There’s something incredibly satisfying about a Greek salad. It’s fresh, light, and brimming with Mediterranean flavors that transport me to a sun-soaked Greek island. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a healthy addition to your dinner table, this Greek salad with feta and olives hits all the right notes. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients for Greek Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this iconic dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that authentic Greek taste:
- Crisp Cucumbers (2 medium) – Slice them into half-moons or quarters. Their crunch adds a refreshing base to the salad.
- Juicy Tomatoes (4 medium) – Go for ripe, firm tomatoes. Chop them into bite-sized pieces to release their sweet juices.
- Red Onion (1 small) – Thinly sliced for a pop of sharpness. Soak them in water for 10 minutes if you want to mellow the flavor.
- Kalamata Olives (½ cup) – These dark, briny olives are the heart of a Greek salad. No substitutes here!
- Feta Cheese (4 oz) – Crumbled or cubed, feta’s creamy and tangy profile ties the whole dish together.
- Green Bell Pepper (1 medium) – Thinly sliced for a subtle earthy crunch.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tbsp) – The backbone of your dressing. Use the highest-quality oil you have.
- Red Wine Vinegar (2 tbsp) – Adds a zippy tang that balances the olive oil.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp) – Sprinkle generously for that signature Greek flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – Simple but essential seasonings.
Prep Tip
Keep your ingredients cold before assembling the salad. A chilled salad enhances the refreshing experience.
How to Make Greek Salad
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect Greek salad in minutes:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Wash and dry all your veggies. Slice the cucumbers, chop the tomatoes, and thinly slice the onion and bell pepper. Set them aside in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the Olives and Feta
Toss in the Kalamata olives and scatter the feta cheese over the vegetables. You can crumble the feta for a rustic look or cube it for a more structured presentation.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to coat the veggies and cheese without breaking them apart.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving dish or enjoy it straight from the bowl. For an authentic touch, serve with crusty bread on the side.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
- A large salad bowl for mixing
- Sharp knife and cutting board for prepping veggies
- Small bowl and whisk for the dressing
- Serving utensils for tossing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the vegetables and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If you can’t find Kalamata olives, try black or green olives, but keep in mind the flavor won’t be as authentic.
Is Greek salad healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese, and is naturally low in calories.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The rest of the recipe is already vegan-friendly.
What can I pair with Greek salad?
This salad is versatile! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or a warm bowl of lentil soup for a complete meal.
Can I use different herbs in the dressing?
Certainly! Fresh dill or parsley can add a delightful twist to the classic oregano-based dressing.
Conclusion
I hope you loved diving into this easy and delicious Greek salad recipe as much as I did! It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, whether it’s a casual lunch or a dinner party side dish.
Don’t forget to share this recipe on Facebook using the share buttons below or save it to Pinterest for later. Let’s spread the love for this Mediterranean classic together! 🥗
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Mint Lime Mojito
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Mint Lime Mojito: A Refreshing Sip of Paradise
Few things say “refreshment” like a classic Mint Lime Mojito. This iconic Cuban cocktail is the perfect blend of zesty lime, cool mint, and bubbly soda water, making it ideal for warm afternoons, dinner parties, or simply unwinding after a long day. Let’s shake (or stir) things up and craft the ultimate mojito together!
Ingredients for Mint Lime Mojito
These simple ingredients come together to create a drink that’s fresh, vibrant, and utterly irresistible:
- Fresh Mint Leaves (10-12 leaves) – Adds that signature cooling flavor. Lightly bruise them to release their essential oils.
- Lime (1 medium) – Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the zippy, tangy flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tsp) – Sweetens the drink and balances the tartness of the lime. Adjust to your taste.
- White Rum (2 oz) – The heart of a mojito! Use a light rum for its mild, sweet flavor.
- Club Soda (4-6 oz) – Provides the fizz that makes a mojito sparkle.
- Crushed Ice – Helps keep the drink chilled and dilutes it slightly for a smoother sip.
Prep Tip
To bruise mint without tearing, place the leaves in your palm and gently clap your hands together. This releases the flavor without breaking the leaves into tiny bits that might get stuck in your straw.
How to Make a Mint Lime Mojito
Here’s the step-by-step guide to crafting this crowd-pleasing cocktail:
Step 1: Muddle the Mint and Lime
In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, add the mint leaves, sugar, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash the ingredients. The goal is to release the mint’s aroma and dissolve the sugar without pulverizing the mint.
Step 2: Add the Rum
Pour the white rum into the muddled mixture. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Step 3: Fill the Glass with Ice
Transfer the mint and lime mixture to a serving glass if using a shaker. Fill the glass with crushed ice, leaving some room for soda water.
Step 4: Top with Soda Water
Slowly pour club soda over the ice until the glass is nearly full. Stir gently to mix.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel. Serve immediately with a straw or spoon to keep the mint evenly distributed.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
- A sturdy muddler or wooden spoon
- Cocktail shaker (optional, but helpful for mixing)
- Serving glass (highball glasses work best)
- Measuring jigger for precise pours
- Knife and cutting board for prepping lime
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make mojitos without alcohol?
Absolutely! For a virgin mojito, simply omit the rum and add extra club soda. You can also use a splash of sparkling apple cider for added sweetness.
What’s the best type of mint for mojitos?
Spearmint is the classic choice for mojitos due to its mild, sweet flavor. Avoid peppermint, which can be too overpowering.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with simple syrup, honey, or even raw cane sugar. Just adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I prepare mojitos in advance?
While mojitos are best made fresh, you can prepare a mint-lime syrup in advance by simmering mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar. Store it in the fridge and mix with rum and soda when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of club soda?
Sparkling water or soda water works just as well. For a twist, try flavored sparkling water, like lime or mint.
How do I make mojitos for a crowd?
Scale up the ingredients and mix them in a large pitcher. Add the soda just before serving to maintain the fizz.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet stunning Mint Lime Mojito recipe that’s bound to become a favorite. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting friends, this cocktail is sure to impress.
If you enjoyed this recipe, share it on Facebook using the buttons below or save it on Pinterest for your next gathering. Cheers to refreshing sips and good times! 🍹
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