Greek Salad with Heirloom Tomato and Feta Cheese

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Embrace the freshness of seasonal produce with this tasty Greek Salad featuring garden-fresh heirloom tomatoes and feta cheese for an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Greek Salad with Heirloom Tomato and Feta Cheese is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients embodying Mediterranean cuisine’s vibrant flavors. Bursting with color, this classic salad showcases juicy heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tasty peppers, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. With its refreshing taste and wholesome ingredients, this tasty salad offers a perfect balance of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece (I have Skiathos Island in my mind right now 😎). Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish at dinner parties, Greek Salad with Heirloom Tomato and Feta Cheese will surely please even the most discerning palates 😉.

My family comes from Eastern Europe, specifically from Serbia. It is common to serve salad along with your main course in Serbia. The salad comes as a complement to the main dish. One of the first things that surprised me here in the US was that some people eat salad before the main course. But it doesn’t really matter when one eats it, as fresh salad using fresh veggies, such as juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, salty feta, and fresh herbs, is always an excellent option for a healthy meal.

Of all the diets out there, the one that I enjoy the most is the Mediterranean diet. It includes a lot of veggies and fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats. It also includes animal products; however, their consumption is moderate and oriented towards lean meats and fish – it is okay to go several days without meat. But the salads are what I like the most about the Mediterranean diet.

Exploring the Delicious World of Heirloom Tomatoes

I grew up in the city and spent my childhood in an apartment building. I had little access to the land except when visiting my grandparents in the village. They maintained a big garden where they grew all kinds of produce – tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, onion, potatoes, etc. I still remember the summers when my grandma would pick a fresh, ripe tomato to make a salad. Oh, I still remember that smell! We didn’t have this in the city. We would have to go to the store and buy what is available. But the smell was never the same as the homegrown. These days, there are not many people that grow their produce. Simply, it is easier to go to the store and buy it. Nonetheless, eating freshly picked veggies and fruits will never be the same.

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There are veggie gardens here and there in our suburb, but only a little. We decided to have one. It has been several years now, and we love it! My kids love being outside in the summer, and as they play, they frequently stop at the garden to pick and eat cherry tomatoes. There is no better candy than a cherry tomato! This past summer, they would team up with neighborhood kids and munch on green onions. Oh, they all smelled so lovely after eating green onions 😂.

However, if you don’t have your garden, head to the farmers market and pick some juicy fresh tomatoes, and while you’re there, pick up some fresh herbs, crunchy cucumbers, and some crusty bread.

We are covered for the summer months as we get a decent amount of tomatoes in our garden. I tried to find good tomatoes in the grocery store during wintertime and always opted for the heirloom tomatoes to satisfy our taste buds. They are expensive, but the taste certainly justifies the price.

What are Heirloom Tomatoes?

To qualify as an heirloom tomato, the tomato must be grown from seeds passed down through many generations and classified as open-pollinated. They undergo the natural pollination process, including self-pollination and pollination achieved by birds, insects, wind, or water. An heirloom means that the qualities of the plant can naturally alter slightly based on the current growing conditions, but when the seeds are saved and cultivated again next year, the harvest plant will be the same as the parent plant.

On the other hand, hybrid tomatoes are products of manual cross-pollination. In this case, growers carefully choose what qualities they would like to see in the creation, thus cross-pollinating different varieties that will give them just that. The main intention is to increase yield size and disease resistance, improve color, and mass-produce. Therefore, we see primarily hybrid types in the stores. When saving the seeds of the hybrid tomatoes to grow next year, there is no assurance that the same plant will appear, as the results might be random and unpredictable.

The hybrid seeds/tomatoes are not a no-go for growing and consuming; they are still natural plants that underwent a manual process of combining various breeds. The heirloom types are the ones that have minor variations (which occurred naturally) and are true to their species. Nevertheless, it is a personal preference on which kinds of consumption. We have been growing and saving the seeds year after year, and we are always ending up with the same-looking tasty tomatoes (look at the photo below, these are tomatoes from my garden 😊). And when the season is over, the store-available heirloom tomatoes are a great alternative! Combined with other veggies, they make a great salad base.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Greek Salad with Heirloom Tomato and Feta Cheese

What sets this Greek Salad apart is the inclusion of heirloom tomatoes. These colorful gems are a true treasure in terms of taste and appearance. With their rich flavor profile ranging from sweet to tangy or even smoky undertones and unique shapes and hues like striped or multicolored patterns, these tomatoes elevate any dish they grace.

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1-2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges or chunks.
1 fresh regular cucumber, sliced into thin rounds or pieces.
1 green pepper, sliced into pieces – use red peppers instead if you wish.
1 cup feta cheese, cut into cubes
Salt and black pepper to taste – use Kosher salt or sea salt.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp balsamic vinegar – use fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar.
1 teaspoon of dill weed

Step-by-step Preparation of Greek Salad with Heirloom Tomato and Feta Cheese

Slice the Tomatoes: Wash and slice the heirloom tomatoes into wedges or chunks. If your tomatoes are large, you can cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Slice the Cucumber: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or chunks. You can peel the cucumber if desired, but it’s not necessary.
Slice the Pepper: Slice the pepper into chunks.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
Add the Feta Cheese: Cut the feta cheese into small cubes and add it to the salad ingredients. Feta adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad.
Toss Gently: Carefully toss all the salad ingredients together to ensure everything is coated with the dressing and the flavors are well distributed.
Add Dressing: Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Start with a recommended portion of the dressing and add more as needed, depending on your preference for dressing.
Garnish with more Feta and Dill Weed: Add the crumbled feta, dill weed (fresh or dried), and optional mint leaves to the salad for freshness and flavor.
You can immediately serve your Greek salad with heirloom tomatoes on a serving platter as a refreshing appetizer, a side dish, or a full meal. It’s great on its own or alongside grilled meats, fish, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Optional: Add some Kalamata olives on top for the authentic Greek experience.

What are heirloom tomatoes, and why are they used in Greek salad?

Heirloom tomatoes are non-hybrid varieties of tomatoes that have been passed down through generations. They are prized for their unique flavors, colors, and textures, making them a popular choice for Greek salad due to their vibrant taste.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom tomatoes?

Yes, you can use regular or Roma tomatoes if heirloom tomatoes are unavailable. While heirlooms add a distinct flavor and appearance, any ripe and juicy tomato will work in a Greek salad.

Can I make a vegan version of Greek salad?

Yes, you can make a vegan Greek salad by omitting the feta cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. The salad’s flavors are still delicious without cheese.

How long can I store leftover Greek salad?

Leftover Greek salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Remember that the vegetables may lose their crispness over time, so it’s best when enjoyed fresh.

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In conclusion, making a Greek salad with heirloom tomatoes is a delightful culinary experience that combines the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. This versatile dish can be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing appetizer, a side dish, or a light and healthy summer meal, Greek salad with heirloom tomatoes is a timeless classic combination that celebrates the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the rich culinary heritage of Mediterranean cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, follow this heirloom tomato Greek salad recipe, and savor its iconic, delicious, and colorful flavors.

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