Feta Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a delightful dish that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, this Feta Salad is an absolute must-try. It masterfully balances crisp greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and sweet bell peppers, all crowned with salty, crumbly feta cheese. This salad isn’t just a side—it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that’s incredibly easy to whip up but feels like something special every time you serve it. Trust me, once you dive into this Feta Salad, it will become one of your go-to dishes for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Feta Salad plays a crucial role, contributing freshness, crunch, and tang without any fuss. These simple staples come together seamlessly to create a bright, well-rounded salad that delights your taste buds and your eyes.
- Mixed greens: 4 cups of spinach, arugula, or romaine add a crisp and leafy base full of nutrients.
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup halved, they bring juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
- Cucumber: 1 diced cucumber provides a refreshing crunch that cools the palate.
- Bell pepper: 1 red or yellow, diced for a sweet, crisp pop of color and flavor.
- Red onion: Half a thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle sharpness and depth.
- Feta cheese: 3/4 cup crumbled feta adds creamy saltiness and a lovely tangy bite.
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup of good quality olive oil creates a smooth, fruity dressing base.
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons bring bright acidity that lifts every ingredient.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice adds zesty brightness.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon infuses a subtle herbal fragrance for Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Feta Salad
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing together your mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet bell pepper, and sharp red onion in a large bowl. Mixing these fresh ingredients first ensures every forkful has varied textures and flavors that make this Feta Salad so irresistible.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. This dressing is where the salad gains its lively yet balanced character, and homemade always beats store-bought for brightness and control.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour that zesty dressing gently over your prepared vegetables, then toss lightly to coat everything evenly. The goal here is to bring the veggies together without bruising them, keeping the salad fresh and vibrant—a signature quality of a great Feta Salad.
Step 4: Add the Feta Cheese
Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the salad and give it one gentle toss. The idea is to distribute the cheese without breaking it down too much because those chunks of tangy feta are a highlight you want to notice distinctly in every bite.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and either serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about ten minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll find the salad tastes even better once the ingredients have had a moment to marry.
How to Serve Feta Salad
Garnishes
Consider adding a few olives, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top to give your Feta Salad an even more fragrant and textured finish. These garnishes introduce complexity and a touch of elegance that makes this simple salad feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pita bread, or even a rich roasted vegetable dish. Its bright, tangy profile balances out heavier mains, making it the perfect fresh companion for a summer barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Feta Salad in colorful glass bowls or alongside rustic wooden boards sprinkled with herbs. You can also turn it into a vibrant grain bowl by adding quinoa or couscous, layering the salad on top for added heartiness and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain freshness, store the dressing separately if possible and add it just before serving. If already tossed, enjoy within a day for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing this Feta Salad is not recommended—it will lose its crispness and the texture of the ingredients will degrade. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated briefly.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, enjoy it cold or bring it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! If you want a milder flavor, try using goat cheese or ricotta salata. These options offer creaminess and a similar crumbly texture but with a less tangy flavor compared to feta.
What types of greens work best in Feta Salad?
Mixed greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine are ideal because they provide a nice balance of tender and sturdy leaves. You can also experiment with kale or butter lettuce for different textures and flavors.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
The classic Feta Salad includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese and add nuts or avocado for creaminess.
How long does Feta Salad stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the salad stays fresh for about one day, especially if the dressing is kept separate. After that, the vegetables may become soggy, and the flavors won’t be as vibrant.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas complement the Feta Salad beautifully and turn it into a filling meal. These proteins also add variety to the dish without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Feta Salad enough. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with flavors that remind you of carefree summer days. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a stunning side, it always impresses with its natural charm and ease of preparation. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad.
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Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Feta Salad featuring mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, colorful bell peppers, and sharp red onions, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, topped with creamy crumbled feta cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion to create the base of the salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and flavorful.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss all the ingredients to ensure even coating without bruising the vegetables.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and toss lightly to incorporate it without breaking the cheese too much.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Refrigerate the salad if not serving immediately, but avoid leaving it too long to keep greens fresh.
- Add nuts like walnuts or olives for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Feta salad, Mediterranean salad, mixed greens salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad
