Best Greek Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Greek salad featuring crispy cucumbers, sweet grape tomatoes, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing that embodies the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large Cucumber, diced Opt for English cucumber for tenderness.
- 1 cup Grape tomatoes, halved Adds sweetness.
- 1 medium Bell pepper, diced Use various colors for visual appeal.
- 1/2 medium Red onion, sliced For sharpness and contrast.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives Briny depth; slice in half for extra flavor.
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled Use block feta for freshness.
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Red apple cider vinegar For tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Freshly squeezed preferred.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Adds depth.
- 1 clove Minced garlic For robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Classic Greek herb.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt To taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper To taste.
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil For richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients, ensuring you select fresh, high-quality produce.
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly, optionally peel it, and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the grape tomatoes and set aside.
- Dice the bell pepper into chunks and slice the red onion thinly. Combine these with the cucumber and tomatoes in a large bowl.
Mixing Ingredients
- Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Gently fold all the ingredients together being careful not to mash the feta.
Dressing Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together red apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking to create an emulsified dressing.
Bringing It Together
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir again to ensure all ingredients are coated.
Notes
For added richness, consider including avocado or artichoke hearts. To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad and dressing separately. Best enjoyed fresh but can be made in advance, just mix before serving.