Tomato-Feta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy crumbled Feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a side dish at gatherings, it offers a fresh and savory taste that appeals to all palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub inside of salad bowl with garlic; discard garlic.
- Combine cherry tomatoes, olives, and crumbled Feta cheese in the salad bowl.
- Combine olive oil, white wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a jar.
- Cover tightly and shake vigorously to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the tomato mixture, tossing gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the olives in herbs or incorporating capers for extra tang. If you prefer a creamier texture, try using ricotta cheese instead of Feta. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for freshness. Using heirloom tomatoes can elevate the dish's taste and appearance, making it a perfect complement to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a delightful starter or side dish, perfect for summer gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Grilled Eggplant Lasagna With Tomatoes And Three Cheeses or as part of a larger Mediterranean spread. Serve alongside crusty bread or with grilled meats for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of Zucchini And Tomato With Herbs for a vibrant contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Tomato-Feta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. However, the tomatoes may become softer over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to serve it again, avoid reheating; instead, serve it chilled as a refreshing side.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato-Feta Salad contains roughly 86 calories, with 4g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the salad in advance?
Yes, this salad benefits from marinating in the refrigerator for at least four hours, allowing the flavors to develop. You can prepare it a day ahead, but for the freshest taste, add the vinaigrette just prior to serving.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're not a fan of Feta, try using goat cheese for a tangy flavor, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Both options will provide a similar creamy texture while keeping the salad delicious.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Feta cheese and replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or leave it out entirely. You can enhance the salad's flavor by adding extra herbs, or tossing in some avocados for creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).