Feta cheese is a staple in Greek salad, and for good reason—its salty, tangy, and creamy flavour adds depth to the dish. But what else goes with feta cheese in a salad? The classic Greek salad is made up of crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and bell peppers, with the addition of briny Kalamata olives and crisp romaine lettuce. To make it a more substantial meal, you can add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp. The dressing is typically a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, and oregano, though some variations include Dijon mustard, garlic, and cumin. This salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a great choice for meal prep, picnics, and potlucks.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of Salad | Greek Salad, Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad, Lentil Salad, Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad, Feta, Kale & Pear Salad, Quinoa Salad, Spinach-Strawberry Salad, Green Salad, Mixed Greens, Cucumber, Tomato & Arugula Salad, Kale Salad with Quinoa & Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower Salad, Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Whipped Feta, Spiralized Cucumber Salad with Feta & Olives, Arugula, Beet & Feta Salad, Golden Beet & Cucumber Salad with Feta, Tomato, Peach & Feta Salad, Slow-Cooker Quinoa Salad with Arugula & Feta, Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Feta, Wheat Berry, Chickpea & Feta Salad, Hearty Breakfast Salad with Roasted Cabbage & Baked Feta, Mixed Greens with Preserved Lemon Dressing & Feta |
Ingredients | Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Green Peppers, Romaine Lettuce, Olives, Feta Cheese, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Mint, Bell Peppers, Quinoa, Pita, Hummus, Chicken, Almonds, Cream Cheese, Beets, Arugula, Spinach, Strawberries, Walnuts, Peaches, Apples, Green Beans, Pine Nuts, Chickpeas, Beetroot, Radishes, Garlic, Cumin, Lemon, Quinoa, Chicken, Corn, Scallions, Okra, Wheat Berry, Cabbage, Preserved Lemon |
What You'll Learn
What vegetables go with feta cheese salad?
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, especially in Greek salads, where it adds a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. Here are some vegetables that go well with feta cheese in a salad:
Traditional Greek Salad
A traditional Greek salad consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell peppers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. This classic combination is delicious and can be enhanced by adding fresh herbs like mint or oregano. Kalamata olives, commonly used in Greek cuisine, pair particularly well with feta and crisp vegetables.
Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta. The sweetness of the watermelon balances the salty feta, creating a delightful blend of flavours and textures.
Beet and Feta Salad
Beets and feta make an excellent pairing in salads. The sweet and earthy flavour of beets shines when paired with the tangy, salty feta. This combination is a popular choice for Greek-inspired beet salads.
Chickpea and Feta Salad
Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fibre, and their earthy, nutty taste pairs well with feta cheese. A chickpea and feta salad can include chopped peppers and fresh herbs, and is delicious as is or with a light lemon vinaigrette.
Arugula, Beet, and Feta Salad
Arugula has a tart, peppery, and slightly bitter taste that pairs well with feta cheese and fresh vegetables. Adding beets to this combination provides a sweet and earthy contrast, creating a well-rounded and flavourful salad.
Spinach, Pear, and Feta Salad
For a unique and refreshing salad, combine spinach, pear, feta cheese, and walnuts. The spinach provides a slightly sweet crunch, while the pear adds a juicy, fruity element. The feta contributes a salty, creamy dimension, and the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch.
These are just a few examples of vegetables that go well with feta cheese in salads. Feta is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various vegetables, herbs, and dressings to create delicious and nutritious salads.
Cheese Sandwiches: The Perfect Pairing Guide
You may want to see also
What type of cheese is best for a feta cheese salad?
Feta cheese is a staple in Greek salad, adding a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. It is best to use Greek sheep's milk feta if available, and opt for whole blocks of feta packed in brine for the best flavour and texture. The salty feta also means you don't need to add much salt to the salad.
Feta is a great pairing with fresh, crunchy vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and sweet tomatoes. It is also delicious with olives, especially Kalamata olives, which are commonly used in Greek food and have a salty, briny flavour.
