Description
Greek Salad with Meat is a vibrant and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish combining crisp fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and tender, savory meat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, festive lunch, or a satisfying meal, this recipe balances freshness with bold flavors and textures while offering versatility to accommodate various proteins and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Greens
- 1 cup fresh cucumbers, chopped
- 1 cup vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce, chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Meat Protein
- 8 oz choice of meat (grilled chicken breast, lamb strips, or beef), seasoned and cooked
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and mixed greens or romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Keep them fresh and crunchy to create a nice texture contrast with the meat.
- Cook the Meat: Choose your preferred protein such as chicken breast, lamb strips, or beef. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and a splash of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear the meat until cooked through and juicy. Let it rest before slicing to preserve tenderness.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, Kalamata olives, and greens. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top to add creaminess and a tangy flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic (if using), dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing highlights the salad’s freshness while complementing the rich meat.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to combine. Arrange the sliced meat on top or mixed throughout the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pick ripe produce for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the meat; allow it to rest after cooking for juicy, tender slices.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dressing’s richness and authenticity.
- Chill the vegetables before assembling to keep the salad refreshing, especially on warm days.
- Customize seasoning with herbs and spices to suit your personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling, Pan Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Greek salad, salad with meat, Mediterranean salad, grilled chicken salad, healthy salad, easy dinner, feta cheese salad