This Greek Salad Is So Refreshing!
I LOVE salads, and this one is definitely my new favorite. The refreshing crunch of the cucumber really sets this dish apart! I just know that I'll be making it all spring. Here’s my recipe!
Ingredients 🛒:
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon-red wine mix (½ tsp lemon, ½ tsp red wine)
• 1 garlic clove minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano, more for sprinkling
• ¼ tsp dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
For the salad:
• 1 English cucumber, cut lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 5 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ⅓ cup olives
Instructions 👩🍳:
1️⃣ Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
2️⃣ Shock the onion (optional). If you’d like to mellow the onion’s raw taste, fill a small bowl with ice water. Add about 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar to the water, then add the sliced onion. Set aside to soak for 10 minutes or so.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, toss the cucumber, green pepper, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and very gently toss. Enjoy!
Greek salad is a timeless classic and one of my favorite go-to dishes during warm weather. What makes this particular recipe stand out is the crisp, refreshing crunch that the English cucumber brings, adding a delightful texture that really elevates the salad experience. I love how the combination of ingredients balances freshness with richness—the salty feta cheese and briny olives contrast perfectly with the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the slight bite of red onion. If you’ve never tried soaking your red onion in ice water with a splash of red wine vinegar, give it a shot! It mellows the sharpness and adds a subtle tanginess to the salad, making it more palatable for those sensitive to raw onions. The lemon and red wine vinegar dressing is simple yet packs an aromatic punch thanks to the garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard. Drizzling this over the tossed ingredients ties everything together beautifully. Serving this Greek salad alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own is a wonderful way to enjoy a meal that's both healthy and satisfying. From personal experience, I find that prepping the dressing ahead of time allows the flavors to meld, making the salad taste even better when served chilled. Plus, it's so quick to assemble, which makes it perfect for busy weekdays. Also, customizing this salad is easy—feel free to add some fresh herbs like mint or parsley for extra freshness or swap out olives for capers depending on your preferences. This salad shines with its vibrant colors and deliciously balanced flavors, making it a fantastic dish to bring to picnics, potlucks, or just to brighten your everyday meals.