Sun-Kissed & Satisfying: My Go-To Summer Salad with Feta

  As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, my cravings shift towards lighter, brighter fare. This Summer Salad with Feta has become my absolute go-to for a refreshing lunch, a vibrant side dish at barbecues, or even a light dinner on a warm evening. It's packed with juicy, seasonal produce and the salty tang of feta cheese that brings everything together beautifully. Plus, it's incredibly easy to throw together!

 

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what's fresh at your local market or what you have on hand. The combination of textures and flavors, from the crisp cucumbers to the sweet tomatoes and the creamy feta, is simply irresistible.

 

Yields: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

 

Ingredients:

 

1 English cucumber, diced

2 ripe tomatoes, diced (heirloom tomatoes are fantastic if you have them!)

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

 

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced1 (optional)  

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables as indicated in the ingredients list.

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry/grape tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and halved Kalamata olives.

Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the vegetables in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are lightly coated.

Add Feta and Herbs: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint, and chopped fresh basil over the salad. Toss lightly once more to distribute the cheese and herbs.

Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips and Variations:

 

Add More Greens: For a heartier salad, toss in a few handfuls of mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula.

Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or grilled halloumi cheese for a more substantial meal.

Other Veggie Options: Feel free to include other seasonal vegetables like corn kernels (cut off the cob), grilled zucchini, or roasted asparagus.

Herb Swaps: If you don't have mint or basil, parsley, dill, or oregano, it would also be delicious additions.

Vinegar Variation: If you don't have fresh lemons, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used in the vinaigrette.

Make it Vegan: Omit the feta cheese for a delicious vegan salad. You could add some toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture and flavor.

This Summer Salad with Feta is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavors. It's the perfect way to enjoy the bounty of summer and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. So go ahead, toss together this simple yet satisfying salad and savor every sun-kissed bite!