Best Hot Weather Recipes

Summer essentially calls for food that is easy, refreshing, and still fabulous. One such dish that comes to mind is our all-time favorite – Greek Salad! This classic Mediterranean delight is not just scrumptiously light and healthy but also a rainbow pleaser; it evokes a sense of joy and vibrancy on your plate. Perfect for those hot and sweaty days where you need a quick recharge, it’s also an absolute crowd-puller at family barbecues and lazy Sunday brunches.

Comprising of fresh juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, feisty red onions, plump Kalamata olives, and the ever-enriching Feta cheese all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette; no wonder this beauty is loved by all and sundry. Without further adieu folks, let���s dive into prepping up this colourful medley of goodness!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 Greek Salad Bowl

Now let���s dish out what all goes into making this fantastic summer lifesaver.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 small red onion
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 200g Feta cheese
• For the vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

You���ll be needing a cutting board, knife, and a salad bowl.

Each veggie brings a unique crispiness while the Feta cheese adds creaminess to complete the perfect salad. The vinaigrette adds the required tangy punch! Feel free to use other vinegar if you don’t have red wine vinegar.

How To Make Greek Salad

1. Start by cleaning all the vegetables under running water.
2. Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion and put them in a bowl.
3. Add Kalamata olives and crumbled Feta cheese to the chopped veggies.
4. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt and pepper until it emulsifies. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently till it is coated well.
5. Your Greek salad is ready to be served!

Tips For The Best Results

• Always use ripe and fresh veggies for the best taste.
• Feta cheese is the hero of the Greek Salad, so do not substitute it.

Storage Tips

• It is best consumed fresh, but you can refrigerate it for a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I add lettuce to the Greek Salad?

A: Purists would say no. The classic Greek Salad recipe doesn’t include lettuce.

Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?

A: Yes, but remember to add the dressing just before serving.

Q: I don���t like olives, can I skip them?

A: Yes, you may skip them. Olives give a unique taste and texture but it is up to your preference.

Q: What can I serve with the Greek Salad?

A: It is a great accompaniment with grilled chicken or simply served with warm pita bread.

Q: Can I use normal olive oil instead of extra virgin?

A: Yes, you can, but extra virgin olive oil gives a nice flavour to the salad.

Nutritional Facts of Greek Salad

A bowl of Greek Salad approximately contains:

• Energy: 200kcals
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 9g
• Protein: 8g

In conclusion, Greek Salad is a fuss-free, nutritious, vibrant and absolutely palate-pleasing dish that you will fall in love this summer. My suggestion? Serve it with a slice of rustic whole grain bread and a glass of sparkling water with a dash of lemon, and you are set for a sensational al fresco dining experience!