Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek salad is not just delicious; it’s a breeze to prepare! With only a handful of fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing, it can be whipped up in minutes. The mix of crunchy vegetables, salty feta, and tangy olives delivers a satisfying explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, its versatility means you can easily customize it by adding or swapping ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it solo or as a side with grilled meats, this salad will surely impress!

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup green olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
2. Add the olives and feta: Toss in the Kalamata olives, green olives, and cubed feta cheese, ensuring even distribution through the salad.
3. Season and add herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and dried oregano over the salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until they are well combined.
5. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss the ingredients to ensure they are evenly coated.
6. Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing light meal or a side dish to complement your main course. Enjoy all the fresh, vibrant flavors!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: This salad is ideally served fresh, but for a cooler option, you can chill it for 10-15 minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pita bread, or as part of a larger Mediterranean spread.
• Storage: To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you prep it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate to ensure the salad retains its crisp texture.

Helpful Notes

• For an extra zing, try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or tossing in some fresh mint leaves for added flavor.
• It’s important to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and authentic Greek feta cheese to truly capture the essence of this salad.
• If strong raw red onions don’t appeal to you, soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding to the salad to mellow their flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, avocado, or even a bed of greens for variety. Just remember that adding different ingredients may change the traditional Greek salad profile.

2. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
To maintain that delightful crunch, avoid adding the dressing until just before you’re ready to serve. If you need to store leftovers, keeping the dressing separate is key.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While feta is the classic choice, you can certainly substitute it with goat cheese or skip it altogether for a dairy-free version. Just bear in mind that feta lends a signature briny flavor to the salad.

4. Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?
Absolutely! You can replace red wine vinegar with lemon juice or white wine vinegar. Using lemon juice will add a refreshing citrus kick.

5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. However, wait until just before serving to add the dressing and feta to ensure the best texture and flavor.