Sleek Greek Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks features crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty oregano vinaigrette, delivering a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean flavor.
Equipments
- Salad spinner
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup cucumber
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing your Greek salad, select fresh romaine lettuce for crispness and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance natural sweetness. Use authentic Kalamata olives to achieve the signature tangy and slightly salty flavor characteristic of Greek cuisine. Opt for high-quality feta cheese for a creamy texture that balances the salad's brightness. Measure olive oil and red wine vinegar accurately to create the perfect zesty oregano vinaigrette. You can recreate the vibrant and refreshing taste of the Sleek Greek Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks with this copycat menu recipe.
Instructions
- Wash and dry romaine lettuce using salad spinner.
- Chop romaine lettuce on cutting board.
- Halve cherry tomatoes with chef’s knife.
- Slice cucumber into half-moons.
- Combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives in mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour vinaigrette over salad ingredients.
- Toss salad with salad tongs to combine and evenly coat.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Sleek Greek Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks copycat menu uses classic Mediterranean ingredients that can be easily adapted based on what you have at home. If Kalamata olives are unavailable, green olives or even capers can be substituted to maintain the briny flavor profile. When fresh oregano isn't on hand, dried oregano works well, but reduce the amount to half to avoid overpowering the dressing. You can replace romaine lettuce with other leafy greens like butter lettuce or mixed baby greens to add variety in texture. For a dairy-free option, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative without compromising the salad's creamy richness.
Tips
Ensure you thoroughly dry your romaine lettuce in the salad spinner to prevent a watery salad. Use a sharp chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board to achieve clean, even cuts of vegetables, preserving texture and flavor. Whisk the oregano vinaigrette well to fully emulsify the olive oil and vinegar, ensuring a balanced coating on every bite. Your feta cheese should be crumbled gently and added last to maintain its creamy texture without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Nutritions
The Sleek Greek Salad offers a nutrient-rich blend of fresh vegetables and healthy fats, providing a balanced source of vitamins A, C, and K from romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Kalamata olives contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, while feta cheese adds a creamy texture along with calcium and protein. The olive oil-based oregano vinaigrette enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins while delivering anti-inflammatory benefits. You can enjoy this salad as a light, nutritious meal packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and essential nutrients.
Storage
Store your Greek salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve, as tossing the salad too early can cause the vegetables to wilt. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, ensuring ingredients like feta cheese and Kalamata olives stay cool and flavorful.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute romaine lettuce with mixed greens or baby spinach for a different texture and added nutrients. Swap Kalamata olives with green olives or capers to vary the briny flavor profile, while using goat cheese instead of feta imparts a creamier and tangier taste. Experiment with lemon juice in place of red wine vinegar for a brighter, citrusy vinaigrette that complements the oregano's earthiness. Using a mandoline slicer instead of a chef's knife can help achieve uniformly thin cucumber slices, enhancing the salad's presentation and mouthfeel.
Allergies
Your Sleek Greek Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks contains feta cheese, which is a common allergen for those with dairy sensitivities or lactose intolerance. Kalamata olives and red wine vinegar could also trigger reactions in individuals allergic to sulfites or certain preservatives. It's important to check ingredient sources if you have specific allergies to olives or vinegar.
Why this recipe?
The Sleek Greek Salad from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks offers a refreshing blend of crisp romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty Greek dressing. This salad balances vibrant Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a healthful and satisfying choice. You'll appreciate the ease of recreating this dish at home, as it requires simple, fresh components readily available in most markets. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality salad anytime, tailored perfectly to your taste preferences.