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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
- Cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers (optional) and slice them into thick rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, making sure they’re large enough to hold up in the salad without falling apart.
- Onion: Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in a bit of water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
- Add the feta cheese to the salad. You can either crumble it or leave it in large blocks to give it that classic Greek salad look.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preference.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.
- Garnish with some fresh parsley if desired for a little extra color and flavor.
Why It Works
The beauty of a Classic Greek Salad lies in its simplicity. The cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes add juiciness and sweetness. The red onion gives the salad a mild sharpness, and the kalamata olives bring a wonderful brininess. All of this is beautifully tied together with a zesty, tangy dressing that’s light but flavorful. And let’s not forget about the feta cheese—its creaminess and saltiness are the perfect complement to the veggies and dressing.
Customizations and Tips
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, top your Greek salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or capers for extra flavor and variety.
- Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Make it a wrap: Turn this Greek salad into a wrap by filling a whole-wheat or pita wrap with the salad ingredients and some grilled chicken or lamb for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side: This Greek Salad is the perfect side dish to grilled meats, lamb chops, chicken skewers, or even a light fish like salmon.
- Enjoy as a light lunch: On its own, this salad makes a refreshing and filling lunch. Add a piece of whole-grain bread for a bit more substance.
- Pair with tzatziki: Serve the salad alongside a cool, creamy bowl of tzatziki sauce for the ultimate Mediterranean experience.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Greek Salad is the epitome of fresh, vibrant, and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weekday lunch, a barbecue side dish, or even a light dinner on a warm evening. With its combination of crisp veggies, creamy feta, and the zesty dressing, this salad will have you coming back for seconds.
Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of Greece right at your dinner table! 🥗🍅
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