Greek Salad with Crispy Feta – A Delicious Twist on a Classic
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Andy Hay
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If you’re a fan of traditional Greek salad, this recipe takes things up a notch by adding crispy fried feta. The warm, crunchy feta adds such a great texture and it goes so well with the fresh ingredients and bold flavors of a classic Greek salad.
This dish is perfect for any occasion. It has juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy red onions, and briny Kalamata olives. The zesty homemade Greek salad dressing takes it over the top.
You can enjoy this Greek salad with crispy feta as a light lunch, a delicious side dish, or a refreshing main course. It’s satisfying, easy to throw together and delicious.
This salad has become one of my favorites! Instead of just crumbling feta over the top, we’re coating it in cornstarch and frying it to create a golden crust. The crispy feta adds richness and warmth, making each bite super flavorful. The perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and fresh makes it a standout version of the classic Greek salad.
Ingredients:
Crispy Feta
- 8 oz block of feta, cubed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbs olive oil for frying
Salad
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 4 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 can chickpeas, dried and rinsed
- 1/2 cup kalmata olives
dressing
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tbs oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Feta: Cut an 8oz block of feta into cubes. Toss the cubes in ¼ cup of cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Fry the Feta: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the feta cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine 2 diced cucumbers, ½ a sliced red onion, 4 diced Roma tomatoes, 1 can of rinsed and drained chickpeas, and ½ cup Kalamata olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of 1 lemon, ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepp
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Add the Crispy Feta: Top the salad with the crispy feta cubes and serve immediately. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Greek Salad with Crispy Feta!
Why Crispy Feta Makes All the Difference
In a traditional Greek salad recipe, feta cheese is crumbled over the salad for a salty, tangy flavor. But frying the feta takes the whole thing up a notch!
With a quick toss in cornstarch, the feta cubes become golden and crispy on the outside, and remain creamy on the inside. The feta melts into the other ingredients, and makes every bite better. It’s a small, simple step that makes a big difference.
The crispy feta goes well with the juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and red onions. If you’re looking for a way to make your Greek salad a little more exciting, this is it. Trust me, once you try Greek salad with crispy feta, you’ll want to make it this way every time!
Greek Salad with Crispy Feta: Essential Ingredients
This Greek salad recipe is simple, fresh, and made with quality ingredients that creates an amazing dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Feta Cheese: The star of the show! We’re taking the classic ingredient and giving them a crispy twist. The golden, warm feta elevates this salad from good to unforgettable.
- Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add crunch and hydration, balancing the saltiness of the feta and olives.
- Red onion, when thinly sliced, adds a mild sharpness that compliments the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes.
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are perfect for this recipe. They’re juicy and slightly sweet, adding a refreshing bite to the salad.
- Kalamata Olives: Briny, tangy Kalamata olives are essential for an authentic Greek salad. Their unique flavor rounds out the salad beautifully.
- Chickpeas: This is a fun addition that adds a bit more substance and protein to the salad, making it more filling.
- Greek Salad Dressing: A simple dressing made with lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and oregano. Fresh, tangy, and it brings all the flavors together in the best way possible.
A Salad That’s Perfect for Every Occasion
One of the great things about this Greek salad with crispy feta is its versatility. Perfect for a quick lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a light dinner when paired with some crusty bread. The salad is a great option for picnics, BBQs, or potlucks—colourful, simple and easy to make.
The crispy feta is what makes this Greek salad feel a bit more special, so it’s also ideal for entertaining. Guests will love the unique twist, and it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad with Crispy Feta
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, this Greek salad recipe is a must-try. It packs fresh veggies, bursts with vibrant flavors, and achieves the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and savory. The crispy feta gives a nice contrast to the crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh, peppery red onion. The Greek salad dressing is simple, allowing each ingredient to shine without overpowering the dish.
The addition of chickpeas also gives this salad extra substance and makes it feel like a complete meal. And if you’re planning on meal-prepping, this salad holds up well in the fridge. Just store the crispy feta separately to keep it crunchy and add it to the salad when you’re ready to eat.
How to Serve and Customize Your Greek Salad
This Greek salad with crispy feta is amazing as is, but feel free to customize it to suit your taste. If you prefer a bit more protein, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
For a vegan twist, replace the feta with crispy tofu. This salad is versatile and a great way to use leftover vegetables from your fridge. Just chop them up and toss them in!
You can enjoy this Greek salad with crispy feta as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. One thing’s for certain, it will have everyone asking for the seconds!
Other Recipes You Will Love!
Edamame White Bean Salad with Asian Style Dressing
Charred Veggie Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze
Andy Hay
Andy is the founder of ECK, Chef, and let’s admit it… the reason you’re here. He taught himself to cook, and it all paid off when he secured his spot in the season 5 Finale of Master Chef Canada. Now, Andy uses his big energy to showcase recipes that actually make people want to cook. His brand was built on butter and East Coast charm, and Andy’s kept that same energy ever since. Off-camera, you’ll find him doing what started it all: cooking for his two daughters, wife and the people he loves.
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Your blog is a constant source of inspiration for me. Your passion for your subject matter is palpable, and it’s clear that you pour your heart and soul into every post. Keep up the incredible work!