Introduction to Greek Summer Salad
What makes a salad “Greek”? According to the internet, it’s made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. My recipe includes all of this and more.
I’ve heard they call this a village salad in Greece. I call it delicious!
Recipe Overview
Greek Summer Salad
Yield: Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove (minced)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
English cucumber (cut lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick)
1 green bell pepper (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
5 ounces feta cheese (cut into ½ inch cubes)
⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives
⅓ cup fresh mint leaves (garnish)
Bibb lettuce (for plating)
Directions
- Place 4 salad plates in the refrigerator to get them cold.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the first seven ingredients—olive oil through black pepper—and set this dressing aside.
- Remove the salad plates from the refrigerator. Place the lettuce leaves on each plate. Arrange the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, feta cheese, onions, and olives on top of the lettuce. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss. Sprinkle with a few generous pinches of oregano and garnish with the mint leaves.
About the Author
Randy Graham is a private chef and author whose cookbooks include “The Ojai Valley Cookbook,” “The Ojai Valley Vegetarian” and the “The Ojai Valley Vegan.” He has been a vegetarian since 1975 and enjoys cooking for friends and family using ingredients from backyard vegetable and herb gardens.
Conclusion
This Greek Summer Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish perfect for any time of the year. With its combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty dressing, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the taste of Greece in the comfort of your own home.
FAQs
Q: What makes a salad "Greek"?
A: A traditional Greek salad typically includes ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano.
Q: Can I customize the recipe to my taste?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your preferences. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, vegetables, and dressings to create your own unique version of the salad.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
A: Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians, but not for vegans since it includes feta cheese. However, you can easily modify the recipe to make it vegan by substituting the feta cheese with a vegan alternative.
