Big Fat Greek Salad With White Beans Kalamata Olives And Feta Recipes

MY BIG FAT GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• Put the lettuce in a large bowl. Add olives, feta, onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
• In small bowl, beat together olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the salad.
• Top with oregano, mint, and anchovies (if using).

MY BIG FAT GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• NOTE: MARINATE SALAD IN REFRIGERATOR FOR 30 MINUTES OR LONGER, THEN RE-SEASON WITH FINE SEA SALT AND RE-TOSS BEFORE SERVING.
• PEEL and slice red onion into 1/4" rings; PLACE onion slices in a bowl of cold water.
• REFRIGERATE bowl of water with onions until needed (the cold soak will diffuse sharpness and/or bitterness).
• PREPARE DRESSING: Finely grate 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon zest. Knead and cut lemons into halves to juice, yielding 1 1/2 tablespoons juice. Whisk together all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Set aside at room temperature to allow flavors to infuse. FOR A TANGIER DRESSING: Add up to 2 1/2 - 3 tablespoons extra red wine vinegar, plus sugar to balance acidity. FOR A LIGHTER DRESSING: Replace some of the olive oil with kalamata olive brine before adding sea salt, then adjust salt according to taste.
• PREP the remaining vegetables to specifications; DICE the feta cheese into 1-inch cubes.
• REMOVE onions from water and blot dry.
• COMBINE all ingredients except feta cheese in a large bowl.
• POUR the dressing over vegetables and gently toss until evenly blended.
• SPRINKLE top of salad with feta cheese (if desired you can gently fold feta with salad to moisten with dressing).
• SERVE and enjoy.

MY BIG FAT GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• 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.
• Meanwhile, cut cherry tomatoes in half. Rinse cucumbers; drain thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes more.
• 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.
• 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.
• Give the salad another mix. Taste and season as desired. Scatter remaining feta cheese on top and garnish with remaining oregano.