If you have been searching for a refreshing and vibrant salad that will brighten your meal times, look no further than this Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe. Combining creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, this salad is a celebration of fresh, Mediterranean flavors. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with texture and color, and perfect for a light lunch or a stunning side dish. Trust me, once you try this Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance between creaminess, crunch, and savory goodness. The components are straightforward yet essential to capture the authentic taste and vibrant look of this dish.
- Avocados: Choose ripe but firm avocados for creaminess without mushiness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness add color and a pop of flavor.
- Cucumber: Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich avocado.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for just a sharp bite and a splash of purple hue.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for a salty, tangy bite that complements the avocado beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The glue that binds all ingredients with a fruity richness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a slight acidity to balance the salad.
- Dried oregano: Classic herb flavor to evoke the Mediterranean vibe.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and enhance all the fresh ingredients.
How to Make Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by peeling, pitting, and cubing two ripe avocados. Halve a cup of cherry tomatoes, dice a large cucumber to bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice a quarter cup of red onion. These fresh ingredients form the crisp and creamy base of the salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste. This simple dressing is vibrant and perfectly complements the mild creaminess of the avocado and the tanginess of the feta.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Place the cubed avocado, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion into a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon-oregano dressing over the salad, and gently toss everything to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated without mashing the avocado.
Step 4: Add Feta and Final Mix
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top, then lightly toss once more to distribute the salty, crumbly cheese throughout. This step adds a final touch of flavor and texture that makes the Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe truly special.
How to Serve Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance presentation and flavor, try adding a few Kalamata olives or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A little fresh oregano or a lemon wedge on the side complements the salad’s bright flavors beautifully and invites guests to customize their taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to make it a heartier meal. For a vegetarian twist, chickpeas add both protein and a satisfying bite. This salad also shines alongside warm pita bread or as part of a Mediterranean mezze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning table display, serve this salad in a carved-out avocado half or in small individual glass jars. Layering the salad ingredients and dressing in clear containers before serving adds a visually appealing element that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and try to enjoy within a day. The avocado may start to brown after a while, but a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before storing can help delay this. Gently stir before serving again.
Freezing
This Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the texture changes in avocado and fresh vegetables. It’s recommended to prepare just enough to serve immediately for the best experience.
Reheating
No reheating is required for this salad as it is served fresh and chilled. Reheating would compromise the freshness and texture of the ingredients. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular onions for red onion in this salad?
Yes, you can use regular white or yellow onions, but red onions offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the other salad ingredients. If you prefer, soaking sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes can reduce their sharpness.
What if I don’t have dried oregano? Can I use fresh oregano instead?
Absolutely! Fresh oregano works wonderfully and will add a vibrant herbal note. Use about twice the amount of fresh oregano since it’s less concentrated than dried, and chop it finely before mixing it into the dressing.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
This version includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by omitting the feta or substituting it with a plant-based cheese alternative or toasted nuts for a similar texture and flavor contrast.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning quickly?
Adding fresh lemon juice to the avocado and serving the salad immediately helps slow down browning. If you need to store leftovers, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad or add an extra splash of lemon juice before refrigerating.
Can this salad be made ahead of time for a party?
While you can prepare the vegetables and dressing ahead of time separately, it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and the textures crisp. If needed, cut and prep the veggies a few hours in advance and hold the avocado and feta until last minute.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe is a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying dish that effortlessly brings the essence of the Mediterranean to your table. With its beautiful colors, delightful textures, and bright flavors, it’s a perfect salad to enjoy any day of the week. I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe and watch it become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire. Once you taste it, I promise it’ll be love at first bite!
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Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Avocado Salad with Feta is a fresh, vibrant, and creamy Mediterranean-inspired dish combining ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese, all dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette with oregano. Perfect as a light lunch or a side, it comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, making it an ideal healthy and satisfying meal option.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and cubed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Add the cubed avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion to a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of the fresh ingredients.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss using a large spoon or salad tongs, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the feta cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and lightly toss once more to combine the cheese without breaking it down too much.
- Serve immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad fresh as avocados tend to brown over time, diminishing the salad’s appearance and taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Kalamata olives or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad.
- To make it heartier, serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as avocados may brown and lose their vibrant color over time.
