My Big Fat Greek Salad

Prep time: 20 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Greek salad recipe from Chef John dresses juicy tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta with tangy red wine vinegar for a classic summer salad.

Ingredients

2 large English cucumbers
1 pinch kosher salt
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 red onion
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup pitted green olives
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup red wine vinegar, or to taste
1/3 cup olive oil, or to taste
1 (4 ounce) package feta cheese, diced, divided
1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano, or to taste

Directions

1 Peel off a few strips of cucumber skin using a channel knife, creating a striped pattern. Cut cucumbers in half crosswise. Cut each half into quarters before cutting into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices. Place into a colander; toss with some kosher salt and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, cut cherry tomatoes in half. Rinse cucumbers; drain thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes more.
3 While cucumbers are draining, slice onion thinly. Cut bell pepper into strips. Turn knife diagonally and cut strips into diamond-shaped pieces. Slice Kalamata and green olives.
4 Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, olives, and 2 tablespoons oregano in a bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Sprinkle in vinegar and toss thoroughly. Drizzle in olive oil. Add about 2/3 of the feta cheese and toss again. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
5 Give the salad another mix. Taste and season as desired. Scatter remaining feta cheese on top and garnish with remaining oregano.