Feta Salad

Arabian Feta Salad Recipe - A Taste of Arabia

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Feta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty dressing makes this salad a crowd-pleaser.

History

Feta Salad has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where feta cheese is a staple ingredient. The combination of feta cheese with fresh vegetables and herbs has been enjoyed for centuries in countries like Greece and Turkey.

Ingredients

1 bunch of watercress, chopped
6 tomatoes, diced
2 cucumbers, diced
1 onion, diced
0.25 lb (113 g) of feta cheese
3 tbsp of olive oil (or to taste)
1 bunch of parsley

How to prepare

1) In a bowl, combine the watercress, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion.
2) Mix together the feta, oil, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the salad.

Variations

Add olives or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Substitute arugula or spinach for the watercress.
Use lemon juice or balsamic vinegar in place of the olive oil.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Crumble the feta cheese just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.

- Adjust the amount of olive oil to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Feta Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with crusty bread or pita.

Cooking Techniques

Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

- Crumble the feta cheese with a fork for a rustic look.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use goat cheese or blue cheese in place of feta.

- Swap out the parsley for fresh mint or dill.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Feta Salad in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Feta Salad with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Feta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 7g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 15% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Summary

Feta Salad is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamins A and C, calcium, and protein. It is a good source of healthy fats from the olive oil and feta cheese.

Summary

Feta Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a summer meal. With fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It takes me back to a warm summer day many years ago when I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Greece. We spent the day exploring the quaint streets of Athens, soaking in the vibrant culture and indulging in delicious Greek cuisine.

As we strolled through a bustling market, Maria suddenly stopped in front of a vendor selling fresh produce. She picked up a ripe tomato, a crisp cucumber, and a block of tangy feta cheese. With a twinkle in her eye, she turned to me and said, "Let me show you how to make my favorite feta salad."

We made our way back to Maria's cozy kitchen, where she began to prepare the ingredients with care and precision. She diced the tomato and cucumber into bite-sized pieces, crumbled the feta cheese on top, and drizzled it all with a generous amount of olive oil. A sprinkle of oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice completed the dish.

I watched in awe as Maria worked her magic, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant and flavorful salad. With each bite, I was transported to a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea, the salty breeze mingling with the taste of fresh herbs and citrus.

Maria explained that this salad was a staple in Greek cuisine, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. She shared with me the history of feta cheese, a beloved ingredient that has been made in Greece for centuries. Made from the milk of sheep or goats, feta has a crumbly texture and a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.

I savored every bite of the feta salad, savoring the flavors and the memories of that perfect summer day. And as I licked my plate clean, Maria smiled knowingly, happy to have shared a piece of her culture and her heart with me.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to recreate Maria's feta salad in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients – ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese – and set to work, following Maria's instructions to the letter. As I chopped and crumbled and drizzled, I felt a sense of connection to my dear friend and to the vibrant land of Greece.

Since that day, feta salad has become a beloved dish in my family. I have shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down not just a list of ingredients and instructions, but a piece of my own history and the memories of that magical summer day in Athens.

Every time I make feta salad, I am reminded of Maria and the joy of discovering new recipes and flavors. I am grateful for the friendships that have enriched my life and for the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with loved ones. And as I take a bite of the tangy feta cheese, the juicy tomatoes, and the crisp cucumbers, I am transported back to that sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea, where the taste of Greece lingers on my tongue.