Classic Greek Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed: None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted kalamata olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately.

15 minutes
5. Temperature: Serve chilled
Serving size: 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce can be substituted with any other type of lettuce.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with diced regular tomatoes.
- Red onion can be substituted with white onion or shallots.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with black olives.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or sliced radishes for extra crunch.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar for a brighter flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for extra freshness.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to dry the lettuce and vegetables well before tossing with the dressing to prevent a watery salad.
- Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking - some people prefer a lighter dressing while others like a heavier dressing.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional crumbled feta cheese.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or mint
- Additional crumbled feta cheese

Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats such as chicken or lamb.
- Serve with crusty bread or pita for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Hummus and pita
- Tzatziki and vegetables
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too watery, make sure to dry the lettuce and vegetables well before tossing with the dressing.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all vegetables thoroughly before using.

Food history:
- Greek salad, also known as horiatiki, is a traditional Greek dish that typically includes tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese.

Flavor profiles:
- This salad is fresh, tangy, and salty with a bright dressing and creamy feta cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a side dish or as a main course with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Greek

Taste: Tangy, Fresh, Herbal, Savory, Crunchy