Classic Greek Salad
The **Classic Greek Salad** is an iconic dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With its crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, this refreshing salad brings a taste of Greece to your table. It's not just a side dish – it's a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you're serving it as a starter, a light lunch, or alongside grilled meats, the **Classic Greek Salad** is a timeless recipe that never fails to impress.
Yield: 4
Materials
- - **2 cups cucumber sliced**: Cucumber provides the crisp, hydrating base of the salad.
- - **1 cup cherry tomatoes halved**: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and flavor.
- - **1/2 red onion sliced**: Red onion gives the salad a subtle sharpness, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- - **1/4 cup Kalamata olives**: These dark purple olives are rich and salty contributing a briny depth.
- - **1/4 cup green olives**: The green olives provide a milder slightly tart flavor that complements the Kalamata.
- - **1/2 cup feta cheese cubed**: Feta cheese is essential in a **Classic Greek Salad**, offering its signature tangy and creamy bite.
- - **1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped**: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that enhances the salad’s flavors.
- - **1/4 tsp dried oregano**: Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that ties everything together with its earthy aroma.
- - **Salt and pepper to taste**: Season the salad to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors.
- - **2 tbsp olive oil**: Extra virgin olive oil is essential for dressing the salad and adding richness.
- - **1 tbsp red wine vinegar**: This vinegar adds acidity which brightens and enhances the salad’s flavors.
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables:
- Begin by slicing your vegetables. Cut the cucumbers into even slices, ensuring they are thin enough to complement the other ingredients without overwhelming the texture. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes, which will release their sweet juices into the salad. Slice the red onion thinly for a sharper bite that doesn’t overpower. Cube the feta cheese into bite-sized chunks.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and green olives. These ingredients form the colorful, flavorful foundation of your **Classic Greek Salad**. Then, add the cubed feta cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the salad. The cheese will not only provide a rich flavor but also contribute a creamy texture to contrast with the crunch of the vegetables.
Season and Dress:
- Now it’s time to season the salad. Sprinkle dried oregano and freshly chopped parsley over the top of the salad. The oregano infuses the dish with its traditional Mediterranean flavor, while the parsley adds a refreshing brightness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the olives and feta already provide a good amount of saltiness. Drizzle the salad generously with olive oil, which coats the vegetables and enhances the flavors. Finally, add the red wine vinegar, which adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the oil and feta.
Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the salad to ensure that all the ingredients are well-combined and coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the integrity of the feta cheese cubes. Serve your **Classic Greek Salad** immediately for the freshest and most vibrant flavor. Pair it with grilled meats, pita bread, or simply enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and nutritious meal.