When in season, organic heirloom tomatoes are an absolute delight in the kitchen. Seek them out, and even the most simple greek salad will be a highlight of your table. For this recipe, any organic variety will do, but freshest is bestest!
While feta is a classic ingredient, pitted olives will give the same saltiness and can be used exclusively for a great vegan twist.
Simple Greek Salad
Classic flavors of a Greek Salad with salty olives and feta cheese. Fresh organic heirloom produce will elevate this dish from everyday to exemplary.
Greek Salad
- 1/8 small red onion (optional)
- 4 vine ripened organic tomatoes
- 1 green pepper
- 1 cucumber
- 1 handful of pitted Kalamata olives (optional)
- ¼ block of organic Feta cheese (optional – leave it out to make this vegan!)
Dressing
- 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Pinch of salt & pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs
- Cut the red onion into quarters, saving 3/4 for another day.
- Cut 1/8th into very thin slices. Soak in a bowl of ice water for 10+ minutes. This will take out most of the onion’s sharp bite while keeping the flavor.
- Slice or dice the tomatoes into wedges or chunks, chef’s choice!
- Chop the green pepper into bite size squares.
- Chop the cucumber into quartered rounds… Chef’s Tip: Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, leaving 2-3″ unsliced at the end, to hold onto. Slice lengthwise again 90-degrees away (creating the “quarters”), slice rounds ¼ inch thick, and they’ll be ready to go.
- Place all vegetables into a big salad bowl.
Dressing
- Briskly mix together the red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.
- Slowly stir in the olive oil.
- Add your salt, pepper and herbs.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Alternative: Put all the ingredeants in a jar with lid and shake until combined.
Combine
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, add the olives and crumble the feta on top. Toss lightly, bowl and serve.
Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below.
For a full Greek Feast, prepare along side Super Greens Spanakopita, Greek Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Tzatziki, and a crisp white wine. Your dinner guests will thank you!
