Crave-worthy Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar
Are you craving a light, refreshing salad with a zesty kick? Look no further than this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar recipe. Bursting with bright colors and bold flavors, this traditional Greek salad is the perfect addition to any meal.
The star of this dish is the red wine vinegar dressing, which adds a tangy acidity that accents the fresh veggies and briny kalamata olives. Each bite is filled with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all balanced by creamy feta cheese and aromatic dried oregano.
Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy. With no heavy dressings or fried toppings, it’s packed with fiber and nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
This salad is versatile enough to be served on its own as a light lunch or paired with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dinner. So whip up a bowl of this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar today and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a simple and refreshing salad recipe that’s loaded with flavor? Look no further than this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar recipe! It’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even as a light lunch. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, it’s packed with delicious and healthy ingredients like fresh tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese. Not only are these ingredients nutritious, but they also taste amazing together!
Secondly, the homemade dressing is what truly sets this Greek salad apart. Made with a combination of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, it adds the perfect amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the feta cheese. Plus, with just a few simple spices like dried oregano and garlic powder, it’s easy to whip up a vinaigrette in minutes!
Thirdly, this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal on its own. Or serve it alongside grilled lamb chops for the ultimate Mediterranean feast.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a party or bringing it along to a potluck, this salad is always a hit. And best of all? It can be made ahead of time so that you can spend more time enjoying your company and less time stressing in the kitchen.
Overall, why will you love this recipe? Well, who doesn’t love fresh ingredients tossed in a zesty dressing? Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar recipe is sure to become one of your go-to summer favorites!
Ingredient List
Below is a list of ingredients to prepare Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Recipe. These items can be found in any grocery store and, for those who enjoy cooking, most of these may already be staples in your pantry. Here are the ingredients needed to prepare this classic Greek salad:
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-size
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the red wine vinaigrette dressing:
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how to make the classic and delicious Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start with the recipe, it’s important to have all the ingredients at hand. You will need romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese and parsley. Rinse and chop the vegetables into bite-size pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dijon mustard, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl or platter, arrange the chopped vegetables and toppings. Crumble feta cheese and scatter over the top. Drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving it.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
This Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar is best served fresh. Toss everything together to coat with dressing and serve cold. This dish is a fantastic lunch or light dinner that goes well with a glass of red wine.
Optional Additions
Feel free to include additional ingredients such as bell peppers or capers! Also try adding some cooked pasta or chicken for some added protein.
I hope you found this recipe simple and easy to follow!
Substitutions and Variations
If you are missing any of the ingredients, don’t worry! There are many substitutions that can work in Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar.
For instance, if you don’t have cucumber, you can substitute it with zucchini or bell peppers. Similarly, if you don’t like kalamata olives, substitute them with green olives or capers. If you are strictly vegetarian, you can skip feta cheese altogether or use tofu instead.
If you want to make your salad creamier and add a more tangy flavor, use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta. For herb fans out there, adding cilantro instead of parsley will add a zest to your salad. If you’re not keen on red wine vinegar or don’t have any available at home, apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.
You can also play around with greens – romaine lettuce can be swapped for spinach or arugula for a peppery kick. And for some added crunch and protein, throw in some chickpeas or roasted nuts of your choice.
Variations on this recipe include variations of dressing. You can try out different Greek dressing recipes such as tzatziki sauce dressing, lemon and garlic dressing or honey mustard vinaigrette. Or even just use balsamic glaze for the base of the dressing.
Overall, this recipe is quite flexible and forgiving with substitutions and variations so go ahead and experiment with ingredients to create your own unique and tasty twist!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this flavorful Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Recipe, the options are endless. This classic Greek salad can be enjoyed as a hearty main dish or served as a side dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during a summer barbecue or picnic.
Pair this salad with grilled meats such as chicken or steak, or enjoy on its own with a warm slice of fresh baked bread. The bright colors and bold flavors of the tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers make it a great addition to any green salad, pasta or noodle salad.
When it comes to wine pairing, a light-bodied red wine such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais pairs perfectly with this Greek salad. If you prefer white wine, try a crisp dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. And if you’re in the mood for something bubbly and effervescent, a sparkling rosé is always a great choice.
