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Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Greek Salad with Feta and Olives
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Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean dish featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. This easy-to-make salad balances fresh vegetables with tangy, salty flavors, perfect for a quick lunch, healthy side, or light dinner.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • Cucumbers (1-2 medium, sliced into half-moons or chunks)
  • Ripe Tomatoes (2-3, cut into wedges or bite-sized pieces)
  • Red Onion (1 small, thinly sliced)

Olives and Cheese

  • Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup, pitted as needed)
  • Feta Cheese (4 oz, crumbled or cut into cubes)

Dressing

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)
  • Fresh Lemon Juice or Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons)
  • Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and pat dry cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers into half-moons or chunks and cut tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion to ensure it mixes evenly throughout the salad.
  2. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large salad bowl, mix together cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced red onions, and Kalamata olives. Remove olive pits if necessary and adjust the amount of olives to your taste preference.
  3. Add the Feta Cheese: Gently crumble the feta cheese over the salad or cut it into cubes for a chunkier texture, adding a creamy and salty dimension to every bite.
  4. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The dressing should be bright and well-balanced to complement the vegetables and feta cheese.
  5. Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to evenly coat all ingredients. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, for the best flavor and texture.
  • Choose authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk to enhance the salad’s traditional flavor.
  • Add the dressing gradually to avoid soggy vegetables and adjust seasoning carefully because feta and olives add saltiness.
  • Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep dressing separate for best texture; avoid freezing or reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek salad, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten free

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/greek-salad-with-feta-and-olives/