The Classics

My Big Fat Greek Salad

with a simple red wine vinaigrette

SOUND BITE

Am I allowed to say a recipe is stupidly easy to make? Because a traditional, no-lettuce-allowed Greek salad is so simple yet somehow ends up tasting like food for the gods. No wonder it’s a classic and one of my absolute favorites! In Greece, they drizzle the salad with their rich, luscious olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar. That’s it. But I’ve created a dressing that tastes similar to Greek dressings served at restaurants.

Why Feta is the GOAT

If you’ve read my book’s introduction, you know I have a strong aversion to goat cheese and an undying love for feta. If you haven’t read my introduction…what? Come on! 

Go read it now, then we’ll talk about why feta is the real GOAT—the Greatest of All Time—when it comes to cheese on salads.

You’re back? Ok good. 

First, let’s talk flavor. Feta is briny, tangy and just salty enough to bring a salad to life. It adds a little zing that makes greens feel more exciting, balances out sweet ingredients like strawberries or dried cranberries, and pairs perfectly with bold flavors like olives, sun-dried tomatoes or souvlaki chicken. 

Unlike goat cheese—which I describe as tasting like dirty socks, even though I’ve never tasted dirty socks—feta has a bright, clean flavor that enhances salads without overwhelming them.

Then there’s the texture. Crumble it over leafy greens for little pockets of salty goodness, mix it into grain salads where it holds its shape like a champ, or toss big feta chunks with crispy cucumbers and fresh tomatoes for the most iconic Greek salad of all time. 

It’s creamy without being cloying, crumbly without disappearing and always the perfect finishing touch.

Apparently, vegan feta is pretty tasty! Have you tried it? If so, let me know!

In short? Feta takes your salads from mediocre to Mediterranean magic! It’s salty, tangy and versatile—but never overpowering. 

And if you prefer something milder, try “light” feta, which has a gentle flavor.

Because in the end? Feta just makes it betta! And that’s why it’s the GOAT.

And why I will never be asked to write a poetry book.