Description
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.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, cleaned and chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup fresh, sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 sweet or bell pepper, chopped or sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese cubes, crumbled
- optional: red onion slices, Greek olives, fresh basil leaves, pickled pepperonci peppers
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Dressing: Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently again, ensuring every piece is coated in that absolutely fabulous flavor.
- 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!
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Absolutely Fabulous Greek Salad