Description
A refreshing Mediterranean Salad featuring vibrant vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty Greek salad dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 10 oz pack grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- 1 small English cucumber, peeled and chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Zest of ½ small lemon
Instructions
- Soak Onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions in a bowl of cold water to soak. This process helps mellow out the onions’ sharp acidic bite, making them milder and more pleasant in the salad. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and lemon zest until well combined. This classic Greek dressing will add a tangy and herby flavor to the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the quartered grape tomatoes, chopped red and green bell peppers (if using), peeled and chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and kalamata olives. Season lightly with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper for a balanced seasoning.
- Drain Onions and Toss Salad: Remove the soaked onion slices from the cold water and pat them dry thoroughly on paper towels to avoid excess water diluting the dressing. Add the onions to the salad bowl.
- Add Dressing and Toss Gently: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold the salad to mix everything evenly while being careful not to break up the feta cheese too much. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the onions in cold water is key to reducing their sharpness for a more balanced flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day; add dressing just before serving if storing leftovers.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness.
- Optional bell peppers add crunch and color but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to maximize flavor in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
