Mediterranean Delight Greek Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious Greek salad, inspired by the renowned Ina Garten. Bursting with fresh vegetables like crisp English cucumber, colorful bell peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad is topped with creamy feta cheese and briny Kalamata olives, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. The homemade vinaigrette, made with aromatic garlic, zesty red wine vinegar, and fragrant oregano, elevates the salad to a new level of deliciousness. Perfect as a side dish or a refreshing main course, this salad is ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light healthy meal. Let the flavors meld together for 30 minutes to create a truly irresistible dish!
6
Servings
133
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
English cucumber
1 (unpeeled, seeded, and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
Red bell pepper
1 (large-diced)
Yellow bell pepper
1 (large-diced)
Cherry tomatoes
1 pint (halved (or grape tomatoes))
Red onion
1/2 (sliced in half-rounds)
Feta cheese
1/2 lb (1/2-inch diced (not crumbled))
Kalamata olives
1/2 cup (pitted)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon (dijon)
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (good quality)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (NOT table salt or sea salt)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (good quality)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, diced red and yellow bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and half-round sliced red onion.
2
To prepare the vinaigrette, take a separate small bowl and whisk together the minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well blended.
3
Slowly incorporate the olive oil into the vinaigrette while whisking continuously until it emulsifies and becomes smooth.
4
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl, and gently toss to combine, ensuring all vegetables are coated.
5
Add the diced feta cheese and pitted Kalamata olives to the salad and toss lightly to avoid breaking the feta.
6
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
7
For an extra tip, to soften the bite of the onion, soak the sliced onion in ice-cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before adding it to the salad.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
6g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Delight Greek Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring fresh vegetables like cucumber, peppers, and tomatoes, topped with feta and olives in a homemade vinaigrette inspired by Ina Garten.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned cook Ina Garten.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What kind of cucumber is best for this salad?
An English cucumber is recommended for this recipe for its crisp texture.
Should I peel the English cucumber?
No, the instructions specify to leave the cucumber unpeeled, but it should be seeded and sliced 1/4-inch thick.
How should the red and yellow bell peppers be prepared?
Both the red and yellow bell peppers should be large-diced for the salad.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use either one pint of halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be sliced into half-rounds.
Is there a trick to reduce the strong bite of raw onions?
Yes, you can soak the sliced onion in ice-cold water for 30 minutes and pat them dry before adding them to the salad to soften their flavor.
What kind of feta cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for a block of feta cheese diced into 1/2-inch cubes rather than using pre-crumbled feta.
Why should I dice the feta instead of crumbling it?
Dicing the feta into 1/2-inch cubes provides a better texture and prevents the cheese from breaking down too much when the salad is tossed.
What type of olives are included in this Greek salad?
The recipe specifically uses 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives.
What are the main ingredients in the homemade vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
Can I substitute table salt for kosher salt?
The recipe recommends using kosher salt specifically and notes not to use table salt or sea salt for the intended flavor profile.
How do I correctly mix the vinaigrette?
Whisk the garlic, seasonings, and vinegar first, then slowly incorporate the olive oil while whisking continuously until it emulsifies.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, vegetable-forward dish with 133 calories per serving and fresh ingredients.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this Greek salad contains approximately 133 calories.
How much fat does one serving contain?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving, derived primarily from the healthy olive oil, feta, and olives.
What is the carbohydrate content of this salad?
Each serving contains 6 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of dietary fiber.
Does this recipe provide protein?
Yes, each serving of the salad provides 3 grams of protein.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe can be made vegan by either omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based feta alternative.
What makes this salad perfect for summer?
The use of fresh, seasonal vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes makes it a refreshing choice for summer picnics and gatherings.
What kind of vinegar should be used in the dressing?
A good quality red wine vinegar is recommended to provide the best zesty flavor.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves to be included in the vinaigrette.
Should I use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for the dressing.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in the vinaigrette?
Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor and acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar stay blended.
Is the quality of olive oil important?
Yes, the recipe suggests using a good quality olive oil to elevate the flavor of the fresh vegetables.
How do I prevent the feta from breaking?
Add the diced feta cheese at the very end and toss the salad lightly to ensure the cubes remain intact.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a light, healthy main course or as a flavorful side dish.