Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

 

## Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

A classic Greek salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives. This salad is not only delicious but also loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Below is a detailed recipe to help you create this delightful dish.

### Ingredients

- **Tomatoes**: 2 large (ripe, diced)

- **Cucumbers**: 1 large (peeled and diced)

- **Red Onion**: 1 small (thinly sliced)

- **Kalamata Olives**: 1/2 cup (pitted)

- **Feta Cheese**: 1 cup (crumbled or cubed)

- **Olive Oil**: 3 tablespoons (extra virgin)

- **Lemon Juice**: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)

- **Oregano**: 1 teaspoon (dried or fresh)

- **Salt**: to taste

- **Pepper**: to taste

### Benefits

- **Antioxidant-Rich**: Tomatoes and cucumbers are loaded with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.

- **Healthy Fats**: Olive oil and feta cheese provide heart-healthy fats that support overall health.

- **Essential Nutrients**: This salad is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, and dietary fiber.

- **Low-Calorie Option**: Greek salad is low in calories while being nutrient-dense, making it an excellent choice for weight management.

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. **Wash the Vegetables**: Rinse the tomatoes and cucumbers under cold water to remove any dirt or residues.

2. **Dice the Tomatoes**: Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, you can simply halve them.

3. **Prepare the Cucumbers**: Peel the cucumber if desired (the skin can be left on for added texture) and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon if they are large, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

4. **Slice the Red Onion**: Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain.

#### Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

1. **Mix Vegetables in a Bowl**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.

2. **Add Feta Cheese**: Crumble or cube the feta cheese and gently add it to the bowl with the vegetables.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

1. **Make the Dressing**: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

2. **Taste and Adjust**: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed—add more lemon juice for acidity or more salt to enhance flavors.

#### Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. **Drizzle Dressing Over Salad**: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.

2. **Toss Gently**: Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

#### Step 5: Serve

1. **Plate Your Salad**: Transfer the Greek salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.

2. **Garnish (Optional)**: For added flair, you can garnish with extra feta cheese or a sprinkle of fresh oregano before serving.

### Enjoy!

This Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect as a stand-alone dish or as a side to grilled meats or seafood. Enjoy this healthy salad as part of your meal prep or as a refreshing option on warm days!

### Variations

- **Add Protein**: Include grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.

- **Different Cheeses**: Substitute feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

- **Add More Veggies**: Consider adding bell peppers, radishes, or avocados for additional color and nutrients.

- **Spicy Kick**: For some heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your dressing.

This Greek salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients that promote health—enjoy every bite!