Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. It is a key component of the traditional Greek salad, which typically includes vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and olives. The feta cheese is often crumbled or cut into cubes and sprinkled over the salad just before serving. Greek salads are usually dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs such as oregano or mint. Feta cheese is also used in other salad variations, such as those with lentils, chickpeas, fruits, or other types of vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, olives, mint leaves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper |
| Preparation | Chop vegetables, whisk dressing ingredients, toss vegetables and feta with dressing, sprinkle with oregano and mint leaves, season to taste |
| Serving | Serve immediately or let sit for up to 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld |
| Storage | Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days |
| Variations | Greek salad, Mediterranean lentil salad, chickpea beet and feta salad, spinach salad with feta, lentil apple feta salad, Greek herb salad with feta |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Feta cheese crumbles
If you are crumbling the feta yourself, it is best to use a fresh block of feta, as this will guarantee a fresher taste and texture. Greek sheep's milk feta is the best option for an authentic Greek salad. However, feta crumbles are often less expensive and save you the step of chopping the cheese yourself.
Feta crumbles work well in Greek salads, which traditionally include cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, olives, and feta. You can also add mint leaves for a fresh finishing touch. Greek salads are usually dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.
Feta crumbles can also be added to a simple spinach salad with strawberries and walnuts, or a kale and pear salad. For a more substantial salad, try a lentil salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers and olives, or serve a Greek salad with grilled chicken, salmon or chickpeas.
Sawdust in Cheese: The Truth Behind the Grater
You may want to see also
Greek salad
To make a Greek salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes are recommended to avoid making the salad watery)
- Bell peppers (green is traditional, but you can also use red or yellow)
- Red onions (soak in vinegar or lemon juice if you don't like raw onions)
- Olives (Kalamata olives are recommended)
- Feta cheese (either crumbled or in brine)
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
Optional ingredients include:
- Lemon juice
- Mustard
- Garlic
- Dill
- Mint leaves
First, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and any other desired dressing ingredients in a separate bowl. You can also simply drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the salad and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper, as is traditional in Greece.
Next, combine the vegetables in a large bowl. If you are using crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle it over the salad now. Otherwise, add the feta cheese to the top of the salad after tossing the vegetables with the dressing.
Finally, season to taste and serve. Greek salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or pita bread brushed with olive oil. It is best enjoyed fresh but will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Cheese on Shrimp Tacos: A Culinary Adventure
You may want to see also
Salads with feta as a centrepiece
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. It is a key ingredient in Greek salads, which typically include vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, red onions, and olives. Here are some ideas for salads with feta as a centrepiece:
Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad is a simple yet delicious option that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. It typically includes cucumbers, tomatoes (cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended), green bell peppers, red onions, olives (Kalamata olives are a popular choice), and feta cheese. The feta is often cut into large cubes to avoid crumbling. The salad is then dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried oregano, and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Some people also add mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
This salad is a perfect option for a quick and healthy lunch. It features lentils, chopped vegetables (such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives), feta cheese, and a light dressing. The feta adds a creamy and tangy flavour to the salad.
Quinoa Salad
Inspired by Greek flavours, this salad is both flavorful and filling. It includes quinoa, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. Broiling the olives adds a smoky flavour to the dish, and it can be garnished with basil.
Chickpea, Beet and Feta Salad
This salad is a vibrant blend of flavours and textures. It combines chickpeas, beets (roasted or steamed), feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. The earthy sweetness of beets pairs well with the creamy richness of feta.
Spinach Salad with Feta
A simple spinach salad can be elevated with the addition of feta cheese. Try combining spinach, strawberries, feta, and walnuts with a balsamic vinaigrette. The combination of bitter greens, sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and salty cheese creates a well-rounded salad.
The Creamy Velveeta Cheese Dip: Milk or No Milk?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Feta cheese blocks
Feta cheese is a great addition to a salad, offering a salty, tangy and creamy flavour. It's a key ingredient in Greek salads, where it is often served in large chunks.
If you want to use feta cheese blocks in your salad, it's best to buy a fresh block and crumble it yourself. This guarantees a fresher taste and texture. You can also control the size of the crumbles, making them as large or small as you like.
To prepare the feta for your salad, start by cutting the block into thin slices. Then, cut the slices into smaller cubes or crumble them with your fingers. You can make the crumbles as large or small as you like, depending on your preference. Once you've prepared the feta, simply sprinkle it over your salad.
If you're making a Greek salad, you can add the feta to a large mixing bowl along with the other ingredients, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and olives. Toss everything together with a dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the feta on top of the salad just before serving, especially if you prefer larger crumbles.
Cheese and Sauce: The Perfect Pizza Combination
You may want to see also
Feta cheese brine
Feta cheese is matured in brine, a solution of water and salt, and preserved in large barrels. It is often sold in sealed packages, and an unopened package can last for several months in the refrigerator. However, once the package is opened, the cheese is exposed to air and will dry out and lose flavour.
To keep feta cheese fresh for longer, you can make your own brine with water and kosher salt. The water should be at room temperature. If you find it difficult to dissolve the salt, heat half of the water, dissolve the salt in it, and then combine it with cold water. Never store feta cheese in warm water.
The general ratio is 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. You can also dissolve enough salt in cold water to float a chicken egg (raw, in shell). Make sure all pieces of cheese are covered well with the brine. After placing the feta cheese in the brine, seal the container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. When you are ready to use the feta, take the cubes out of the brine, rinse them under water, and then use them.
If you are after a low-sodium option, you can marinate the feta in olive oil. Cut the cheese block into cubes, put them in a storage container, and pour olive oil over them, ensuring they are well covered. Seal the container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. You can add more flavours to the oil, such as herbs like oregano or thyme, and garlic.
Cheese in Omelettes: Optional or Essential?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To make a Greek salad with feta cheese, you will need cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. You can also add extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and oregano. Chop the vegetables and cheese into bite-sized pieces, toss them together in a bowl, and then drizzle with olive oil and vinegar.
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean-style salads and pairs well with lentils, chickpeas, watermelon, pears, kale, strawberries, walnuts, and spinach.
Feta cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days after opening. To extend its shelf life, you can submerge it in olive oil and add herbs.
