Delicious Greek Salad: Easy and Flavorful Athenian Delight

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Delicious Greek Salad

Introduction

Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki or Athenian salad, is a traditional dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Bursting with fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and tangy olives, this salad is not only healthy but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish for grilled meats, this Greek salad recipe is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 head of lettuce
  • 1/2 medium red onion
  • 1/2 red pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 avocado
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 100 grams feta cheese (3.5 ounces)

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 pressed garlic clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash the lettuce thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
  2. Wash the cucumber and slice it into semicircles. Arrange the slices in a straight row over the lettuce.
  3. Clean the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Arrange them next to the cucumber slices.
  4. Cut the red pepper into pieces and add them to the bowl.
  5. Peel and chop the red onion finely. Add it to the bowl with the other vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocado and Olives

  1. Peel the avocado, remove the stone, and cut the flesh into pieces. Arrange the avocado pieces next to the chopped onion.
  2. Cut the pitted Kalamata olives into circles and add them to the salad.

Step 3: Add the Feta Cheese

  1. Cut the feta cheese into cubes.
  2. Sprinkle the feta cheese cubes evenly over the salad.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  1. Squeeze the juice from the large lemon into a small bowl.
  2. Add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 pressed garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the lemon juice.
  3. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined to form a smooth dressing.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

  1. Pour the dressing over the salad.
  2. Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.

Step 6: Serve the Salad

  1. Divide the salad between plates.
  2. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this delicious Greek salad.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 250 per serving
  • Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 5g

Serving Suggestions

This Greek salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light meal, accompanied by some crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine. The crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and tangy dressing make it a versatile dish that complements a variety of mains.

Storage Tips

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. If you plan to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.

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