Feta Cheese Salad

Picture a vibrant bowl of fresh greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers mingling together, topped with the creamy tang of feta cheese.

There’s something about this Mediterranean-inspired salad that feels both invigorating and comforting, an effortless creation that’s perfect for any day.

As the flavors meld with a drizzle of olive oil and aromatic oregano, this simple dish transforms into a delightful symphony of tastes.

Let’s bring this salad to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 small bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 set of measuring spoons

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Feta Cheese Salad, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Understanding the Recipe: 5 minutes
   • Use this time to read through the entire recipe, gather your equipment, and ingredients.
2. Prep Work: 10 minutes
   • Washing and Cutting (5 minutes): Wash the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
   • Measuring and Mixing (5 minutes): Measure out the feta cheese and prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
3. Assembling the Salad: 5 minutes
   • Combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives in a large mixing bowl.
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Finishing Touches: 2 minutes
   • Add the crumbled feta cheese on top.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Optional Rest Time: 10-15 minutes
   • Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together for a more robust taste.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and dried oregano.

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.

Add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

Serving Tips

• Grilled Pita Bread: Serve alongside warm, grilled pita bread to scoop up the salad for a delightful Mediterranean experience.
• Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Pair with lemon herb grilled chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Quinoa: Add a side of cooked quinoa to complement the salad with a nutrient-rich grain.
• Roasted Vegetables: Offer roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the salad’s flavors with earthy tones.
• Chilled White Wine: Accompany with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a revitalizing beverage pairing.

Storage

To store feta cheese salad, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Dress just before serving for peak freshness.

Freezing

Feta cheese salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing can alter the texture of the greens and feta. If necessary, freeze only the dressing separately.

Prepare fresh salad ingredients when ready to serve.

Reheating

Feta cheese salad is best served fresh.

If necessary, bring to room temperature before serving to enhance flavors.

Avoid microwaving; it can wilt greens and alter cheese texture.

Final Thoughts

This Feta Cheese Salad is a quick and delicious option for a light meal or side dish.

The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a simple dressing brings out the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

For an enhanced flavor experience, consider letting the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together.

This dish can be customized with additional toppings like nuts or proteins such as chicken or shrimp.

Remember to adjust the seasoning to your preference, especially considering the natural saltiness of feta and olives.

Enjoy this invigorating salad as part of a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?

Absolutely, you can swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Visit your local market for fresh options. Each cheese will lend a unique flavor profile, so choose based on your taste preference. Enjoy experimenting!

What Can I Substitute for Red Wine Vinegar?

You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. Make sure you choose a high-quality vinegar to maintain the salad’s vibrant taste. Adjust to your preferred acidity level.

How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Swap feta with vegan cheese, ensuring it’s tangy to mimic feta’s flavor. Use maple syrup or agave for sweetness. Double-check olive sources for vegan assurance. These adjustments will keep the Mediterranean essence while making it vegan-friendly.

What Are Some Low-Carb Alternatives for the Ingredients?

Substitute cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers and cucumber with zucchini ribbons. Swap red onion for scallions. Use olives sparingly. Replace feta with almond cheese. Choose extra virgin olive oil for a rich, flavorful dressing experience.

How Do I Reduce the Salad’s Sodium Content?

To reduce sodium, rinse olives and choose a low-sodium feta. Use fresh lemon juice for flavor instead of extra salt. Opt for homemade dressing with herbs to enhance taste. Taste before seasoning to control saltiness.

Feta Cheese Salad Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 Small bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 set of measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 cup mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cucumber sliced
• 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• 3/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
• Add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

Notes

For a more robust flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after tossing with the dressing to allow the flavors to meld together. Feel free to add your favorite nuts or seeds for extra crunch, or some grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Remember to taste the salad before adding additional salt, as feta cheese and olives can be quite salty.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.