Classic Greek Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
Fresh, healthy, and satisfying salad—perfect for any day of the week! This version is packed with crunchy veggies, savory feta cheese, and a homemade Greek vinaigrette that ties everything together. Serve with some toasted pita bread for a complete meal!
Flavor Profile
1. Tangy and Herbaceous: The homemade vinaigrette adds a tangy and herbaceous flavor to the salad.
2. Fresh and Crunchy: The cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions provide a fresh and crunchy texture.
3. Savory and Umami: The feta cheese adds a savory and umami flavor to the salad.
Benefits
1. Easy to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal plans.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: A nutritious and delicious meal option that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
3. Customizable: Experiment with different ingredients and toppings to make the recipe your own.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or substitute with grilled chicken or salmon)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup kalamata olives
- ¼ cup banana peppers, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Greek Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, chickpeas (or your choice of protein), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, kalamata olives, banana peppers, and parsley.
2. Toss well to combine.
3. In a small mason jar, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously until the dressing is well-combined.
5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad to your preferred taste.
6. Toss the salad to coat evenly with the dressing.
7. Enjoy immediately with some toasted pita bread on the side, or store the extra vinaigrette in the mason jar for later use.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Greek Salad!