Classic Greek Salad

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## **Instructions**

### **Step 1: Prepare the Veggies**
1. **Cucumbers**: Peel the cucumbers (optional) and slice them into thick rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
2. **Tomatoes**: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, making sure they’re large enough to hold up in the salad without falling apart.
3. **Onion**: Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in a bit of water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.

### **Step 2: Assemble the Salad**
4. In a large bowl, combine the **cucumbers**, **tomatoes**, **red onion**, and **olives**.
5. Add the **feta cheese** to the salad. You can either crumble it or leave it in large blocks to give it that classic Greek salad look.

### **Step 3: Make the Dressing**
6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the **olive oil**, **red wine vinegar**, **oregano**, salt, and pepper.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preference.

### **Step 4: Toss and Serve**
8. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.
9. Garnish with some **fresh parsley** if desired for a little extra color and flavor.

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## **Why It Works**
The beauty of a **Classic Greek Salad** lies in its simplicity. The **cucumbers** offer a refreshing crunch, while the **tomatoes** add juiciness and sweetness. The **red onion** gives the salad a mild sharpness, and the **kalamata olives** bring a wonderful brininess. All of this is beautifully tied together with a **zesty, tangy dressing** that’s light but flavorful. And let’s not forget about the **feta cheese**—its creaminess and saltiness are the perfect complement to the veggies and dressing.

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## **Customizations and Tips**
– **Add protein**: For a heartier meal, top your Greek salad with **grilled chicken**, **shrimp**, or **chickpeas**.
– **Extra veggies**: Feel free to add other vegetables like **bell peppers**, **zucchini**, or **capers** for extra flavor and variety.
– **Spicy kick**: If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of **red pepper flakes** to the dressing.
– **Make it a wrap**: Turn this Greek salad into a wrap by filling a whole-wheat or pita wrap with the salad ingredients and some grilled chicken or lamb for a satisfying meal.

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## **Serving Suggestions**
– **Serve as a side**: This Greek Salad is the perfect side dish to **grilled meats**, **lamb chops**, **chicken skewers**, or even a light fish like **salmon**.
– **Enjoy as a light lunch**: On its own, this salad makes a refreshing and filling lunch. Add a piece of **whole-grain bread** for a bit more substance.
– **Pair with tzatziki**: Serve the salad alongside a cool, creamy bowl of **tzatziki** sauce for the ultimate Mediterranean experience.

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## **Final Thoughts**
This **Classic Greek Salad** is the epitome of fresh, vibrant, and healthy Mediterranean cuisine. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weekday lunch, a barbecue side dish, or even a light dinner on a warm evening. With its combination of crisp veggies, creamy feta, and the zesty dressing, this salad will have you coming back for seconds.

Give it a try and enjoy the **flavors of Greece** right at your dinner table! 🥗🍅