. Just be sure to use enough to equal about two medium tomatoes so your proportions of Ingredients: stay balanced.

Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?

If you can’t find Kalamata olives, black olives will work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit milder. Green olives can also substitute, adding a slightly sharper note in your Ingredients: mix.

Will this salad hold up for a picnic?

Yes! In fact, letting it chill for an hour makes the Ingredients: meld even more. Keep it sealed and chilled in a cooler, and add a fresh sprinkle of feta and parsley just before serving for a touch of vibrancy.

Can I make this salad dairy free?

Sure thing! Simply omit the feta cheese, or try a vegan feta substitute—either way, the other Ingredients: will more than carry the flavors and textures.

What if I prefer a less tangy dressing?

Feel free to reduce the lemon juice or add a pinch of sugar to the dressing. These tweaks adjust the acidity while keeping all the Ingredients: highlighted in the finished salad.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this recipe enough as a true kitchen staple—these Ingredients: come together effortlessly for a salad that’s vibrant, versatile, and utterly satisfying. I hope you give it a try and find it becomes a sunshine-filled favorite in your home too!

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