Ahh, Greek salad—it’s like a summer breeze in a bowl, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors. I remember the first time I had it on a sun-drenched afternoon in Santorini, the tangy feta and briny olives dancing on my taste buds like a flavor fiesta. Whether you’re picnicking in the park or just dreaming of the Mediterranean, this salad, with its zesty garlic lemon vinaigrette, is your ticket to paradise.
Steps
- Chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes and slice the cucumber into half coins, then add them to the bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad bowl along with the pitted Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese over the top.
- Prepare the garlic lemon vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Add pressed garlic, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper, and mix until well combined.
- Pour the desired amount of vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Garlic lemon vinaigrette (see below)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed to make a Greek salad?
- To prepare a Greek salad, you will need chopped Romaine lettuce, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, pitted Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a garlic lemon vinaigrette.
- How do you prepare the garlic lemon vinaigrette?
- Combine olive oil, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, pressed or finely minced garlic cloves, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until well blended and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Can this Greek salad recipe be enjoyed year-round?
- Yes, the Greek salad, with its fresh and healthy ingredients, along with the garlic lemon vinaigrette, is a great option to enjoy at any time of the year.
- What makes the garlic lemon vinaigrette a favorite?
- The garlic lemon vinaigrette is popular due to its vibrant and refreshing flavors, which complement the ingredients of the Greek salad perfectly.
- Is this Greek salad recipe suitable for a special occasion?
- Absolutely! This Greek salad is not only easy and quick to make but also healthy and flavorful, making it an excellent dish for celebrations, such as a virtual baby shower or a gathering with friends.
Tips
- When preparing the garlic lemon vinaigrette, ensure all ingredients are thoroughly whisked to achieve a well-blended dressing with a consistent flavor throughout.
- For a fresher taste, consider squeezing fresh lemon juice rather than using pre-bottled juice for the vinaigrette.
- To enhance the salad’s flavor, allow it to sit for a few minutes after tossing it with the dressing, giving the ingredients time to absorb the flavors.
- Experiment with additional seasoning of salt and pepper in the vinaigrette to match your personal taste preference, as this can vary depending on the saltiness of the feta and olives.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – To wash and dry the Romaine lettuce effectively.
- Garlic Press – For pressing or finely mincing garlic cloves.
- Whisk – For blending the ingredients of the vinaigrette.
- Salad Bowl – A large bowl to toss and mix the salad ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and other ingredients accurately.
