How to Make a Cool and Refreshing Greek Salad

Greek salad, in all its variations, is a staple on many restaurant and pizzeria menus. Sometimes, Greek salad is prepared using lettuce, or other salad greens, sometimes not. While the list of ingredients changes from kitchen to kitchen, two food items that are almost always associated with Greek salad are Feta cheese and cucumbers. The sharp, pungent flavor of the feta cheese is countered by the cool crispness of sliced cucumbers and other ingredients. Another primary ingredient in most Greek salads is black olives, preferrably pitted- Kalamata olives (available at most grocery stores). 

In the recipe listed here, which contains no lettuce, or other salad greens, Cherry tomatoes are used in place of tomato slices or wedges. The cherry tomatoes are neater and have a longer 'refrigerator- life' than large, sliced tomatoes. The addition of red onion and pepperoncini provide a 'kick' and zestiness to this wonderful Greek salad. Because of the overpowering nature of feta cheese, it is recommended that the feta be sprinkled sparingly on top of the already- dressed Greek salad before serving. Light and tasty, this quick and easy Greek salad provides a delicious starter, or accompaniment to virtually any Italian or Greek- inspired meal. It is also satisfying enough to serve as a main course.

For diet- concious eaters, this light and healthy Greek salad is low in calories and high in taste. A wonderful dish to prepare and serve at summer cookouts and occasions of all types, this delightful Greek salad takes just minutes to prepare and requires a minimum of ingredients.

Because of the wide variety of high- quality bottled and jarred Greek salad dressings available to today's consumer, it is not practical or economical for most home- cooks to prepare Greek salad dressing from scratch. Therefore, the use of commercially- prepared bottled or jarred Greek salad dressing is strongly recommended.