Whether you’re serving the Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Recipe as an entrée or side dish, this delicious salad is sure to impress your guests and leave them satisfied.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar recipe is perfect for those looking to meal prep ahead of time. You can make the salad up to a day in advance by following the recipe and storing the salad ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Simply toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the salad dressing separately from the salad itself to prevent the lettuce and other veggies from getting soggy. To store, transfer the salad and dressing to separate airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When it comes time to reheat, it’s important to understand that this salad is best served cold. The heat can cause the vegetables to wilt and become unappetizing. Therefore, there’s no need to reheat this dish. Simply mix it all together and enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Overall, this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal planning and can easily be stored and enjoyed later in the week without any loss of flavor or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar comes out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, vegetables, and greens like romaine lettuce will make a huge difference in the taste of your salad. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers at the market.
2. Make your own dressing: While it’s tempting to use store-bought dressing, making your own red wine vinaigrette is easy, and the flavors are much more vibrant. Plus, you can customize it to suit your taste by adjusting the amounts of red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
3. Use high-quality olive oil: The olive oil you use in the dressing plays a big role in the final taste of the salad. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its fruity flavor and smooth texture.
4. Add sprigs of parsley: Adding sprigs of fresh parsley to the salad gives it a refreshing herby aroma that enhances its Greek flavors.
5. Add feta cheese at serving time: To prevent the feta cheese from disintegrating into the salad, add it just before serving. Similarly, adding kalamata olives will give the dish an added umami element that complements its Greeks elements.
6. Chill and toss before serving: A cold salad is refreshing on a hot summer day but letting all of the ingredients chill first may take away from their original flavor served at room temperature (except cherry tomatoes which should be refrigerated). Toss everything together just before serving.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar that will leave everyone raving about it!
FAQ
Before wrapping up this recipe article, let me address some of the frequently asked questions about this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar dish.
What do you use red wine vinegar for?
Red wine vinegar is a versatile ingredient that’s commonly used in cooking. It can be found in marinades, salad dressings, and reductions, adding a tangy and flavorful touch. In terms of pairing, red wine vinegar goes particularly well with robust and substantial foods such as pork, beef, and vegetables.
Is red vinegar good for salad?
Red wine vinegar, which is produced by fermenting red wine, boasts an intense flavor and a pungent punch. It is a preferred option for those seeking a bolder taste in their salads or for infusing meat with an acidic marinade.
What is the dressing made of in a traditional Greek salad?
The dressing commonly used for Greek salads is technically a type of vinaigrette, made with a blend of red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and seasoning.
Is red wine vinegar and red wine vinaigrette at the same thing?
When red wine is fermented for a second time, it transforms into red wine vinegar, possessing a potent taste and aroma of vinegar. Mixing this vinegar with oil, spices, and a pinch of sweetness creates a flexible and flavorful dressing called red wine vinaigrette.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Greek Salad with Red Wine Vinegar recipe is a perfect dish with a twist that you must try at your next mealtime. The red wine vinegar gives the salad an unmatched tangy flavor that stands out. It’s also delicious and full of healthy ingredients that will make sure you stay fit and satisfied.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile, and you can always play around with various ingredients to create variations that cater to your taste buds. Whether you add different vegetables or switch the dressing, the possibilities are endless.
So why not try it and see how easy it is? Impress your guests or just enjoy a nice healthy meal by preparing this recipe in no time. With the substitution options given above, you’ll have no trouble making this salad your all-time favorite side dish.
Finally, with tips for perfect results as well as directions for make-ahead, storing and reheating, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying this delicious and refreshing salad. In the words of Ina Garten, “How easy is that?” Try this traditional Greek dish today and upgrade your salad game while still staying healthy!
Greek Salad With Red Wine Vinegar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water (optional)
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 head romaine lettuce, roughly chopped and washed
- 4 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup kalamata olive
- 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 6 ounces feta, cut into 4 slices
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Place the red wine vinegar in a large bowl.
- Slowly add the olive oil and whisk continually.
- If dressing tastes too tart, whisk in water a tablespoon at a time.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Once dressing is emulsified place to one side.
- In a large salad bowl toss the lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cucumber and dressing.
- Divide the salad between 4 plates.
- Place the 4 pieces of feta on top of each salad.
- Sprinkle a little chopped parsley on each piece of feta drizzle with a little more dressing and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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