Greek Feta Salad Tower

## **Instructions**

### 1. **Prepare the Ingredients**
Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Slice the tomatoes and cucumber into thick rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese and chop the fresh oregano.

### 2. **Make the Dressing**
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, keeping in mind that the feta and olives are already quite salty, so you may need only a pinch of salt.

### 3. **Assemble the Salad Tower**
To create the tower effect, use a ring mold (or an empty tuna can with both ends removed) placed in the center of your serving dish. If you don’t have a ring mold, you can simply stack the ingredients in layers, but using a mold ensures a perfect shape.

Start with a layer of sliced tomatoes at the bottom of the mold, followed by a layer of cucumber slices. Add a layer of red onion, then sprinkle with some crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Repeat the layers until the mold is full, finishing with a final sprinkle of feta cheese and olives on top.

### 4. **Drizzle with Dressing**
Once the tower is assembled, carefully remove the mold, leaving the layers stacked. Drizzle the homemade dressing over the top of the salad tower, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the vegetables and cheese.

### 5. **Garnish and Serve**
Garnish the top of your Greek Feta Salad Tower with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or basil for added color and freshness. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together beautifully if it sits for a bit, but it’s also delicious served right away.

### 6. **Enjoy!**
Serve the **Greek Feta Salad Tower** as a light lunch or alongside grilled meats, seafood, or even as a refreshing side dish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The tower is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious, satisfying combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and flavorful dressing.

## **Why You’ll Love Greek Feta Salad Tower**

### **Fresh and Flavorful:**
The Greek Feta Salad Tower is loaded with the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Greek salad, like crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives. The feta cheese adds a creamy, salty bite that balances perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables.

### **Visually Stunning:**
What sets this salad apart from the typical Greek salad is its presentation. The layers of fresh ingredients stacked into a tower create a stunning visual effect that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s perfect for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or any occasion where you want to make a statement.

### **Easy to Make:**
Despite its elegant presentation, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare. All you need to do is slice the veggies, make the dressing, and layer the ingredients. The simplicity of this dish makes it a great choice for both experienced cooks and beginners alike.

### **Customizable:**
While the recipe calls for classic Greek salad ingredients, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Add some sliced bell peppers, a few artichoke hearts, or even some grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal. The dressing can also be adjusted for more or less acidity, depending on your taste.

### **Light and Healthy:**
This salad is naturally light and healthy, with plenty of fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by skipping the feta or using a plant-based alternative.

## **Tips for the Best Greek Feta Salad Tower**

– **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** Since this salad is all about fresh ingredients, using ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and good-quality feta cheese will really elevate the flavors. Opt for a block of feta cheese and crumble it yourself for the best texture and flavor.

– **Adjust the Layers to Your Taste:** While the classic Greek ingredients are key, feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or olives for an extra twist. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize it to suit your preferences.

– **Use a Mold for Perfect Layers:** For the most dramatic presentation, use a ring mold to stack the ingredients neatly. This ensures a beautiful tower shape that will impress your guests. If you don’t have a mold, simply stack the ingredients carefully in layers.

– **Let It Sit Before Serving:** While the salad can be served immediately, allowing it to sit for 15-30 minutes will help the flavors meld together even more. Just be sure not to let it sit too long, as the vegetables may release excess moisture.

## **Final Thoughts**

The **Greek Feta Salad Tower** is a refreshing, elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It brings together all the beloved flavors of a traditional Greek salad but elevates it with a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a light and healthy meal, this salad is a winner.

With its fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and tangy dressing, the Greek Feta Salad Tower is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors that everyone will love. So, why not give it a try and bring a little bit of Greece to your table?