The Fresh Summer Greek Salad

A classic Greek Salad is the epitome of summer freshness. Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this easy and delicious salad is perfect for hot summer days. Made with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a simple homemade dressing, it’s a refreshing and healthy option for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at your next barbecue. Let’s dive into this summer favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce or boston lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Summer Greek Salad:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce ( I used Boston lettuce) , cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  • Gently toss the ingredients to mix them evenly.

Make the Greek Salad Dressing:

  • In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
  • Whisk or shake until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.

Dress the Greek Salad:

  • Pour the dressing over the salad.
  • Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Add Finishing Touches to Summer Greek Salad:

  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve:

  • Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.

Optional Add-Ons:

  • For added protein, you can top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • You can also include additional summer vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

This Easy and Delicious Summer Greek Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that’s perfect for hot summer days. It’s light, full of flavor, and easy to prepare. Enjoy this salad on its own or as a side to your favorite grilled dishes. Happy eating!