If you want to add another cheese to your feta cheese salad, you could try farmer cheese, as suggested by one source. Or, if you want to make a change from feta, you could use blue cheese instead.
Comte Cheese: The Perfect Wine Pairing Guide
You may want to see also
What type of olives go with feta cheese salad?
Olives are a common ingredient in Greek salads, which often feature feta cheese. A Greek salad typically includes vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and olives, with feta cheese adding a salty, tangy flavour.
When it comes to choosing the right olives to pair with feta cheese in a salad, there are a few options to consider. Kalamata olives are a popular choice, known for their pungent flavour and frequent use in Greek cuisine. Their salty, briny taste pairs well with the feta and crisp vegetables. Castelvetrano olives, which are bright green in colour and originate from Castelvetrano, Sicily, can also be used. For a mix of colours and flavours, combining green and black olives is recommended. Black olives are ripe before harvesting, while green olives are picked unripe, resulting in a similar texture but different tastes. Green olives stuffed with peppers or garlic can be used to add more flavour to the salad. Italian dry or salt-cured olives, often marinated in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasonings, are another option.
When preparing an olive and feta cheese salad, it is recommended to cut the feta into cubes rather than crumble it, as this can make the salad appear more appetising. A simple dressing of extra virgin olive oil, lemon or orange juice and zest, fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano, and red chilli flakes can be used to enhance the flavours.
Delicious Halloumi Cheese Companions for Your Next Feast
You may want to see also
What type of dressing goes with feta cheese salad?
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. There are several dressings that pair well with feta cheese salads, including creamy feta dressings, Greek salad dressings, and olive oil and lemon juice-based dressings.
A creamy feta dressing is an excellent option for feta cheese salads. This type of dressing typically includes feta cheese, Greek yoghurt or mayonnaise, olive oil or milk, garlic, and herbs such as dill or oregano. The result is a tangy, salty, and creamy dressing that complements the feta cheese in the salad.
Greek salad dressing is another popular choice for feta cheese salads. A traditional Greek salad dressing typically includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and dried oregano. This type of dressing adds a bright and zingy flavour to the salad.
Additionally, a simple combination of olive oil and lemon juice can also be used as a dressing for feta cheese salads. This type of dressing provides a tangy and garlicky flavour profile that pairs well with the feta cheese.
Other ingredients that can be added to enhance these dressings include mint, basil, red pepper flakes, and cumin. These dressings can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, providing a convenient and flavourful addition to feta cheese salads.
Boule Bread's Best Cheesy Companions: A Guide
You may want to see also
What type of salad is feta cheese typically used in?
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek salads. This type of salad typically includes fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and olives. The feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavour to the dish and is often served in large slices or crumbled on top.
A traditional Greek salad dressing is usually simple, made with olive oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, and dried herbs such as oregano.
In addition to the classic Greek salad, feta cheese can also be used in a variety of other salad combinations. For example, feta can be paired with watermelon, cucumber, and mint for a refreshing summer salad. It also goes well with lentils, tomatoes, and cucumbers in a Mediterranean-inspired lentil salad. For a heartier option, feta can be added to a quinoa salad with olives and tomatoes, or a roasted cauliflower salad with almonds and olives.
Feta cheese brings a salty, creamy element to any salad, and its versatility makes it a popular choice for those looking to add a tangy twist to their dish.
Cheese Frittata: The Perfect Pairing Ideas for Your Palate
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese pairs well with cucumbers, watermelon, and other fresh produce. You can also add olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions to your salad.
A simple Greek salad dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper is a perfect complement to feta cheese salad.
Yes, you can add protein to make it a more filling meal. Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced up grilled souvlaki chicken skewers.
You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as farmer cheese or blue cheese. You can also add grains or pasta, and use different types of olives or leave them out entirely.
Feta cheese salad without lettuce can stay fresh for a few days in the fridge. It's best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.