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:
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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
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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:
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Combine the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
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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.
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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!