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To make a Simple Greek Salad, you need some key ingredients: - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional, use lemon juice if you prefer) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a big role. The tomatoes bring sweetness, while cucumbers add crunch. Feta cheese gives a creamy texture, and olives pack a salty punch. Using fresh ingredients is very important. Fresh veggies taste better and keep the salad vibrant. You can change things up a bit with optional ingredients. For dressings, you can use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar. Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor. If you want more protein, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas works well. They make the salad heartier and more filling. The flexibility of this salad lets you customize it to fit your tastes. Whether you choose to stick with the basics or mix in something new, your Simple Greek Salad will shine! For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Bliss Salad! Start by washing all your vegetables. This is key for a fresh taste. For the tomatoes, slice them in half. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Next, take the cucumber. Dice it into small pieces, about half an inch. A good tip is to peel the cucumber if the skin is tough. Now, move on to the red bell pepper. Slice it in half, remove the seeds, and dice it just like the cucumber. For the red onion, slice it thinly. The thinner the onion, the milder the bite. In a large salad bowl, add your chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and onion. This order helps the flavors mix well. Now, toss in the Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese on top. To make the dressing, grab a small bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil first. Then, pour in the red wine vinegar or lemon juice. Whisk these together until they blend. This creates a smooth dressing. Next, add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk again to mix these flavors. If you want a stronger taste, add more herbs or a pinch of salt. Drizzle the dressing over your salad. Gently toss everything to coat well. Taste it! If needed, adjust the seasoning. You can add a little more oil or vinegar based on your liking. Enjoy your fresh Greek salad as a bright side or a light meal. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Pair your Simple Greek Salad with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a complete meal. The fresh flavors of the salad balance well with these hearty proteins. You can also serve it alongside pita bread for a fun touch. For a beautiful presentation, use a large, clear bowl. Layer the ingredients to show off the vibrant colors. Add a sprinkle of oregano on top for a nice finish. Fresh basil leaves also make a great garnish. They add color and a lovely aroma. If you need a dairy-free option, try using dairy-free feta. It gives a similar taste without the dairy. For a lighter touch, you can skip the cheese entirely. Seasonal veggies are a great way to change things up. In summer, add fresh bell peppers or zucchini. In the fall, roasted butternut squash makes a tasty addition. Always look for local produce to keep your salad fresh and flavorful. For a twist, swap red wine vinegar with lemon juice. It brightens the salad and adds a zesty punch. {{image_2}} You can make your Simple Greek Salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp work well. Both add flavor and texture. Simply cook the protein until golden brown. Then slice it and toss it into the salad. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try adding beans. Chickpeas or white beans bring protein and fiber. Drain and rinse canned beans before adding. They mix nicely with the fresh veggies. To boost the flavor, consider adding roasted bell peppers or artichokes. These ingredients offer a sweet and smoky taste. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness. Just chop them up and mix them in! You can also experiment with different cheeses. Goat cheese brings a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Feta blends offer variety, too. Try a mix of feta and ricotta for a creamy twist. For the full recipe, check the Mediterranean Bliss Salad section. This way, you can create your perfect Greek Salad with these fun variations! To keep your Simple Greek Salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This method helps seal in flavors and moisture. Make sure to refrigerate it right away. The salad stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. After that, the veggies may lose their crunch. I enjoy serving the salad cold. It tastes best when chilled, as it brings out the flavors. You can let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This way, the salad warms slightly and becomes more aromatic. Just remember, it should not sit out for more than 2 hours to stay safe to eat. How long does Simple Greek Salad last in the fridge? Simple Greek Salad stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. After that, the veggies may get soggy. For the best taste, eat it within this time. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This helps the salad stay crisp and fresh. What is the nutritional information for the salad? This salad is low in calories and rich in nutrients. It has healthy fats from the olives and olive oil. Each serving contains about 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, and plenty of vitamins. What can I serve with Simple Greek Salad? You can serve this salad with grilled chicken, fish, or pita bread. It pairs well with hummus and tzatziki for a full meal. Can I make a vegan version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegan version by omitting the feta cheese. You can also use a plant-based cheese alternative. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty for everyone. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Bliss Salad 🥗. In this blog post, we explored how to create a Simple Greek Salad using fresh, flavorful ingredients. You learned about essential components like tomatoes and feta, along with optional dressings and protein add-ins. We covered step-by-step instructions for preparation, dressing, serving tips, and variations to suit your tastes. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Don’t shy away from personalizing your salad. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your delicious results!

Simple Greek Salad

Discover the ultimate Mediterranean Bliss Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish combines fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a delicious way to enjoy healthy flavors. Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional, replace with lemon juice if desired)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large salad bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion.

    Toss in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated.

          Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.

            Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

              Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4