Description
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Welcome to our delightful recipe guide where we explore the authentic flavors of a Greek Peasant Salad—a fresh and vibrant dish bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and creamy Feta cheese. This easy-to-make salad not only offers a taste of Greece in every bite but also brings a healthy touch to your meal. Perfect for an appetizer or a light side dish, this salad is a must-try for those who appreciate Mediterranean cuisine. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Large English Cucumber – cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 Medium Roma Tomatoes – cut into wedges
- 1 Medium Red Onion – thinly sliced
- 1 Medium Green Bell Pepper – thinly sliced
- ½ Cup Kalamata Olives – pitted
- ¼ Cup Fresh Mint Leaves (optional) – roughly chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Capers (optional) – drained
- 4 oz. Feta Cheese – cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- ½ Teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper – freshly ground
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
Substitutions:
- Swap Feta Cheese with goat cheese for a milder flavor or omit entirely for a vegan version.
- Replace Kalamata olives with regular black olives if preferred.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced red onion, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly until well blended and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes to let the onions absorb the tangy flavors.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
- While the vinaigrette is resting, chop the English cucumber and Roma tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the green bell pepper into thin strips and add to the bowl.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Add the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, capers, and Kalamata olives to the vinaigrette mixture.
- Gently fold in the cubed Feta cheese and fresh mint leaves if using.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Toss everything together until evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables are key to a crisp and vibrant salad.
- Rest the Salad: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after tossing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when mixing to prevent the Feta cheese from crumbling too much.