Greek Salad Feta Veggie Bowl

This easy Greek Salad is my go-to when I want something fresh and vibrant on the table that never fails to impress both at summer cookouts and weeknight dinners With bursts of juicy tomatoes crunchy peppers and creamy feta every bite is full of flavor and color

I first whipped up this Greek salad for a family picnic on the hottest July afternoon and it quickly became a warm weather favorite My little ones love building their own versions when we do a salad bar dinner night

Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce: gives a tender yet crunchy bed for all the toppings You want fresh crisp leaves that are deep green and free of browning
• Tomatoes: juicy and sweet add color and brightness Seek out fully ripe tomatoes for peak flavor I love heirloom or vine ripened best
• Cucumber: English or Persian provides cool crunch and doesnt need to be peeled for texture
• Red Onion: sliced thin for tang that balances against the creamy feta Choose onions that feel firm and have shiny skins for less sharpness
• Green Bell Pepper: sliced for a subtle bitterness and crunch If you like sweeter go for yellow or orange peppers
• Kalamata Olives: briney and rich these are a Greek salad must Look for plump glossy olives in jars or from the deli counter
• Feta Cheese: classic salty and creamy made from sheeps milk Seek out feta blocks in brine instead of precrumbled for the best flavor
• Greek Salad Dressing: made from extra virgin olive oil red wine vinegar and oregano is the finishing touch Use the richest olive oil you can find homemade is always best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Lettuce:

Wash and dry whole romaine leaves then chop into bite sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl Avoid using damp lettuce as excess water will water down your salad

Add the Vegetables:

Layer on the tomatoes cut into wedges or bite size chunks sliced cucumbers thin red onion and sliced green pepper Distribute evenly for a colorful look

Layer Olives and Feta:

Sprinkle kalamata olives and crumble or cube your feta cheese right over the veggies Try to distribute both so each serving gets some of both flavors

Dress the Salad:

When ready to serve drizzle your Greek salad dressing generously over the top Use tongs to gently toss everything together to coat without bruising the ingredients

Serve Immediately:

Transfer to plates or a serving platter and enjoy right away before the salad wilts or the veggies release too much juice

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Feta is absolutely my favorite element in this salad Sometimes I sneak extra cubes on top and my kids joke that feta is what makes any salad special Greek salad always brings back memories of beachside meals when we traveled to the coast every summer

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers but have not added the dressing cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days Once the dressing goes on enjoy the salad right away so it stays crisp For meal prep keep chopped veggies lettuce and feta in separated containers and combine right before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

No kalamata olives on hand Use any type of briny black olive or leave them out for a milder flavor Crumbled goat cheese can work if you cannot find feta For more color try yellow or purple bell peppers and if you want extra protein mix in chickpeas or grilled chicken

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Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious as a side for grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb skewers It also makes an excellent topping for a pita wrap or served alongside a bowl of tzatziki and warm flatbread For more crunch toss in homemade croutons or serve with pita chips

Cultural Context

Greek salad or Horiatiki is a symbol of Mediterranean eating and is a staple at Greek tables especially during the peak of summer produce In Greece the salad is made simply with tomatoes cucumber onion peppers olives and feta often without lettuce and always with a big drizzle of olive oil and dried oregano Salad there is about letting the freshest ingredients shine

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What vegetables are traditional in Greek salads?

Classic Greek salads use tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onions, and olives for a crisp, colorful medley.

→ Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Feta provides authentic flavor, but you can try goat cheese or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.

→ Should lettuce be included in Greek salads?

Traditional Greek salads use no lettuce, but romaine or iceberg can be added for extra crunch based on personal taste.

→ What kind of dressing works best?

Greek salads shine with a simple dressing of good olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and a pinch of sea salt.

→ How can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Chop vegetables and store them separately. Toss with dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.

→ Which proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, chicken souvlaki, shrimp, or chickpeas add protein and complement the fresh flavors beautifully.