Greek salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side to any Mediterranean meal. It's simple to make and packed with flavor. Here’s a classic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced into rings or strips
- 1 cup Kalamata olives (or any black olives), pitted
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled or cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper.
-
Add Olives and Feta: Gently toss in the olives and feta cheese.
-
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
-
Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, making sure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
-
Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
-
Serve: Serve immediately or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Greek salad is great on its own or as a side dish.
Tips:
- Customization: You can add or omit ingredients based on your preference. Some variations include adding capers, artichoke hearts, or even a bit of sliced avocado.
- Chilling: Greek salad can be made ahead of time and chilled, but it's best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
Enjoy your Greek salad—it's a refreshing and healthy option that's full of Mediterranean flair!