Title: Classic Greek Salad – A Fresh, Vibrant, and Healthy Dish

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  1. Prepare the vegetables:
    In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Add the Kalamata olives and gently toss to mix.

  2. Add the feta:
    If using block feta, crumble it on top of the salad. For a more traditional presentation, you can leave the feta in large blocks and place it on top of the salad.

  3. Make the dressing:
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or lemon juice if desired.

  4. Dress the salad:
    Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the vegetables and feta cheese evenly.

  5. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh parsley or basil (optional) and serve immediately. The salad can also be chilled for a short time before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  • Serve chilled: Greek salad is best served fresh or chilled. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, but avoid letting it sit for too long, as the vegetables can become soggy.
  • Storage: Leftover Greek salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. However, the tomatoes and cucumbers may release some water, so it’s best to serve it soon after preparing.

Variants:

  1. Add protein: To make this Greek salad a full meal, you can add grilled chicken, lamb, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  2. Spicy Version: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  3. Extra veggies: You can add other vegetables like radishes, capers, or artichoke hearts for added flavor and texture.

FAQ:

1. Can I use any other type of cheese?
Feta is the traditional cheese for Greek salad, but you could substitute with a mild cheese like ricotta salata if needed. However, the brined, salty flavor of feta is ideal for this dish.

2. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing and feta just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.

3. Can I use a different kind of olives?
Kalamata olives are traditionally used, but you can use any kind of black olives that you prefer, like green olives or a Mediterranean mixed olive blend.

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