Cypriot salad is a perfect choice for warm days, being a fresh, light dish full of flavors. This recipe, inspired by the famous Greek salad, adds a touch of originality by including fresh coriander and cutting the feta cheese into cubes. Not only is it delicious, but also extremely versatile, as it can be served both as a side dish to grilled meats and as a main course for a diet.
Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients needed
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1/2 onion (preferably red for a sweeter taste)
- A few olives (black, green, stuffed - the choice is yours)
- 50 g feta cheese or sheep telemea (opt for quality cheese with a stronger taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (instead of vinegar for a fresher note)
- Fresh coriander leaves (or parsley, if you prefer)
Preparation steps
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. It is essential to ensure they are clean, as they will be eaten raw. After washing, let them dry on a clean towel.
2. Cutting the vegetables: Cut the tomatoes into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Cucumbers can be sliced into rounds or cubes, and the onion can be thinly sliced. Don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes; each cut adds a unique visual element to the salad.
3. Adding the olives: If using whole olives, cut them in half or slices, as they will release their flavors better in the salad. Black olives provide a stronger taste, while green olives are crunchier.
4. Cutting the cheese: Cut the feta cheese into small cubes. This will add a creamy texture and a salty flavor that will perfectly combine with the fresh vegetables.
5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add all the chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and olives. Add the coriander leaves (or parsley if you chose that option) and mix gently to avoid crushing the cheese.
6. Seasoning: Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. These will not only enhance the flavor but also help preserve the freshness of the ingredients. Also, add salt to taste, being careful not to overdo it, as feta cheese is already salty.
7. Serving: The salad can be served immediately, but if you have time, let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and become even more delicious. It can be enjoyed as a healthy main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Useful tips
- Variations of ingredients: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to add color and sweetness. Also, if you want a spicy note, you can add a few slices of hot pepper.
- Olives: Choose the olives you like the most. Kalamata olives are a popular choice due to their intense flavor.
- Coriander: If you are not a fan of coriander, parsley is an excellent alternative and more familiar to many.
- Garnishes: You can add toasted pine nuts or nuts to add a crunchy texture to the salad.
Nutritional benefits
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables, and feta cheese provides calcium and protein. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties, making this salad a healthy and nutritious choice.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace feta cheese with another type of cheese? Yes, you can use goat cheese or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste.
- Can the salad be stored in the fridge? It is recommended to consume it fresh, but if there are leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- What drinks pair well with this salad? A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent options that perfectly complement the salad's flavors.
Conclusion
Cypriot salad is more than just a simple recipe; it is an explosion of flavors and colors that brings a touch of sunshine to every meal. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious dish that will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes it. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and add your personal touch!
Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients needed
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1/2 onion (preferably red for a sweeter taste)
- A few olives (black, green, stuffed - the choice is yours)
- 50 g feta cheese or sheep telemea (opt for quality cheese with a stronger taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (instead of vinegar for a fresher note)
- Fresh coriander leaves (or parsley, if you prefer)
Preparation steps
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. It is essential to ensure they are clean, as they will be eaten raw. After washing, let them dry on a clean towel.
2. Cutting the vegetables: Cut the tomatoes into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Cucumbers can be sliced into rounds or cubes, and the onion can be thinly sliced. Don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes; each cut adds a unique visual element to the salad.
3. Adding the olives: If using whole olives, cut them in half or slices, as they will release their flavors better in the salad. Black olives provide a stronger taste, while green olives are crunchier.
4. Cutting the cheese: Cut the feta cheese into small cubes. This will add a creamy texture and a salty flavor that will perfectly combine with the fresh vegetables.
5. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add all the chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and olives. Add the coriander leaves (or parsley if you chose that option) and mix gently to avoid crushing the cheese.
6. Seasoning: Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. These will not only enhance the flavor but also help preserve the freshness of the ingredients. Also, add salt to taste, being careful not to overdo it, as feta cheese is already salty.
7. Serving: The salad can be served immediately, but if you have time, let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and become even more delicious. It can be enjoyed as a healthy main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Useful tips
- Variations of ingredients: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to add color and sweetness. Also, if you want a spicy note, you can add a few slices of hot pepper.
- Olives: Choose the olives you like the most. Kalamata olives are a popular choice due to their intense flavor.
- Coriander: If you are not a fan of coriander, parsley is an excellent alternative and more familiar to many.
- Garnishes: You can add toasted pine nuts or nuts to add a crunchy texture to the salad.
Nutritional benefits
This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables, and feta cheese provides calcium and protein. Extra virgin olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties, making this salad a healthy and nutritious choice.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace feta cheese with another type of cheese? Yes, you can use goat cheese or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste.
- Can the salad be stored in the fridge? It is recommended to consume it fresh, but if there are leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- What drinks pair well with this salad? A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent options that perfectly complement the salad's flavors.
Conclusion
Cypriot salad is more than just a simple recipe; it is an explosion of flavors and colors that brings a touch of sunshine to every meal. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious dish that will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes it. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and add your personal touch!