Greek Feta Salad Tower

Description

The Greek Feta Salad Tower is a visually stunning and delicious dish that layers the classic Mediterranean flavors of feta cheese, fresh vegetables, and olives into a tower presentation. It’s refreshing, healthy, and perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or a centerpiece for entertaining guests. The tower format elevates a simple salad into something elegant and gourmet.

Ingredients For Greek Feta Salad Tower

• 2 large tomatoes, thickly sliced

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into rounds

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced into rings

• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

• 1 small green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

• ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted)

• 200 g (7 oz) block of feta cheese (cut into thick squares or rounds)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions. Keep them even in thickness for stability when stacking.

2. Assemble the Tower: On each serving plate, start with a tomato slice as the base. Add a cucumber slice, then a feta square, followed by onion rings and pepper strips. Continue layering until you achieve a tower shape (usually 3–4 layers high).

3. Add Olives & Dressing: Scatter Kalamata olives around the tower. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) over the top.

4. Season & Garnish: Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.

5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy as a refreshing starter, side, or light main dish.

Servings

• Makes 2–3 servings as a starter

• Makes 1–2 servings as a light main dish

Notes

• Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic Greek flavor.

• For easier stacking, cut feta into thick squares or use a round cutter for neat layers.

• Can also be made into mini individual towers for parties.

• If preparing ahead, slice veggies but stack just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Tips

• Chill the feta and veggies before assembling for a crisp, refreshing salad.

• Add capers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang.

• For a lighter version, replace feta with reduced-fat feta or grilled halloumi.

• Use a food ring mold for perfectly even towers.

Nutritional Info (per serving – based on 3 servings)

• Calories: ~220

• Protein: 7 g

• Fat: 17 g

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 580 mg

Health Benefits

• Feta Cheese: Rich in calcium and probiotics, supports bone health and gut health.

• Tomatoes & Peppers: High in antioxidants (vitamin C, lycopene) that boost immunity.

• Cucumbers: Hydrating and low in calories, great for digestion.

• Olive Oil: Provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes, substitute feta with vegan feta or marinated tofu.

Q: How do I keep the tower from falling apart?
A: Use evenly sliced vegetables and a sturdy base (tomato slice). You can also use a skewer to hold it together.

Q: Can this be served as a main dish?
A: Yes, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas on the side to make it more filling.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead for a party?
A: Yes, but assemble just before serving. Store pre-sliced veggies and dressing separately.