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Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe

Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe

4.9 from 10 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with crispy garlicky croutons, perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, combining juicy cherry tomatoes, salty olives, creamy feta, and crunchy homemade croutons tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Garlicky Croutons

  • 2 cups day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Pinch of salt

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons.
  2. Prepare Croutons: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake Croutons: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the croutons turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  4. Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, gently tossing to mix.
  5. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a tangy dressing.
  6. Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  7. Add Croutons and Garnish: Just before serving, add the warm garlicky croutons to the salad and mix lightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm croutons and fresh salad ingredients at their best.

Notes

  • Day-old bread works best for croutons for maximum crunchiness.
  • You can substitute the Kalamata olives with green olives for a milder flavor.
  • Add a handful of fresh basil or mint for a herby twist.
  • For a vegan version, omit feta or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste for a more tangy or balanced profile.

Nutrition

Keywords: Feta salad, tomato and olive salad, garlicky croutons, Mediterranean salad, easy summer salad, feta cheese salad