Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

A Refreshing Delight for Every Occasion!

Are you ready to indulge in a dish that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors? The Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is just that – a delicious and healthy option that brightens up your meal! It’s made with crisp veggies, luscious feta cheese, and briny olives, creating a delightful medley of tastes that transport you straight to sunny Greece. Did you know that Greek salads are traditionally made without lettuce? Instead, they emphasize hearty vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, perfectly showcasing the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine.

What makes this salad so special is not just its flavor but its understated elegance. It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed family gatherings. If you love our Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, you’re in for a treat with this Greek salad! So, grab your ingredients and let’s bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your home. Your taste buds will thank you!

What is Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives?

What a mouthful, right? Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives! It sounds fancy, but trust me, the only thing complicated about it is saying the name five times fast. Imagine colorful cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny olives all getting together for a party on your plate. It’s basically the culinary equivalent of inviting all your best friends over for a fun night out. And let’s not forget—’the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ so what better way to impress than with a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into this delightful recipe. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives:

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this salad! First and foremost, it’s a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables and the rich, tangy flavor of feta cheese. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but making it at home is cost-effective compared to dining out. You can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish for a fraction of the price!

But wait, there’s more! The combination of textures and flavors – crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty olives, and creamy feta – makes for a delightful culinary experience. If you’re a fan of our Classic Caprese Salad, you’ll absolutely adore this Greek version. Give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness of a Mediterranean café right in your kitchen!

How to Make Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives:

Quick Overview

Making this Mediterranean Greek Salad is a breeze! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dish that’s not only tasty but also visually stunning. It typically takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect choice for a quick lunch or dinner side.

Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives:

• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Veggies: Start by washing all your vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the bell pepper. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the Olives and Feta: Toss in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the bowl with the veggies.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the vegetables, feta, and olives.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your salad to a serving dish or individual plates, and serve immediately. Enjoy it fresh, or let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld!

What to Serve Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives:

This delightful Mediterranean Greek Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish, elevating your meal to new heights. You can also enjoy it with pita bread and hummus or as a side to a hearty sandwich. For a complete Mediterranean experience, serve it alongside tzatziki sauce and some warm pita chips for dipping. The combination will make for a colorful and flavorful dining experience!

Top Tips for Perfecting Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives:

• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final flavor of your salad, so opt for fresh veggies and high-quality feta cheese.
• Prep ahead: You can chop your vegetables a few hours in advance. Just keep them in the fridge and toss them with the dressing right before serving.
• Add a twist: Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like capers, avocado, or artichoke hearts for an extra burst of flavor!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

This Mediterranean Greek Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the salad may become watery as the vegetables release moisture, so it’s best to store the dressing separately if possible. To enjoy the salad again, simply toss everything together and adjust the seasoning if needed.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into making this Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives and experience the delightful flavors of the Mediterranean right from your kitchen! Enjoy every bite!

Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

A refreshing and vibrant salad made with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Fresh Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber, diced Use fresh, firm cucumber for the best crunch.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Any variety of cherry tomatoes works.
• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced Thinly slice for a milder flavor.
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced Any color bell pepper can be used.
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted Add more or less based on preference.
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled Use a good quality feta for the best flavor.

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is preferred.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice Lemon juice can be used for a tangier flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano Adjust to taste.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste Season to your preference.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Wash and dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the bell pepper. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Toss in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the bowl with the veggies.

Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine

1. Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing evenly coats the vegetables, feta, and olives.
2. Transfer your salad to a serving dish or individual plates, and serve immediately. Enjoy it fresh, or let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If storing leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately if possible to prevent sogginess.