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

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.

BIG FAT GREEK SALAD WITH WHITE BEANS, KALAMATA OLIVES AND FETA

Steps:

• Whisk together vinegar, oil, oregano, and pepper in a large bowl.
• Add lettuce, carrots, cucumber, tomato, beans, and feta; toss.
• Either divide into 4 small bowls or keep in one large one.
• Top with olives and croutons.

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:

• 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).