How to Make Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Discover a fresh and easy Greek Salad with Feta and Olives recipe perfect for a healthy, flavorful Mediterranean meal in minutes. This vibrant salad combines crisp vegetables, tangy olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing to create a delicious dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a colorful addition to your picnic, this Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is a go-to recipe that celebrates bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and vibrant flavors: Every bite bursts with the bright taste of ripe vegetables and salty olives, balanced perfectly with creamy feta.
• Quick and easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this salad in under 15 minutes.
• Healthy and nutrient-rich: Loaded with fresh vegetables and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free meal or side dish.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether for a family dinner, picnic, or potluck, this salad adapts effortlessly to your needs.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free: It caters well to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh, and essential ingredients make this Greek Salad with Feta and Olives shine. Each component adds its own special texture, taste, and color to the dish, making the salad truly irresistible.

• Ripe tomatoes: Use juicy, firm tomatoes for sweet, tangy bites that form the salad’s base.
• Crisp cucumbers: Fresh cucumber slices provide a refreshing crunch and cooling balance.
• Kalamata olives: These salty, slightly bitter olives add authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta offers creaminess and a tangy contrast that complements the vegetables.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp bite and a splash of color.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A generous drizzle brings richness and helps marry the flavors.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a zesty acidity that livens up the salad.
• Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that infuses an earthy, aromatic note.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to season and enhance the overall flavor.

Variations for Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

One of the best things about this Greek Salad with Feta and Olives recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.

• Add bell peppers: For extra crunch and a sweet, colorful touch.
• Include fresh herbs: Try fresh parsley or mint for a refreshing twist.
• Swap feta for vegan cheese: Perfect for a dairy-free version that still delivers bold flavor.
• Use red wine vinegar: Instead of lemon juice for a slightly different tang.
• Add toasted pine nuts: For an extra layer of texture and nuttiness.

How to Make Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Start by washing and drying your tomatoes and cucumbers. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons for the perfect salad texture. Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp contrast.

Step 2: Assemble the salad base

In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced onion, and Kalamata olives. Give everything a gentle toss to mix the ingredients evenly without bruising the vegetables.

Step 3: Add the feta cheese

crumble the feta cheese on top of the mixed vegetables. You want plenty of creamy cheese distributed throughout to balance the salty olives and fresh veggies.

Step 4: Make the dressing

Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. This simple yet vibrant dressing will coat the salad beautifully.

Step 5: Dress the salad and toss

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, ensuring the flavors mingle but the ingredients remain fresh and crisp.

Step 6: Serve immediately

Enjoy the salad right away to savor its bright flavors and textures. If needed, chill briefly before serving, but avoid letting it sit too long to maintain freshness.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

• Use fresh, seasonal vegetables: The quality of produce makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
• Choose authentic Kalamata olives: They bring the true Mediterranean taste to your salad.
• Drain extra liquid from tomatoes: To prevent the salad from becoming watery, gently drain the tomato juices before combining.
• Opt for block feta: Crumble it yourself for a fresher texture and richer flavor.
• Add dressing sparingly at first: You can always add more, but overdressing can weigh down the crisp veggies.

How to Serve Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Garnishes

Finish your salad with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or oregano for an herbal lift and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance richness.

Side Dishes

This Greek Salad with Feta and Olives pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, pita bread, or a hearty bean dish, making it a versatile side or main on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a large rustic bowl for family-style dining or portion it into individual cups or lettuce cups for a charming appetizer presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Greek Salad with Feta and Olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best freshness, store the dressing separately and toss before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the textures of fresh vegetables and cheese will degrade.

Reheating

Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is served cold, so reheating is unnecessary. Instead, just toss the salad again and add a bit more olive oil or lemon juice if needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Yes! While feta is traditional, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar tangy and creamy texture.

How long does Greek Salad with Feta and Olives keep in the fridge?

To enjoy the freshest taste and texture, consume within 1-2 days. Vegetable water release and cheese softness can change after this time.

Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?

You can easily make a vegan version by replacing feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensuring the dressing contains no honey or animal products.

What can I add to make the salad more filling?

Additions like cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken can turn this salad into a more substantial meal.

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time for a party?

Prepare all ingredients separately and mix just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

Final Thoughts

Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is a timeless dish that brings a refreshing burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and wholesome ingredients make it one of those recipes that you’ll want to come back to again and again. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a fantastic taste of Greece in the comfort of your own kitchen!

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