Vibrant Garden Salad with Homemade Greek Dressing

Dive into the freshness of the garden with this vibrant salad, featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all brought to life with a zesty homemade Greek dressing. This salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, making every bite a delightful experience.

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, freshly chopped
• 1/2 of a medium red onion, finely sliced
• 1/2 of a bell pepper, your choice of color, diced
• 1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, or sliced heirloom tomatoes when in season
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1/2 cup of kalamata olives, sliced into thirds
• 4 ounces of feta cheese, gently crumbled

Homemade Greek Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, squeezed from 1 large lemon
• 1 clove of garlic, finely pressed
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes (or sliced heirloom tomatoes), sliced English cucumber, and sliced avocado. Toss these ingredients gently to mix.
2. Add Olives and Feta: Sprinkle the sliced kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. The olives add a briny depth, while the feta introduces a creamy tanginess that complements the fresh vegetables.
3. Make the Greek Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, pressed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. This homemade dressing is the secret weapon that infuses the salad with its vibrant, zesty flavor.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the homemade Greek dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve: Present the salad immediately, offering a refreshing and wholesome delight that’s perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish to complement any main course.

This garden salad with homemade Greek dressing is a testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients coming together in harmony. The dressing, with its simple yet bold flavors, elevates the salad to new heights, making it a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in the simple joys of homemade goodness.