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Add the Kalamata olives to the bowl, making sure to discard any pits. Feta cheese is often added in large blocks, not crumbled, to maintain its creamy texture and allow it to stand out in each bite. Simply cut the feta into large cubes or leave it in a block and add it on top of the vegetables.
Step 3: Season the Salad
Sprinkle dried oregano generously over the salad. This herb is iconic in Greek cuisine, adding a lovely, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil. Be generous with the oil, as it adds richness and helps to bring all the flavors together. If you like a bit more tang, add a splash of red wine vinegar for a burst of acidity.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Carefully toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the olive oil and seasonings coat the vegetables and feta. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Feta can be salty, so be cautious with the salt until you’ve tasted the dish.
For extra freshness, you can garnish with a little extra oregano or fresh herbs like parsley or mint if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Greek Salad
- Use Fresh, Ripe Ingredients: The key to a great Greek salad is the quality of the ingredients. Use the freshest cucumbers, tomatoes, and high-quality feta cheese to get the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Greek salad is best served with each ingredient remaining distinct, so don’t over-mix the salad. Gently toss the ingredients to combine without mashing them together.
- Serve Chilled: While a Greek salad is traditionally served at room temperature, if you’re preparing it in advance, let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. The flavors will meld even better this way.
- Customize the Feta: While traditional Greek salad uses feta cheese in brine, you can also use crumbled feta or even goat cheese for a different twist. Just be sure to maintain the creamy texture of the cheese.
- Extra Protein: If you want to make your Greek salad a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Make it Ahead: Greek salad is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to marinate. If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Why Greek Salad is a Mediterranean Classic
The Classic Greek Salad is one of the most recognizable dishes in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a staple in Greece and across the Mediterranean region, celebrated for its refreshing flavors and wholesome ingredients. The use of extra virgin olive oil in the dressing is typical of Greek cooking, and it adds a richness that ties everything together.
Greek cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and this salad is the epitome of that philosophy. Whether served as part of a mezze platter, a side dish to grilled meats, or as a main vegetarian dish, the Greek Salad has earned its place as a beloved and iconic dish.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or an appetizer for a dinner party, Classic Greek Salad is the answer. With its crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, it’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Make this salad today and enjoy a taste of Greece right in your own home. The fresh, zesty flavors will leave you coming back for more!
