Name: Tomato Onion Feta Salad: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: Tomatoes; Onions; Feta Cheese

Tomato Onion Feta Salad: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant and utterly irresistible salad! Imagine juicy, ripe tomatoes bursting with flavor, mingling with the sharp bite of red onion and the salty tang of creamy feta cheese. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will awaken your senses and leave you craving more.

This simple yet elegant salad has deep roots in Greek cuisine, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are celebrated. It's a staple at family gatherings and tavernas alike, embodying the spirit of sharing and enjoying life's simple pleasures. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and feta is a classic for a reason – it's a match made in culinary heaven!

What makes this Tomato Onion Feta Salad so universally loved? It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing sweetness, while the red onion adds a delightful sharpness. The feta cheese brings a creamy, salty richness that ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a refreshing appetizer, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

4 large ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties, cored and cut into wedges
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces feta cheese, preferably Greek feta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced (optional, but adds a nice crunch!)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced (optional, for extra flavor and color)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)

Preparing the Dressing:

First things first, let's get that delicious dressing ready. This is what will bring all the flavors together, so don't skip this step!

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Make sure you're using good quality olive oil – it really makes a difference.
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if using). I like to use a microplane to mince the garlic so it really incorporates into the dressing.
Whisk everything together vigorously until the dressing is emulsified. You'll know it's ready when it looks slightly thickened and the oil and vinegar are no longer separated.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe you want a little more salt, a little more lemon juice, or a touch more oregano. This is your chance to make it perfect for your taste!
Set the dressing aside while you prepare the salad ingredients. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together even more.

Preparing the Salad Ingredients:

Now for the fun part – prepping all those fresh, vibrant ingredients! This is where the salad really starts to come to life.

Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. Core them by cutting out the stem end with a small knife. Then, cut each tomato into wedges. I usually cut smaller tomatoes into quarters and larger ones into sixths or eighths, depending on their size.
Red Onion: Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you find red onions too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out their flavor. Just be sure to drain them well before adding them to the salad.
Feta Cheese: Cut the feta cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. I prefer using Greek feta because it has a richer, tangier flavor, but any good quality feta will work.
Kalamata Olives: If your Kalamata olives are whole, pit them and halve them. You can also use pre-pitted olives to save time.
Fresh Herbs: Roughly chop the fresh oregano and mint leaves. Don't chop them too finely, as you want to retain their flavor and texture.
Cucumber (Optional): If you're using cucumber, peel it, seed it (this prevents the salad from becoming too watery), and slice it.
Green Bell Pepper (Optional): If you're using green bell pepper, seed it and slice it into thin strips.

Assembling the Salad:

Alright, all the components are ready! Now it's time to put it all together and create this masterpiece of a salad.

In a large bowl, combine the tomato wedges, sliced red onion, feta cheese cubes, Kalamata olives, chopped oregano, and chopped mint. If you're using cucumber and green bell pepper, add them now as well.
Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as you don't want to crush the tomatoes or feta.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and toss gently to coat. You can always add more dressing if needed, but it's better to start with less and add more to taste.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve the salad immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the tomatoes can become watery if it sits for too long.

Tips and Variations:

Want to take your Tomato Onion Feta Salad to the next level? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

Grilled Halloumi: Add grilled halloumi cheese for a salty, savory twist. Simply grill slices of halloumi until golden brown and slightly softened, then add them to the salad.
Grilled Vegetables: Grill other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or dill. Each herb will add a unique flavor profile to the salad.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the salad for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Serve with Crusty Bread: Serve the salad with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious dressing.
Use Different Tomatoes: Try using different varieties of tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes. Each variety will offer a slightly different flavor and texture.
Add Capers: Add a tablespoon of capers for a salty, briny flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This Tomato Onion Feta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch on a hot summer day.
As an Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
As a Topping: Use it as a topping for grilled bread, bruschetta, or crostini.
In a Pita Pocket: Stuff it into a pita pocket with hummus and falafel for a delicious and healthy sandwich.

Storage Instructions:

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the tomatoes will release some liquid as they sit, so the salad may become a bit watery. To minimize this, you can drain off any excess liquid before serving.

I don't recommend freezing this salad, as the tomatoes and feta will become mushy and lose their texture.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Tomato Onion Feta Salad is a classic for a reason. The combination of sweet, juicy tomatoes, pungent red onion, salty feta cheese, and briny olives is simply irresistible. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, and the simple vinaigrette ties everything together perfectly.

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or cheeses. It's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.

And let's not forget how easy it is to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious and healthy salad that everyone will love.

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Tomato Onion Feta Salad!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! This Tomato Onion Feta Salad is more than just a salad; it's a vibrant celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and here's why: it's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The combination of juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, and salty feta creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleaser for almost everyone. But the best part? It's endlessly adaptable! Feel free to experiment with different types of tomatoes – heirloom varieties add a beautiful visual appeal and unique flavor profiles. For a sweeter touch, try adding a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved. If you're not a fan of red onion's strong bite, soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad; this will mellow out its flavor. Looking for serving suggestions? This Tomato Onion Feta Salad shines as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It's also fantastic served with crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices. For a heartier meal, toss it with cooked pasta or quinoa. And if you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Another variation I love is adding a touch of fresh herbs. A sprinkle of chopped fresh oregano or basil elevates the salad to a whole new level. You could even add a pinch of dried red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat. Don't be afraid to get creative and customize this recipe to your own taste preferences! I've made this salad countless times, and it's always a hit. It's the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, or barbecues. It's also a great way to use up those garden-fresh tomatoes during the summer months. I'm confident that you'll love this Tomato Onion Feta Salad as much as I do. It's a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made it, I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments in the section below. I can't wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll be happy to help. Enjoy!