Greek Salad Skewers

The weather is warming up, which means parties, outside dining, and potlucks! We’ve got your summer side dish covered with these fresh and easy Greek Salad Skewers.

What is Greek Salad?

Greek salad, known in Greece as “Horiatiki” or village salad, is a popular dish that embodies the simplicity and flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s celebrated for its fresh, wholesome ingredients and the ease with which it can be prepared. A traditional Greek salad is a vibrant combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, and green bell peppers, generously topped with a thick slice or chunks of feta cheese. Unlike many other salad varieties that are tossed with mixed greens, the Greek salad stands out for not typically including lettuce.

What is in Greek salad dressing?

The dressing for a Greek salad is a straightforward yet flavorful mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and dried oregano, seasoned with salt and pepper. The quality of the olive oil plays a significant role in the overall taste of the salad, with many Greeks preferring extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor.

What makes a Greek salad special?

• Freshness: The salad is best enjoyed with ripe, in-season produce to capture the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
• Feta Cheese: Authentic Greek salad features a sizable slice or chunk of feta cheese on top, rather than crumbled feta, which is common in many adaptations of the dish outside Greece. The cheese adds a creamy texture and a salty tang that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables.
• Kalamata Olives: These dark purple olives are a staple in Greek cuisine and add a briny depth to the salad.
• Dressing: The dressing is simple, allowing the quality of the olive oil and the freshness of the ingredients to shine through. Some variations may include capers or a sprinkle of dried oregano on top for added flavor.

Greek salad can be served as a refreshing starter, a side dish, or even a light meal, especially during the warmer months. It’s not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits, thanks to the mix of vegetables, healthy fats from the olive oil, and protein from the feta cheese. This dish is a testament to the Greek way of life, emphasizing the importance of seasonal eating and the joy of sharing meals with others.

What is feta cheese?

Feta cheese is a briny, tangy cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk, originating from Greece. Characterized by its crumbly texture and distinctive sharp, salty flavor, feta is a staple in Greek cuisine and has earned its place in culinary traditions around the world. It is commonly used in salads, particularly the classic Greek salad, baked dishes, and as a table cheese, often seasoned with herbs and olive oil. Protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, authentic Greek feta is aged in brine, contributing to its unique taste and moisture content. This versatile cheese not only enhances the flavors of various dishes but also offers nutritional benefits, including a rich source of calcium and protein.

Greek Salad Skewers

This quick and easy no-cook appetizer recipe is perfect for warmer weather, but it is substantial enough to enjoy year round. As written, this recipe serves as a light appetizer for 4 to 6 people. However, it can easily be scaled for more substantial portions and/or larger gatherings, as well. 

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6 (Makes 12 appetizer portions)

Additional Equipment:

12 8-inch wooden skewers

Ingredients:

1 small organic cucumber, cut into 12 equally thick slices

8 oz. block Feta cheese, cut into 12 equal-size chunks

12 grape or cherry tomatoes, any color
12 large black olives, pitted

To Serve:
High-quality extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
½ t. dried Italian seasoning
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Arrange cucumber slices on a serving platter and top each with a chunk of Feta cheese.
   
2. Gently press the flat end of a wooden skewer through the cheese and cucumber until secure, then add a tomato, followed by a black olive to top each skewer.
   
3. Right before serving, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the skewers and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and enjoy!