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Fresh Yia Yias Greek Salad Recipe Easy Authentic Family Favorite

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A vibrant and soul-soothing Greek salad featuring fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, tossed with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened), cut into wedges
  • 1 large English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 7 oz (200g) feta cheese, block form, crumbled or sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
  • Optional: sprinkle of capers

Instructions

  1. Wash and prep the vegetables: rinse tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and parsley under cold water. Pat dry with a clean towel. Cut tomatoes into wedges (about 1-2 inches), slice cucumber into half-moons about 1/4 inch thick, and thinly slice the bell pepper and red onion. (10 minutes)
  2. Soak the sliced red onion in a small bowl of cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness. Drain well and pat dry. (Optional but recommended)
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, and drained onion. Toss gently but thoroughly to mix the colors and textures. (2 minutes)
  4. Crumble or slice the feta into chunks and scatter over the top of the salad. (1 minute)
  5. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar evenly over the salad. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. (1 minute)
  6. Using wooden spoons or salad tongs, carefully toss the salad to coat the ingredients with the dressing without mashing the tomatoes or feta. (1 minute)
  7. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra oregano if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Soaking the red onion in cold water reduces sharpness. Avoid overmixing the feta to keep texture contrast. Use quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. Serve at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, keeping dressing separate to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek salad, Fresh Yia Yia's Greek Salad, authentic Greek salad, easy Greek salad recipe, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese salad, Kalamata olives, healthy salad

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/fresh-yia-yias-greek-salad-recipe-easy-authentic-family-favorite/