Prepare to transform your ordinary salad routine with this mouthwatering Greek Salad featuring golden, crispy fried feta cheese! Imagine a vibrant dish that combines the freshest Mediterranean vegetables with a decadent twist of perfectly fried cheese that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just another salad - it's a culinary journey that brings the sunny flavors of Greece right to your dining table in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces feta cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup olives
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cucumber, 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1 red onion, 1 bell pepper, 8 ounces of feta cheese, 1/2 cup of olives, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the bell pepper. Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the olives to the bowl with the vegetables. You can use Kalamata olives or any preferred variety. Gently toss the vegetables and olives together to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Next, prepare the fried feta cheese. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. If desired, you can add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the sliced feta cheese into the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the feta is golden brown and slightly crispy. Use a spatula to flip the cheese gently to avoid breaking it.
- Once the feta cheese is fried to your liking, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- To serve, divide the salad mixture among four plates or bowls. Top each serving with the fried feta cheese slices. Optionally, you can garnish with additional olives or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like oregano or parsley.
- Enjoy your Greek salad with fried feta cheese as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, firm vegetables and high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Cheese Frying Technique: Use a non-stick skillet and ensure it's not too hot to prevent burning. Medium heat is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Dressing Hack: Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before adding to the salad to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve Immediately: Fried feta is best enjoyed right after cooking to maintain its crispy texture.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add fresh herbs like oregano or mint for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- Cheese Tip: Use a firm feta that can hold its shape during frying. Greek or Bulgarian feta works best.
- Make It a Complete Meal: Pair with grilled chicken or serve with warm pita bread for a more substantial dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
