When you're fasting, finding delicious and satisfying vegan recipes can be a challenge. This Vegan Greek Salad not only fits the bill but also offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Humble in its intent, this recipe is designed to help you stay close to God through fasting and prayer, while still enjoying a nourishing meal.
🌿 Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Vegan Greek Salad is inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, offering a perfect balance of flavors and nutrients. Ideal for Orthodox Christians during fasting periods, this recipe provides a healthy mix of carbs, fiber, vitamins, and protein. With ingredients like vegan feta cheese and kalamata olives, it’s not just nutritious but also kid-friendly and easy to make. Whether you're preparing a family meal or a quick lunch, this salad ensures everyone gets a wholesome, enjoyable dish.
🥒 Ingredients
Key Ingredients
- 1 unit English cucumber, sliced into crunchy ½ inch half-moons
- 4 unit Roma tomatoes, ripe and quartered, and chopped into ½ inch bites
- ½ unit red onion, thinly sliced. And if you want to take this recipe to the next level, I recommend trying balsamic red pickled onions instead.
- 1 cup briny kalamata olives, halved
- 4 oz vegan feta cheese, cubed for a creamy texture
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar, adding a zesty Mediterranean kick
- 1 teaspoon Greek oregano for that earthy flavor
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- 1 dash black pepper, freshly ground for spice
Variations
To keep within the fasting guidelines, you can easily modify this salad:
- Add Protein: Include garbanzo beans for added protein and a more substantial salad.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh parsley or dill can bring extra flavor and a burst of freshness.
- Unique Twists: Artichoke hearts add a unique twist and elevate the salad's texture and taste.
- Tofu Feta: Swap vegan feta with a homemade tofu feta for a different texture and flavor experience.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use cherry or grape tomatoes if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Green Bell Pepper: Add green bell pepper for extra crunch and vibrant color.
🥗 Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Keep the thin skins on English cucumbers for extra crunch. Thinly slice the red onions for a milder flavor, and chop your fresh tomatoes and cucumbers into perfect ½ inch chunks.
- Combine Olives and Vegan Feta: In a large bowl, combine the kalamata olives and vegan feta cheese cubes. The vegan feta not only adds a creamy texture but also a visual appeal to the salad.
- Dress It Up: Drizzle the veggies with red wine vinegar and avocado oil, then season with Greek oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Mix everything in a large salad bowl, ensuring each piece is coated with the dressing. Enjoy the fresh flavors!
Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve with pita bread or as a side to a main dish like grilled vegetables or falafel.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Fridge Storage: Place leftovers in a mason jar or an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freezer Storage: While the salad is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Shelf Life Extension: Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain a fresh taste.
🍽 Side Dishes
This salad is a versatile addition to any meal. To complement this Vegan Greek Salad, consider these side dishes:
- Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita bread is the perfect side dish for this salad. It pairs perfectly with the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Hummus: A creamy hummus dip adds a rich, satisfying element to your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add a smoky flavor that enhances the salad.
This Vegan Greek Salad is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal during fasting periods. With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
📝 Recipe Card
Easy & Tasty Greek Salad with Vegan Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 unit English cucumber sliced into crunchy ½ inch half-moons
- 4 unit Roma tomatoes ripe and quartered, and chopped into ½ inch bites
- ½ unit red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup kalamata olives halved
- 4 oz vegan feta cheese cubed for a creamy texture
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar adding a zesty Mediterranean kick
- 1 teaspoon Greek oregano or regular if you cannot find Greek Oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground for spice
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Keep the thin skins on English cucumbers for extra crunch. Thinly slice the red onions for a milder flavor, and chop your fresh tomatoes and cucumbers into perfect ½ inch chunks.
- Combine Olives and Vegan Feta: In a large bowl, combine the kalamata olives and vegan feta cheese cubes. The vegan feta not only adds a creamy texture but also a visual appeal to the salad.
- Dress It Up: Drizzle the veggies with red wine vinegar and avocado oil, then season with Greek oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Mix everything in a large salad bowl, ensuring each piece is coated with the dressing. Enjoy the fresh flavors!
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve with pita bread or as a side to a main dish like grilled vegetables or falafel.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
This salad uses classic Greek salad ingredients like crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano, creating an authentic Greek salad experience.
Yes, cherry tomatoes work wonderfully in this salad, adding a burst of sweetness and making it even easier to prepare.
Yes, you can make a vegan Greek salad dressing with avocado oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Yes, a store-bought option works well and saves time, providing a convenient and tasty addition to your salad.
You can make homemade vegan feta cheese using tofu, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and nutritional yeast. It’s a simple and delicious alternative.
Fresh herbs like dill and parsley enhance the flavor of the salad and add a burst of freshness, making your salad even more delicious.
Comments
No Comments