Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece? This Loaded Greek Salad is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Imagine crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta dancing together in a vibrant symphony of taste that will make your mouth water and your dinner guests beg for the recipe. In just 15 minutes, you can create a dish that's both incredibly delicious and stunningly healthy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Shake off excess water and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large salad bowl.
- Next, rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water. Cut each tomato in half and add them to the bowl with the romaine lettuce.
- Wash the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon if desired, then dice the cucumber into small pieces. Add the diced cucumber to the salad bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If the flavor is too strong for your taste, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor. After soaking, drain the onion slices and add them to the salad bowl.
- Add the Kalamata olives to the bowl. If you prefer, you can slice them in half for easier eating, but this is optional.
- Next, crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad. The feta adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Whisk or shake well to combine, creating a simple vinaigrette. Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that feta and olives can be salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the feta cheese while mixing.
- Serve the Loaded Greek Salad immediately, garnished with extra feta or olives if desired. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant salad as a light meal or a side dish!
Tips
- Always use fresh ingredients: The quality of your produce makes a huge difference in this simple salad.
- Chill your ingredients beforehand for a refreshing experience, especially during warm summer days.
- For a more mellow onion flavor, soak sliced red onions in cold water for a few minutes before adding to the salad.
- Don't overdress the salad—start with a little dressing and add more as needed to prevent soggy lettuce.
- For extra authenticity, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and authentic Greek feta cheese.
- If you want to make it a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
