The Greek salad, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and salty feta, is a beloved staple for a reason. It’s simple, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this classic dish to the next level? Enter the humble basil leaf, ready to add a touch of aromatic magic to your next salad.
Basil, with its sweet, slightly peppery flavor, complements the tangy feta and juicy tomatoes perfectly. Its vibrant green hue also adds a visual pop to the already colorful salad.
Recipe
Ingredients:
* 1 large ripe tomato, diced
* 1/2 English cucumber, diced
* 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine: In a large bowl, gently toss together the tomato, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
2. Dress: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the salad just before serving.
Tips & Variations
* Freshness is key: Use the freshest ingredients possible for optimal flavor and texture.
* Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even grilled zucchini.
* Dress it up: Experiment with different vinegars like balsamic or lemon juice.
* Go bold: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* Serve it up: This salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats or fish, or even as a topping for crusty bread.
You can try a Greek Orzo Salad with basil
Averie Cooks : Lemon Basil Greek Orzo Salad
How about a Tomato Feta Salad with Basil
Taste of Home : Tomato Feta Salad
You might want to consider a greek watermelon feta salad with feta mint basil
Heart Healthy Greek : Greek Watermelon Salad with Feta Mint Basil
Here’s one you can try : Greek Orzo Salad With Basil
Cooking Classy : Greek Orzo Salad
Here are some more amazing Greek Salad with Basil Recipes
The Kitchen Magpie : Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad
The Mediterranean Dish, Traditional Greek Salad Recipe
Shoot The Cook : Greek Salad with Peppers
Food and Wine : Tomato Salad with Red Onion, Dill and Feta
Love & Lemons : Caprese Salad
Taste of Home : Greek Tomato Salad
The Wanderlus Kitchen : Classic Grek Salad (Horiatiki Salad)
Blissful Basil : Detoxifying Greek Salad with Kale Cauliflower and Feta
Now My Top 5 Greek Salad With Basil Recipes
Once Upon A Chef : Roasted Pepper Salad with Feta, Pine Nuts and Basil
Marleyspoon : Greek Grain and Feta Salad with Basil Olives and Tomatoes
Nest Health Connections : Grilled Salmon Greek Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing
Jo Cooks : Summer Salad
Tilda : Grilled Halloumi Greek Salad
Beyond the Plate
The addition of basil elevates the Greek salad beyond a simple meal. It’s a testament to the power of fresh herbs to transform a dish, adding depth and complexity with a single ingredient. So next time you’re craving a refreshing and flavorful salad, consider adding a handful of basil leaves. You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy the classic Greek salad.