Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad: A Refreshing Healthy Delight

Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad

There’s something utterly delightful about enjoying an Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad on a warm summer evening. I can still remember my grandmother tossing together the freshest ingredients from her garden, her hands dancing through crisp romaine and vibrant cherry tomatoes, the aroma of her homemade dressing wafting through the air. This classic salad, bursting with color and flavor, brings a sense of joy to any table, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, healthy lunch.

What sets this Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad apart is not just the dazzling salad itself but the simplicity of the homemade dressing—a blend of zesty red wine vinegar and creamy feta that elevates it to a whole new level. With just a few steps, you’ll have a meal-prep friendly dish that’s perfect for both busy weekdays and laid-back weekends. Whether you're serving it as a family-friendly meal or a refreshing starter, this salad is sure to bring everyone together, creating mouthwatering memories with every bite.

Why is this Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad special?

The charm of this fresh and vibrant dish lies in its delightful combination of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine crisp romaine lettuce mingling with sweet cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, all enveloped in a zesty homemade dressing that infuses each bite with Mediterranean magic. For an extra flavor punch, consider adding some of Grandma’s classic 5-ingredient carrot salad alongside this salad for a delicious spread that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

Here you will find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

For the Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil – the main flavor base of the dressing; opt for high-quality for best health benefits.
• Dried basil – adds a herby, aromatic flavor that brightens the dressing.
• Dried oregano – contributes a classic Mediterranean flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
• Granulated garlic (or fresh garlic) – delivers a sharp flavor; fresh is great but balance with a bit of granulated garlic for zest.
• Fresh ground pepper – adds a subtle warmth and enhances the dressing’s richness.
• Salt – enhances the overall flavors and brings the ingredients alive.
• Onion powder – adds another layer of depth, balancing the tangy notes.
• Dijon mustard – imparts a nice slight tanginess, rounding out the dressing's flavors.
• Red wine vinegar – provides the zesty, tart kick that makes the dressing sing.

For the Salad

• Romaine lettuce, cleaned and chopped – the crisp base of the salad that provides refreshing texture.
• Cucumber, chopped – adds a hydrating element; choose long, firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
• Fresh, sweet cherry tomatoes, halved – offers juicy sweetness that makes each bite delightful.
• Sweet or bell pepper (fresh or roasted), chopped or sliced – adds a mild sweetness and additional crunch.
• Feta cheese cubes, crumbled over top (even better with marinated feta) – provides a tangy, creamy element that contrasts beautifully with fresh veggies.
• Optional additions: red onion slices, Greek olives, fresh basil leaves, pickled pepperonci peppers – let your creativity shine and customize this Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad to your taste!

How to Make Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, dried basil, oregano, granulated garlic, fresh ground pepper, salt, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well blended, letting the fragrant herbs awaken the senses.

2. Whisk in Vinegar: Gradually whisk in the red wine vinegar, allowing it to bring a zesty and tangy brightness to the dressing. This should create a smooth, harmonious mixture that offers a delightful odor.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, fill it most of the way with chopped romaine lettuce. Let this crisp base be the canvas for your colorful ingredients.

4. Toss Together: Add chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and your choice of sweet or bell pepper to the lettuce. Gently toss to combine, letting the salad come alive with color and crunch.

5. Incorporate Dressing: Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently again, ensuring every piece is coated in that absolutely fabulous flavor.

6. Finish and Serve: Generously crumble feta cheese over the top and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch. Take a moment to admire your creation!

7. Store Leftovers: If you have any dressing left, pour it into an airtight jar or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to a week, ready for your next salad craving.

Optional: Add a handful of Kalamata olives for an extra Mediterranean twist!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad

• Quality Ingredients: Always use the freshest ingredients you can find for the best flavor. Look for crisp romaine lettuce and ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes.
• Perfectly Balanced Dressing: Don’t rush whisking in the red wine vinegar after combining the other ingredients; this helps create a perfectly emulsified, flavorful dressing for your Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad.
• Feta Fun: Choose marinated feta for an extra flavor boost, but if you only have plain feta, it will still taste amazing.
• Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add optional ingredients like red onions or olives to enhance the salad's flavor profile and make it your own.
• Store with Care: Leftover dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and used within a week to maintain flavor freshness.

How to Store and Freeze Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad

Fridge: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the dressing separate to maintain crispness.

Dressing Storage: Pour any extra dressing into an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Freezer: Avoid freezing the salad as the textures of fresh vegetables will become mushy; better to enjoy it fresh.

Reheating: If you enjoy warm salads, gently sauté the ingredients in a pan, but remember not to heat the toppings like feta or olives for the best taste.

FAQs About Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad

Q: How do you make homemade Greek salad dressing?
A: To make homemade Greek salad dressing, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Q: What is the dressing made of in a traditional Greek salad?
A: A traditional Greek salad dressing typically includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, and salt, providing a fresh and zesty flavor profile that complements the salad beautifully.

Q: How long does homemade Greek dressing last in the fridge?
A: Homemade Greek dressing can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week, allowing the flavors to meld and develop further.

Q: Can I use balsamic vinegar in Greek salad dressing?
A: While red wine vinegar is traditional, balsamic vinegar can be used as a sweeter alternative; however, it will alter the classic flavor of the Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad.

Q: How to make the best Greek salad?
A: To make the best Greek salad, use ripe vegetables, high-quality feta, and a balanced dressing. Toss everything fresh before serving for maximum flavor and texture!

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