Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, especially Greek salads, which typically include vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, peppers, and onions. Feta cheese is also used in other salad variations, including Mediterranean lentil salads and spinach salads with strawberries and walnuts. The salty, tangy, and creamy flavour of feta cheese pairs well with various ingredients, including watermelon, cucumbers, and other fresh produce.
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What You'll Learn
Greek salad
A traditional Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki, consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Some recipes suggest adding a handful of mint leaves for a refreshing touch. Cherry tomatoes are often preferred over large tomatoes as they release less water, and seeding the cucumber helps prevent the salad from becoming watery. Kalamata olives, commonly used in Greek cuisine, are a popular choice for their salty, briny flavour that pairs well with the feta and vegetables.
The vegetables are typically tossed in a simple dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. Some recipes include lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, dill, salt, and pepper in the dressing, while others suggest a more basic approach with just olive oil and vinegar. The salad is then topped with generous chunks or crumbles of feta cheese.
Overall, a Greek salad with feta cheese is a flavourful and healthy option that showcases the best ingredients and flavours of Greek cuisine. It is a versatile dish that can be tailored to personal preferences and is perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch.
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Mediterranean lentil salad
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek salads, which typically include vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, olives, peppers, and red onions. Feta is also a key ingredient in Mediterranean lentil salad, a hearty vegetarian dish that is perfect for lunch or as a side.
Ingredients
- Green lentils
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Olives
- Feta
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs, such as dill, mint, parsley, or oregano
Variations
There are many variations of Mediterranean lentil salad. Some recipes include additional vegetables, such as:
- Bell peppers
- Red or green onions
- Walnuts
- Chickpeas
- Beets
- Pears
- Kale
Some recipes also include a vinaigrette dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and oregano. Others suggest a simpler dressing of just olive oil and lemon juice.
Preparation
To prepare Mediterranean lentil salad, start by cooking the lentils. While the lentils are cooling, chop the vegetables and herbs and make the dressing (if using). Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the salad last, tossing gently to mix. The salad can be served warm or chilled and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Spinach salad
Feta cheese is a great addition to a spinach salad. This salad is a simple fruit, nut, and cheese combination that works well as a side dish. The salty feta complements the sweetness of the fruit, such as apples, cranberries, grapes, or strawberries, and the crunch of the walnuts.
To make a spinach salad with feta cheese, start by preparing the vinaigrette. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Next, add the spinach and toss it gently to coat the leaves in the vinaigrette. Chopped apples are a great addition at this stage, as they add a tart crunch. Then, add the feta and walnuts, tossing again to combine all the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the top and serve immediately.
This salad is infinitely adaptable, and you can swap the spinach for arugula or baby kale and add seasonal fruit like berries or stone fruit. You can also add other ingredients such as green onion, grapes, honeydew melon, and walnuts. For a Greek spin on this salad, add black olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion.
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Strawberry, walnut, and feta salad
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. A strawberry, walnut, and feta salad is a refreshing and delicious option for a summertime meal or a light lunch. This salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the nutty crunch of walnuts and the salty, tangy flavour of feta cheese.
Ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries
- Walnuts
- Feta cheese
- Salad greens (such as baby spinach or spring mix)
- Red onion (optional)
- Balsamic vinaigrette or your choice of dressing
- Cooked chicken or edamame (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse and drain the salad greens, strawberries, and any other fresh ingredients you choose to include, such as red onion or tomatoes.
- Slice or halve the strawberries as desired.
- Arrange the greens on a plate or in a bowl.
- Layer the strawberries, walnuts, and cheese over the greens.
- If desired, add cooked chicken or edamame for a boost of protein.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or your favourite salad dressing.
- Toss the salad gently before serving.
This salad is simple, flexible, and can be easily adjusted to your taste preferences. It is a refreshing and tasty option for a warm-weather meal and can be served as a light lunch or divided into smaller portions as a side salad. Enjoy the combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavours in this strawberry, walnut, and feta salad!
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Kale and pear salad
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek salads, which typically include vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and peppers. It also adds a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour to salads with fresh produce like watermelon and cucumbers.
One such salad that uses feta cheese is the Kale and Pear Salad. This salad combines the sweetness of pears with the tangy flavour of feta cheese and a tart lemon dressing. The recipe includes baby greens or chopped kale, which are tossed in a dressing made with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, oregano, and salt. The salad is then topped with sliced pears, crumbled feta cheese, and a crunchy seed topping.
To prepare the salad, start by making the dressing by combining lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, oregano, and salt in a glass jar and shaking well to emulsify. Adjust the flavours to your taste. Next, toss the baby greens or chopped kale with the dressing and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. Top each serving with sliced pears and crumbled feta cheese. Finally, sprinkle the crunchy seed topping, which adds a nice textural contrast to the soft pears and tender kale.
For a variation, you can try massaging the kale with a dressing made of yogurt, tahini, water, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt before adding the remaining ingredients. This salad can also be made with grilled peaches instead of pears and served with grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
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Frequently asked questions
Greek salad is a simple dish made with vegetables, feta cheese, and a dressing. The vegetables usually include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and olives. The dressing is typically made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Feta cheese goes well with a variety of salads, such as a lentil salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, or a kale and pear salad. Feta also pairs well with watermelon, spinach, and strawberries.
To make a Greek salad dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add mint leaves and black pepper for garnish.
Unopened feta cheese can last up to 7 months in the refrigerator. Once opened, it should be used within 7 days. You can extend its shelf life by submerging it in olive oil and adding herbs.
