Dive into the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine with this refreshing Greek salad, bursting with colors and flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, this salad combines crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, tangy olives, and rich feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
- 1/2 of a medium-sized red onion, sliced into thin rings
- 1/2 of a bell pepper, choose your favorite color, diced
- 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes or sliced heirloom tomatoes, depending on availability
- 1 English cucumber, cut into thin slices
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, sliced
- 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese
For the Greek Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, red onion rings, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and avocado slices. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
- Add Olives and Feta: Sprinkle the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. The olives add a nice briny flavor, while the feta brings a creamy tanginess that’s characteristic of Greek salads.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. This simple dressing will highlight the fresh flavors of the salad without overpowering them.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Greek dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables and feta are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Enjoy your Greek salad immediately, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite. This salad is perfect as a standalone meal for a light lunch or as a complementary side dish for a larger dinner.
This Greek salad recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy the freshness of the vegetables, the creaminess of the avocado and feta, and the tangy kick of the dressing in this classic dish.