Mediterranean Fusion Greek Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re craving a refreshing salad with a twist, then this Mediterranean Fusion Greek Salad is for you. It combines classic flavors with a surprising ingredient that brings it all together. Let's dive into this vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Fusion Greek Salad

Mixed baby greens form the base of the salad, providing a tender and mild backdrop that lets other flavors shine. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and color, while cucumber brings a refreshing crunch. Kalamata olives offer a briny depth, complementing the creamy and tangy feta cheese. Thinly sliced red onion adds a bit of sharpness. The real star is the diced watermelon, lending a sweet contrast to the savory elements. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves ties everything together, adding an aromatic freshness. The dressing, made from extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a hint of garlic and dried oregano, brings all the flavors into harmony. Finally, a dash of salt and pepper enhances the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • For the best flavor, use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
  • If you're not a fan of raw onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
  • Chill your watermelon before dicing to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
  • Make the dressing first and let it sit to allow the garlic and oregano to infuse the oil.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or lamb to make a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or couscous. If you're hosting, consider plating it on a large platter for a stunning presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them separately. Toss them together with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Try goat cheese for a similar creamy texture, or omit it for a vegan version.
Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?
You can use any other brined olive, like green or black olives, though the flavor will slightly differ.

Mediterranean Fusion Greek Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large salad bowl. Toss in the mixed baby greens, then scatter the cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices on top. Add the Kalamata olives and red onion, followed by the refreshing diced watermelon. Now, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Pour this dressing over your salad and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to over-mix; you want those ingredients to stay intact. Finally, sprinkle the feta cheese and fresh mint leaves over the top, giving it one last gentle toss. Serve it right away to enjoy the freshest flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Brings a refreshing twist with the unexpected sweetness of watermelon.
  • Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
  • Quick and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.
  • No cooking required, keeping your kitchen cool on hot days.
  • Uses fresh and readily available ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups
Mixed baby greens
1 cup
Cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup
Cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup
Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/2 cup
Feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup
Red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup
Diced watermelon
2 tbsp
Fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp
Red wine vinegar
1
Clove garlic, minced
1 tsp
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed baby greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and diced watermelon.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
4. Add the crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves to the salad and toss lightly.
5. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

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