The Hearty Almond Greek Salad is like a Mediterranean vacation on a plate, bursting with colors that could make a rainbow envious. Imagine crisp cucumbers crunching under your fork, juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor, and creamy feta cheese playing alongside roasted almonds—sounds divine, right? This salad is not just a side dish; it’s the star of the show at any gathering, whether it’s a summer barbecue or an indoor winter feast. savory pot roast recipe refreshing fruit salad
Growing up, my family would whip up this Hearty Almond Greek Salad for every holiday gathering. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas made it impossible to resist. I recall my uncle attempting to impress Aunt Betty by tossing in extra ingredients—let’s just say we ended up with “surprise” flavors that no one saw coming! But regardless of the mishaps, it always brought us together, making every meal a joyous occasion filled with laughter and love. vibrant corn taco salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hearty Almond Greek Salad is incredibly easy to throw together without sacrificing flavor
- It offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will impress your guests
- The bright colors will make your dinner table pop with appeal
- Perfect as a side salad or a light main course for lunch or dinner
I once made this salad for a potluck, and everyone kept asking for the recipe—talk about feeling like a culinary rockstar!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes; they add sweetness and color to your salad.
- Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for crunch; English cucumbers are an excellent option.
- Red Onion: Thinly slice red onion for that mild bite; soaking them in cold water can tame their sharpness.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for quality cheese for maximum flavor impact.
- Roasted Almonds: Use unsalted roasted almonds for crunch; they provide texture and nutty flavor without overpowering.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances freshness; choose high-quality oil for richer taste.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors; skip the bottled stuff if you can—fresh is always best.
- Dried Oregano: Dried oregano gives an authentic Greek flavor; be generous but not overwhelming!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing all your fresh produce thoroughly. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Aim for color harmony!
Slicing the Onions: Thinly slice the red onion and place them in cold water for about five minutes. This trick takes away some of their sharpness while keeping their lovely color intact.
Tossing Everything Together: In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped vegetables along with crumbled feta cheese and roasted almonds. Stir gently to avoid crushing those delicious almonds.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste it—this step is crucial!
Add Dressing to Salad: Drizzle the dressing over your beautifully arranged salad just before serving. Toss gently so every ingredient gets coated in that zesty goodness.
Serve Fresh!: Enjoy immediately as flavors meld beautifully when served fresh. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal!
This Hearty Almond Greek Salad will not only please your palate but also elevate your dining experience into something memorable! For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Lentil Stew recipe.
You Must Know
- This Hearty Almond Greek Salad is not just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors!
- The crunch of almonds, the zing of feta, and the freshness of vegetables create a delightful experience
- Perfect for lunch or as a side dish, it’s versatile and satisfying!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping all your vegetables first to ensure everything is prepped before mixing. Combine the ingredients in a bowl, then drizzle with dressing for even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out almonds for walnuts or add grilled chicken for protein. A splash of lemon juice can elevate the flavors even more!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold, as reheating can soften the veggies too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your Hearty Almond Greek Salad, use fresh ingredients and avoid over-dressing
- Chilling it before serving intensifies the flavors
- Always taste before adding more salt or pepper to balance the dish perfectly
Sharing this Hearty Almond Greek Salad recipe reminds me of summer picnics with friends where we’d compete over who made the best salad. nutritious quinoa edamame salad Spoiler alert: mine always wins!
FAQ
What makes this Hearty Almond Greek Salad so special?
This salad combines fresh vegetables with crunchy almonds and creamy feta for a delightful mix. For more inspiration, check out this Sleep Slimming Cucumber Salad recipe.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative for a delicious vegan version.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option!
Hearty Almond Greek Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Hearty Almond Greek Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean with every bite. Featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy roasted almonds, this salad is not just a side; it’s the highlight of any meal. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy indoor dinners, it brings together flavors and colors that will impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup roasted almonds (unsalted)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for five minutes to reduce sharpness.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with crumbled feta cheese and roasted almonds. Toss gently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste for seasoning.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad right before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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