Greek salad

Greek salad is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or light main course. It’s packed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a simple and tangy dressing. Here’s a classic Greek salad recipe:

Ingredients:

  • For the Salad:

    • 3 cups cucumbers, peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks
    • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
    • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (or black olives)
    • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • For the Dressing:

    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  2. Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine the Salad:

    • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Feta and Parsley:

    • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top of the salad. Toss lightly to combine, or leave it as is for a more decorative presentation.
  5. Serve:

    • Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips:

  • Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like sliced radishes, capers, or avocado to suit your taste.
  • Olives: If you prefer, you can use green olives instead of Kalamata olives.
  • Feta: For a creamier texture, you can use a block of feta cheese and cut it into chunks instead of crumbling it.

Greek salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled meats. Enjoy its bright flavors and refreshing crunch!