Aegean Avocado Greek Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Aegean Avocado Greek Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Greek salad, bringing creamy avocado into the mix for a refreshing, satisfying dish. With vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it's perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next summer barbecue.

Ingredients for Aegean Avocado Greek Salad

Avocados bring a creamy texture and healthy fats that complement the tangy ingredients. Kalamata olives add a briny punch, enhancing the Mediterranean flavor profile. Cherry tomatoes provide sweetness and juiciness, balancing the salad. Red onion offers a sharp bite, but thin slices ensure it doesn’t overpower. Cucumber introduces a refreshing crunch, necessary in any good salad. Feta cheese brings a salty, tangy richness, while the extra virgin olive oil forms the base of the dressing, lending fruitiness. Lemon juice adds acidity and brightness, with oregano giving a classic herbal note. Finally, parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're making this ahead of time, add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of red wine vinegar to the dressing.
  • Want to make it a heartier meal? Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty lentil soup or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the dressing. It’s also a great addition to a picnic spread, providing a fresh contrast to other dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular black olives instead of kalamata?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different — kalamata olives have a more distinct, briny taste.
How long will this salad keep?
The salad is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just note that the avocado may brown slightly.
What if I’m not a fan of feta cheese?
You can substitute with goat cheese or leave it out altogether for a dairy-free version.

Aegean Avocado Greek Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl, which will be the base for mixing all your ingredients. Dice the avocados and add them to the bowl. Make sure they’re ripe but not mushy — you want them to hold their shape. Next, pit and halve the kalamata olives and toss them in. Cut your cherry tomatoes in halves to release their juices a bit, and add them to the mix.

Thinly slice your red onion; if you're not a fan of the sharpness, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the bowl. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and add them in. Now, it’s time for the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this over your salad ingredients and gently toss everything to ensure each piece is coated. Be gentle — you don’t want to mash the avocado.

Once the salad is well mixed, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the full range of textures and flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Filled with fresh, healthy ingredients for a nutrient-rich meal.
  • The creamy avocado adds a delicious twist to the traditional Greek salad.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients

2 large ripe avocados, diced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, halved kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced cucumber.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top of the salad before serving.

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