Quick Greek Feta Salad Recipe to Brighten Your Day!

The kind of sensations that make your taste buds twirl is what I live for. So today, we have the Quick Greek Feta Salad, a tasty and simple salad that anyone can make and enjoy. This colorful and flavorful salad will be the perfect side dish to any main course or a great main dish on its own to bring a little bit of the Mediterranean into your home. Get out your cutting board because I am about to delve into a colorful, crisp, and refreshing salad.

Why Make Greek Feta Salad?

I love nutritious and flavorful salads, and this Greek Feta Salad has both! Every mouthful is a joyous ode to summertime with its luscious feta cheese, crunchy cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes. And it's so easy to make that it's great for weeknights when you're pressed for time or when you want to throw a party.

Let us now turn our attention to feta cheese. In all honesty, is anything better available? Its acidic flavor and crumbly texture take this salad to the next level. It becomes an irresistible symphony with crisp veggies and flavorful olive oil. If you're in the mood for something cheery, I have the dish that will quickly become your favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 large vine tomatoes, cut in half (or wedges)
• 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and chopped
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 16 black olives (Kalamata or your favorite type)
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 85g feta cheese, cut into squares
• 4 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
• Crusty bread for serving (optional but highly recommended!)

Ingredient Spotlight

Before we jump into the preparation, let’s take a moment to appreciate the star ingredients of this Greek Feta Salad.

• Feta Cheese: This crumbly, tangy cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine. It adds creaminess and flavor, transforming a simple salad into something extraordinary. Opt for high-quality, authentic feta for the best taste.
• Olives: Black olives bring a briny depth to the salad. They’re rich in healthy fats and add a delightful contrast to the freshness of the veggies.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of many Mediterranean dishes, good olive oil enhances the flavors of the salad and provides healthy fats. Look for a cold-pressed, high-quality Greek extra virgin olive oil for maximum flavor.

How to Make Greek Feta Salad?

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut the vine tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl. The tomatoes' juiciness makes this salad so refreshing, so don’t skimp on this ingredient!

Step 2: Cucumber Time

Next, peel and deseed your cucumber. This step ensures that the salad remains crisp and doesn’t get soggy. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl.

Step 3: Slice the Onion

Thinly slice the red onion. If you’re sensitive to raw onion’s sharpness, consider soaking the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.

Step 4: Add the Olives and Red Pepper

Toss in the black olives (you can slice them or leave them whole for a bolder bite) and the chopped red pepper. The red pepper adds sweetness and a lovely crunch.

Step 5: Seasoning Time

Sprinkle in the dried oregano. This herb brings a beautiful aromatic flavor reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Lightly season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste (remember that feta is salty, so you should hold off on too much salt).

Step 6: Feta Magic

Gently fold in the feta cheese squares, careful not to break them up too much. This salad is all about the delightful texture of those feta cubes!

Step 7: Olive Oil Drizzle

Finish by drizzling the Greek extra virgin olive oil over the salad. This adds richness and ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Greek Feta Salad immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, so don’t forget to have some on the side to soak up those delicious juices!

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Perfect Greek Feta Salad

1. Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great salad lies in the freshness of its ingredients. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant peppers for maximum flavor.
2. Make Ahead: If you’re preparing this salad for a gathering, you can chop the vegetables a few hours before. Just wait to add the feta and olive oil until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh.
3. Add Protein: To turn this salad into a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. It’ll make a perfect light lunch or dinner!
4. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to play with fresh herbs! Basil, parsley, or mint can add a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.
5. Presentation Matters: Serve your salad in a beautiful bowl and garnish with extra feta, olives, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Healthy and Nutritious: This salad is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from the olives and feta. It’s perfect for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a quick lunch, or want to impress guests with a light dinner, this salad fits the bill. You can also adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of dish that lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good food with loved ones.
• Great for Meal Prep: If you’re on the meal prep train, this salad keeps well in the fridge for a day or two (justhold off on adding the olive oil until serving). It makes for a leisurely grab-and-go lunch!

Greek Feta Salad Pairing Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of good quality bread is perfect for mopping up the flavorful juices of the salad.
• Grilled Proteins: Pair this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a heartier meal that complements the freshness of the salad.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé, pairs beautifully with the tangy flavors of the Greek salad.
• Mediterranean Dishes: Serve this salad alongside other Mediterranean staples like hummus, tzatziki, or a simple pita platter for a fantastic spread.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a vibrant, flavorful Quick Greek Feta Salad that will brighten your day! The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty olive oil makes this dish a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a party appetizer, this salad is bound to impress!

Let us know what you think! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you make? Leave a comment below; we’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to share this delicious Greek Feta Salad with your friends on social media! Tag us @ZulayKitchen and use the hashtag #kitchenhappiness.