The Perfect Cheese For A Greek Salad

Greek salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. It typically consists of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and olives, all tossed together with a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. But what type of cheese goes in a Greek salad?

The answer is feta cheese! Feta is a traditional Greek cheese made from sheep's milk and is known for its tangy, salty flavour. In a Greek salad, a large chunk of feta is usually placed on top of the vegetables, rather than being cut into cubes and mixed in. This allows each bite of the salad to have a creamy, flavourful mouthful of cheese.

While feta is the classic choice, some variations of Greek salad may use other types of white cheese, such as crumbled Greek sheep's milk cheese or avocado chunks for a vegan option.

Feta cheese is best served in large chunks or a single piece

Feta cheese is an essential ingredient in a Greek salad. It is best served in large chunks or as a single piece, as this is how it is traditionally served in Greece.

When making a Greek salad, it is important to use high-quality, fresh ingredients. This is especially true of feta cheese, as it is one of the stars of the dish. Look for Greek feta made from sheep's milk and packed in brine—this will have the best flavour and texture.

In a traditional Greek salad, the feta is not cut into small cubes. Instead, it is served in large chunks or as a single piece on top of the salad. This allows the feta to be the centerpiece of the dish, both visually and flavour-wise.

When assembling the salad, place the vegetables (typically tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers) in a large serving bowl. Add olives and sprinkle with oregano and other seasonings. Then, add the feta cheese. If using large chunks, arrange them artfully on top of the vegetables. If using a single piece, place it in the centre of the bowl, or slightly off to one side.

Finally, dress the salad with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of vinegar. Some recipes also include a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano.

The beauty of a Greek salad is that it is meant to be enjoyed directly from the serving dish, allowing diners to create their own combinations of ingredients with each bite. So, don't be afraid to leave the feta in large pieces—it is meant to be broken up and enjoyed with the other ingredients.

Kalamata olives are the traditional Greek choice

Kalamata olives have a unique taste and are processed naturally, giving them a completely different flavour to canned black olives. They are often sold pitted, which is convenient, but the whole, unpitted variety will be juicier. Kalamata olives are usually sold in jars, but for a real treat, buy them fresh from the deli or olive bar.

The traditional Greek salad is a simple dish, so it's important to use the best-quality ingredients. Kalamata olives are a must for authenticity, but also for their distinctive taste and texture. They are a key ingredient in this classic salad, adding a burst of salty flavour and a juicy bite.

Kalamata olives are usually added whole to a Greek salad, but you can slice them if you prefer. They are the star of the show, so be sure to buy the best-quality olives you can find to elevate this humble dish.

A Greek salad is a rustic, versatile dish, and you can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste. However, if you want to keep it traditional, Kalamata olives are the only choice. They are the key to creating an authentic Greek salad experience.

Greek salads are typically not tossed before serving

In a traditional Greek salad, the feta cheese is not cut into cubes but is served as a large piece on top of the salad. This allows diners to break off pieces of feta and eat them with the other ingredients, creating a variety of flavour combinations. The salad is typically served in a shallow bowl, rather than a deep bowl, and is not served with pita bread but with regular bread.

The other ingredients in a Greek salad are typically chopped into medium-sized chunks or slices and combined in a large bowl. This includes tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and bell peppers. The salad is then dressed with a simple mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and dried oregano, or a more complex vinaigrette. The salad can also be served without any dressing, or with the olive oil and vinegar drizzled on top.

While the salad is typically not tossed before serving, some people choose to add lettuce or other leafy greens to their Greek salad. This is not traditional, but can be a tasty variation. Additionally, while feta cheese is the most common cheese used in Greek salads, other white cheeses can be used instead.

The dressing is usually simple: olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano

A Greek salad is a simple dish that lets its crunchy vegetables shine, without the need for lettuce or other filler. The dressing is usually simple, too: olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano.

The olive oil used is typically extra virgin, and Greek if possible. It's mixed with red wine vinegar, though any type of vinegar can be used. Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be used instead of vinegar for a different flavour. A generous glug of olive oil and a splash of vinegar are all that's needed to dress the salad. The vinegar is optional for some, and some recipes include a little less vinegar and a squeeze of lemon juice. The salt and pepper are added to taste, and dried oregano is sprinkled on top.

Some recipes add a little extra to the dressing. Dijon mustard, dill, and garlic are all potential additions, though garlic is more usually added to the salad itself.

Greek salads are often served with bread

The bread that is typically served with a Greek salad is not pita bread, as one might expect, but rather a crusty loaf of bread or a Cretan barley rusk. This bread is meant to be dipped into the leftover juices and oil from the salad, creating a delicious and flavourful bite.

The Greek salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a starter, side, or even a main course. It is commonly served with other Greek dishes such as chicken gyros, souvlaki, or Kleftiko. It also pairs well with grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect dish for a healthy Mediterranean-style meal.

The beauty of the Greek salad is that it can be customised to your taste preferences. While the traditional Greek salad does not contain lettuce, some people choose to add it to their salad for a more filling dish. Additionally, while the traditional Greek salad uses green bell peppers, any colour of bell pepper can be used.

The key to a great Greek salad is to use high-quality, fresh ingredients. This is especially important since the salad relies on simple ingredients without any fancy added flavours. The salad should be served with a chunk of feta cheese on top, which can be broken apart with a fork to create different flavour combinations in each bite.

Frequently asked questions