The contrast of sweet and tangy flavors gives this salad a refreshing twist. Try it salad bar style so each family member can create their own version of this Mediterranean classic. This recipe is featured with permission from Easy Meals to Cook with Kids by Julie Negrin.
Cooking Tip of the Week: To avoid over dressing a salad, pour dressing around the perimeter of the bowl and mix in. This will evenly coat your lettuce and it will still be crisp to the bite!
Food For Thought: Next time you’re making salad, try making your own dressing. DIY salad dressings have three main ingredients: oil, acid and thickener. A simple Greek dressing would be made of a good quality olive oil, red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard to thicken. Add some salt, pepper and oregano to taste and you have a simple and delicious dressing. As the Greeks would say, opa!
Family Dinner Conversation Starter: Greek culture is rich in food, architecture, and mythology. What is your favorite part of your own culture?
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 2 plum tomatoes, diced
- 1 1/2 English cucumbers, diced
- 1 red pepper, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, whole or halved
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- To complete the Greek Salad:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Directions:
Kid: Place the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and red onion together in a large bowl. Fold in the olives and parsley and toss together until well mixed.
To make the dressing:
Together: Whisk the red wine vinegar, mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.
Together: Slowly add the olive oil to the dressing, whisking constantly.
To complete the Greek Salad:
Kid: Pour the dressing to taste over the salad and toss to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Crumble the feta cheese on top, sprinkle with parsley, divide into 6 portions and enjoy!