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#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Start by washing and drying the vegetables. Chop the tomatoes into large chunks or quarters, depending on your preference. For a more traditional Greek salad, the tomatoes should be cut into larger pieces, allowing their juices to mix with the dressing.
– Slice the cucumber into half-moons or rounds. There is no need to peel the cucumber if it’s fresh and tender, as the skin provides extra texture and color.
– Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onions too pungent, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to reduce their sharpness.
– Set the chopped vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. **Assemble the Salad:**
– Add the **Kalamata olives** to the bowl with the vegetables. You can either leave them whole or pit them if desired.
– Place the block of **feta cheese** on top of the vegetables. Traditional Greek salad uses a large block of feta, which is placed in the center of the dish. It can be broken up into large pieces or left whole, depending on your preference.
3. **Season the Salad:**
– Sprinkle the salad with **dried oregano**. If you have fresh oregano, you can use that instead, but dried oregano is more commonly used in Greek salads.
– Drizzle the salad with **extra virgin olive oil**, ensuring that the vegetables are coated evenly. The olive oil enhances the flavor of the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, making them more succulent and savory.
– Add a splash of **red wine vinegar** for a touch of acidity and brightness. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zest, though this is optional.
4. **Toss and Serve:**
– Season the salad with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Remember that feta is already quite salty, so go easy on the salt and adjust after
tasting.
– Gently toss the salad to combine, ensuring that the vegetables are well-coated with the olive oil and vinegar. The feta will start to break up, creating a creamy dressing that coats the ingredients.
– Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
### Variations and Customizations
While the Classic Greek Salad is beloved for its simplicity, it’s also versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:
– **Add protein**: To turn the salad into a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, lamb, or even shrimp. For a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or lentils for a protein boost.
– **Use different olives**: While Kalamata olives are traditional, you can experiment with other varieties of olives, such as green olives or Arbequina olives.
– **Incorporate other vegetables**: Feel free to add bell peppers, capers, or even roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini to diversify the flavors.
– **Make it gluten-free**: The classic Greek salad is already gluten-free, but you can add a gluten-free grain like quinoa or farro for a heartier salad.
### Health Benefits of a Classic Greek Salad
The Classic Greek Salad is not just delicious—it’s also incredibly healthy. This dish is rich in fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and protein-packed feta cheese. The health benefits include:
– **Rich in antioxidants**: The tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health.
– **High in healthy fats**: Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.
– **Good for digestion**: The high fiber content in the vegetables helps support digestion and promotes gut health.
– **Rich in calcium and protein**: Feta cheese provides both protein and calcium, essential for bone health.
### Conclusion
The Classic Greek Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or as a base for a more substantial meal, this timeless salad is sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your body. With its balance of textures, flavors, and health benefits, the Greek salad is a true reflection of the Mediterranean lifestyle—a way of eating that prioritizes fresh, whole foods and simple, wholesome ingredients.
