Are you craving a burst of Mediterranean freshness that takes just minutes to prepare? Get ready to unlock the secret to the most mouthwatering Greek salad that will make you feel like you're dining on a sunny Aegean island! This Simple Herb Greek Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that combines crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a dressing so vibrant it'll make your palate dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Using a sharp knife, chop the cucumber into bite-sized cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. Ensure uniform cutting for even texture and presentation.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, maintaining their natural shape and releasing their sweet juices.
- Thinly slice the red onion into delicate, translucent rings or half-rings, which will provide a sharp, crisp flavor to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the vegetable mixture, allowing it to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a simple, classic Greek dressing.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Use the freshest vegetables possible. If you can find locally grown cucumbers and tomatoes, they'll elevate your salad's flavor dramatically.
- Cheese Pro Tip: For the most authentic experience, use a high-quality Greek feta cheese. Look for varieties made from sheep's or goat's milk for a more traditional taste.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk your dressing ingredients vigorously to ensure they're well combined. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding to the salad to allow the herbs to infuse.
- Cutting Technique: When chopping vegetables, aim for uniform sizes. This ensures each bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Serving Suggestion: While delicious immediately, this salad actually improves if left to marinate for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days. The vegetables may release some water, so drain excess liquid before serving again.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
