Greek Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Greek Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is like a Mediterranean vacation on your plate. Just imagine vibrant, crunchy cucumbers mingling with sweet tomatoes, creamy feta, and briny olives, all drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. crunchy Thai quinoa salad nutritious avocado quinoa salad It’s an explosion of flavors and textures that makes your taste buds dance the Zorba!

this recipe

This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory in the making. Picture yourself at a sunny picnic, surrounded by friends and laughter, as you pass around this colorful salad that everyone is fighting to get seconds of. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, Greek Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette elevates any occasion into a celebration. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe.

I remember serving this Greek Salad during my sister’s birthday party, and everyone insisted I share the recipe. It was definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for crunch; English cucumbers work great since they have fewer seeds.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for vibrant red cherry tomatoes; they add sweetness and pop of color to the salad.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice red onion for a mild flavor; soaking them in water reduces their sharpness if desired.
• Kalamata Olives: Use pitted Kalamata olives for their rich flavor; they add depth to the overall taste profile.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; choose high-quality cheese for the best flavor experience.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad; avoid bottled juice for optimal freshness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best; it enhances the vinaigrette’s flavor while adding healthy fats.
• Dried Oregano: A pinch of dried oregano elevates the salad; it’s essential for that authentic Greek taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Here’s how to whip up this delightful Greek Salad:

Chop Your Veggies: Rinse and dice the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onions thinly so they blend nicely without overpowering other flavors.

Mix Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix without breaking up the feta too much.

Prepare the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil until emulsified. Add oregano, salt, and pepper to taste for flavor enhancement.

Toss Everything Together: Pour the vinaigrette over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in that zesty dressing you can’t resist.

Garnish and Serve: Transfer your beautiful Greek Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Enjoy immediately or let it chill briefly to enhance those vibrant flavors even more.

This easy-to-follow recipe simplifies making Greek Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette into an enjoyable adventure filled with fresh ingredients! For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry and Spinach Salad recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make this Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette, start by chopping vegetables while preparing the dressing. perfect Greek meal prep This ensures your ingredients are fresh and flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding olives, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. savory chicken kofta recipe Experimenting makes each salad unique!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating as salads are best enjoyed cold and crisp.

Sharing this Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette at my last picnic brought everyone together, and we laughed about our failed attempts at dressing-making before mastering this simple recipe.

FAQ

What type of tomatoes work best in Greek salad?

Ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes offer the best flavor and texture for your salad.

Can I make this Greek salad in advance?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead but add the dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.

Is there a vegan version of the Greek salad?

Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.