Chopped Greek Salad

$- 1 large cucumber, diced - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Let’s talk about the ingredients in a chopped Greek salad. The base of this salad is fresh and colorful. I always start with a large cucumber. I dice it into bite-sized pieces for a nice crunch. Next, I add two cups of cherry tomatoes. Halving them gives a sweet burst of flavor. I then choose a red bell pepper for its sweetness. One cup, diced, adds great color and taste. Kalamata olives bring a briny touch. I use one cup, pitted and halved, for the perfect bite. A small red onion, finely chopped, adds sharpness. The feta cheese is the star. I crumble one cup into the mix for richness and creaminess. Now for the dressing! I whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. If you prefer, fresh lemon juice works well too. A teaspoon of dried oregano gives it that classic Greek flavor. I add salt and pepper to taste. For a pop of green, I love to sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a fragrant finish and makes the salad look beautiful. This chopped Greek salad is fresh and full of vibrant flavors. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy! - Combine diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and olives in a large bowl. - Mix ingredients gently to create a colorful and fresh base. - Fold in the crumbled feta cheese carefully. - Ensure not to mash the cheese for better texture. - Whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), oregano, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. - Emulsify the dressing for optimal flavor distribution. - Drizzle the dressing over the salad mix. - Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. - Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld. - Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley before serving for added freshness. This method brings out the best in each ingredient, creating a vibrant salad. If you want to dive deeper into the full experience, check the Full Recipe to explore more tips and variations. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish! - Use a sharp knife for clean cuts on vegetables. - Consider using a mandoline for uniformly sliced veggies. Chopping fresh vegetables can be fun. A sharp knife makes it easy. You get clean cuts that look nice. A mandoline is great for slicing, too. It gives you even pieces quickly. This helps your salad look professional. - Let the salad sit for longer for deeper taste integration. - Adjust seasoning according to personal preference. To make your salad taste amazing, let it rest. This allows the flavors to mix well. Try waiting at least 10 minutes before serving. Taste it, and add more salt or pepper if needed. Everyone likes different flavors, so adjust as you like. - Serve in a large bowl for family-style dining. - Garnish with extra feta and a drizzle of olive oil for appeal. For a great look, use a large bowl. It invites everyone to dig in. You can also add more feta on top. A drizzle of olive oil makes it shine. This makes your salad not just tasty, but also pretty! Enjoy making this chopped Greek salad. For the complete instructions, check the full recipe. {{image_4}} When you make Chopped Greek Salad, you can try different twists to keep it exciting. Here are some fun variations to consider. - Include chickpeas or grilled chicken for protein: Chickpeas add a nice crunch and protein. Grilled chicken makes the salad more filling. - Swap olives for capers for a tangy twist: If you want a zesty kick, use capers instead of olives. They bring a bold flavor that can surprise your taste buds. - Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers: Adjust the salad based on what’s fresh. Zucchini or vibrant bell peppers can give it a new look and taste. - Experiment with herbs like dill or mint for fresh flavor: Try adding fresh herbs. Dill or mint can brighten the salad and enhance its taste. - Omit feta or substitute with vegan feta: If you are vegan, leave out the feta. Vegan feta can still provide that creamy texture. - Enhance with avocado for creaminess: Add sliced or diced avocado. It gives a creamy touch and makes the salad heartier. These variations let you enjoy Chopped Greek Salad in many ways. You can find the Full Recipe above to start your culinary adventure! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. I find it best if you consume the salad fresh. If you must refrigerate it, keep the dressing on the side. This will help maintain the crispness of the veggies. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing changes the texture of the veggies. For the best taste and feel, prepare this salad fresh as needed. If you have leftovers, you can refresh the flavor. Toss in some fresh veggies or a bit more dressing. You can also serve it on top of grilled meats or in wraps. This way, you can enjoy the salad’s bright flavors even after storing it. To make your Chopped Greek Salad taste fresher, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh veggies and cheese enhance the salad's bright flavors. After mixing, let the salad rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend and creates a more vibrant taste. You can prepare Chopped Greek Salad a few hours before serving. However, it is best when made fresh. If you need to prepare it early, store the dressing separately. Mix it in just before serving to keep the salad crisp. Chopped Greek Salad pairs well with grilled meats, like chicken or lamb. It also complements pita bread and dips. You can serve it as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. This makes it a versatile choice for any meal. Yes, Chopped Greek Salad is gluten-free. Just ensure that all dressing components are gluten-free. Most ingredients in the salad do not contain gluten. This makes it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities. To keep your salad crunchy, avoid adding too much dressing. Excess dressing can make the veggies soggy. Store the salad without dressing until you're ready to serve. This way, it will maintain its fresh and crunchy texture. For more on making this delightful dish, check out the Full Recipe. Chopped Greek Salad is easy to make and full of flavor. Using fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta gives it life. With simple steps and some helpful tips, you can prepare this salad in no time. Try it your way by adding proteins or changing up the veggies. Remember, it's best fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Enjoy your colorful and tasty salad as a side or main dish—it's the perfect way to eat healthy and delicious!$

Discover the refreshing taste of a Mediterranean Chopped Greek Salad that’s perfect for any meal! This vibrant salad combines crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty dressing. With just 15 minutes of prep time, it's an easy way to bring a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your table. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your salads today!

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Ingredients

1 large cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved for a pop of color

1 cup red bell pepper, diced for sweetness

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved for a briny flavor

1 small red onion, finely chopped to add sharpness

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled for richness

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for dressing

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional; substitute with fresh lemon juice if preferred)

1 teaspoon dried oregano for an herby aroma

Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and halved Kalamata olives, creating a colorful base for your salad.

Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, taking care not to mash it, ensuring even distribution without compromising its texture.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified, creating a zesty dressing.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, using a gentle tossing motion to coat the ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Allow the salad to rest for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature, letting the ingredients marinate and the flavors develop beautifully.

Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a colorful and aromatic garnish.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 15 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl, ideal for family gatherings or casual dining. Alternatively, portion into individual bowls for a more personalized touch. For a stunning finish, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil and sprinkle some additional feta on top just before serving. Enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!