A Mediterranean Greek Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines crisp vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. A step-by-step guide on how to make this classic salad:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups diced tomatoes (about 4 medium-sized tomatoes)
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano or mint, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion and dice the green bell pepper.
- Place all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the Olives and Herbs:
- Slice the Kalamata olives and add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, fresh oregano or mint over the vegetables.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
- Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad in the large mixing bowl.
5. Toss and Season:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together to coat them with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Crumble the Feta:
- Just before serving, crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
7. Serve:
- Serve the Mediterranean Greek Salad immediately as a refreshing and colorful side dish or as a light meal on its own.
8. Enjoy:
- Enjoy your homemade Greek salad, a delightful and healthy option that's bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
This Greek salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood. It's a taste of the Mediterranean that's sure to please.