As we get close to spring and Easter, I love to begin incorporating the deliciousness of a Greek salad recipe into our daily dinner meal. Greek salads provide so many health benefits and bring a fresh, spring-like variety to those monotonous salad recipes that easily become our go-to salads. And…a fresh, delicious Greek salad makes such a beautiful presentation – especially on your spring or Easter lunch table.
Below is what I usually include in my homemade delicious Greek salad:
- Romaine lettuce as a delicious base. Did you know that most Greek salads do not include lettuce? However, because I like more greens than what the authentic Greek salads recommend, I tend to use more than recommended and sometimes a mixture of lettuce.
- Larger-than-normal pieces of organic tomatoes and cucumbers – the more, the better.
- Just a bit of organic sugar added to the delicious oil-vinegar dressing. Usually just a teaspoon, but sometimes a bit more.
- I prefer white onions, but hubby likes red. So…I compromise with a bit of both.
- I have to admit that I’m just not a fan of feta cheese. However I am a fan of a few of the feta cheese substitutes I include below. Aren’t you thankful there are usually tasty substitutes for those foods we don’t particularly love?
- I also prefer to let everyone salt and pepper their salad to their taste preference.
Feta cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese in the world. It’s also one of those foods people either really love or really dislike. So if you’re not fond of feta, no worries because there are tasty substitutes you can use. Many of these alternatives are similar in texture but not as strong in taste, appealing to people who like feta recipes but have an aversion to that cheese’s strong flavor.
Delicious Substitutes for Feta Cheese
- Ricotta Salata
- Halloumi (Greek)
- Queso Fresco (Mexican)
- Goat-Sheep Mix (soft-white cheese)
- Chevre
Delicious Greek Salad with Feta Cheese and Olives
Ingredient List
- 1/4 Cup extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons organic red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon organic sugar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head Romaine Lettuce, chopped. Can add other green lettuce, if you like.
- 2 organic cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and diced into bite-size chunks
- 4 whole ripe organic tomatoes, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 organic bell pepper, roughly chopped. Green is preferred but choose whichever color you like the best.
- 1 small organic red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces organic feta cheese, crumbled or cubed. Can use cheese substitute listed above.
- 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives
Instructions
- Add chopped lettuce, tomato wedges, cucumber chunks, onion slices, halved Kalamata olives, half the cheese to a large bowl.
- Combine olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic and oregano in a bowl. Whisk together until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Pour dressing over salad ingredients, then add salt and pepper. Toss with tongs or clean hands. Just before serving, top with additional cheese.
If you desire an authentic and delicious taste to this classic Greek salad which is also called Saláta Horiátiki, use a high-quality Greek olive oil, Kalamata olives, sheep or goat’s milk feta and fresh oregano.
Check your local bakery or health food store for some healthy, gluten-free bread. Toast it with some organic butter for a scrumptious addition to your delicious Greek salad.
