Experience the Mediterranean: The Ultimate Greek Wedge Salad with Zesty Tzatziki Vinaigrette
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and refreshing Greek Wedge Salad, a delightful twist on the beloved classic. Instead of traditional blue cheese dressing, this version features crisp iceberg lettuce wedges generously topped with juicy tomatoes, tangy pickled red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all drizzled with a homemade, creamy Tzatziki Vinaigrette. It’s a burst of fresh, Mediterranean flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the Greek islands, making it an incredibly flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal.
The Inspiration Behind This Irresistible Greek Wedge
The creation of this Greek Wedge Salad recipe has been a long time coming, simmering in my culinary thoughts for months. It all started during an Instagram chat with my friend Steph, who was showcasing her own Greek Wedge creation. As a devoted enthusiast of Greek cuisine – I truly believe I could enjoy it daily! – I was immediately captivated. My passion for Greek food knows no bounds; in fact, as I write this, I’m excitedly planning a dinner at a Greek restaurant on Clearwater Beach with my family later tonight. This salad embodies that enduring love, transforming a classic into something extraordinarily fresh and flavorful.
While this Greek Wedge Salad is perfectly delightful on its own as a light meal or a refreshing appetizer, it also serves as an excellent starter. I often find that while traditional wedge salads are packed with flavor, they lack the protein necessary to keep me satisfied for long. If I were to enjoy just a classic wedge for lunch, I’d likely be feeling “hangry” within a couple of hours! This is why I appreciate ordering a robust wedge salad as a precursor to a hearty meal, especially when dining at a steakhouse where it sets a delicious tone for the main course.
For a weeknight dinner, particularly on a busy Monday, I prefer to pair this vibrant salad with a satisfying protein. Grilled Chicken Souvlaki makes for an ideal accompaniment, offering the perfect balance of flavors and ensuring a truly filling meal. At home, at the start of the work week, I’m not typically inclined to treat a salad as merely an appetizer; I want it to contribute meaningfully to my dinner plate.
Crafting the Perfect Tzatziki Vinaigrette
The star of this Greek Wedge Salad, beyond its fresh toppings, is undoubtedly the homemade Tzatziki Vinaigrette. This dressing is so incredibly delicious, I find myself wanting to drizzle it on everything – seriously! What elevates a standard tzatziki sauce into this incredible vinaigrette is the ingenious addition of red wine vinegar and a touch of extra crumbled feta cheese, ensuring a depth of flavor that is both tangy and rich. While I personally favor red wine vinegar for its robust profile, you can experiment with other vinegars like apple cider vinegar or even white vinegar to suit your preference. The creamy base of Greek yogurt, combined with fresh garlic, finely diced cucumber, and bright lemon juice, creates a dressing that is simultaneously refreshing and deeply satisfying, perfectly complementing the crisp lettuce and savory Greek toppings.
The Magic of Pickled Red Onions
As many of you know, I’m not typically a fan of raw onions due to their pungent, sharp bite. However, pickled onions are an entirely different story! Their tanginess and slightly softened texture make them a fantastic addition to almost any dish, and they are absolutely essential for this Greek Wedge Salad. I recently prepared a batch using this fantastic recipe, which contains no sugar – a detail I truly appreciate. The result? Absolutely deee-lish! For those who enjoy the strong flavor of raw onions, feel free to use them, but I highly recommend trying the pickled version. They introduce a subtle acidity and a milder onion flavor that truly elevates the overall profile of this Greek Wedge Salad, balancing the richness of the feta and olives beautifully without overpowering the other ingredients.
Choosing Your Greens: Iceberg or Romaine?
To maintain a connection to the classic wedge salad, I chose crisp iceberg lettuce for this recipe. Its natural crunch and ability to hold up well under a generous dressing make it an ideal base. However, for those who prefer a different texture or a slightly more nutrient-dense option, romaine lettuce also works wonderfully as a wedge. I’ve noticed an increasing trend of wedge salads utilizing romaine, and it’s a testament to its versatility. Regardless of your choice of greens, the goal is to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors in every single bite of this Greek-inspired goodness. The cold, crunchy lettuce acts as a perfect canvas for the medley of Mediterranean toppings and the luscious Tzatziki Vinaigrette.
Customizing Your Greek Wedge Salad
This Greek Wedge Salad recipe offers a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking! For an even more vibrant array of flavors and textures, consider adding:
- **Cucumbers:** While cucumber is in the vinaigrette, extra slices or diced pieces on top add more freshness and crunch.
- **Bell Peppers:** Diced red or yellow bell peppers introduce a sweet crunch and additional color.
- **Artichoke Hearts:** Marinated artichoke hearts can bring a lovely tangy element.
- **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** For an intensified tomato flavor, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season.
- **Fresh Herbs:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley, mint, or oregano can brighten up the flavors even further.
Making this salad your own is part of the fun! It’s a versatile dish that adapts well to various preferences and ingredients you might have on hand.
Making it a Hearty Meal: Protein Pairings
As mentioned, while delicious as an appetizer or light side, adding protein transforms this Greek Wedge Salad into a truly satisfying main course. Here are some fantastic protein options that complement the Greek flavors beautifully:
- **Grilled Chicken Souvlaki:** Marinated chicken skewers are a classic Greek pairing and an absolute favorite.
- **Grilled Lamb:** Thin slices of grilled lamb add a rich, savory dimension.
- **Chickpeas:** For a vegetarian option, roasted or seasoned chickpeas offer a great source of plant-based protein and texture.
- **Shrimp:** Grilled or sautéed shrimp brings a light, seafood touch that pairs wonderfully with the vinaigrette.
- **Hard-Boiled Eggs:** A simple and quick addition for extra protein.
- **Halloumi Cheese:** Grilled halloumi cheese adds a salty, squeaky texture that is incredibly delicious.
By incorporating one of these proteins, you can easily turn this refreshing salad into a wholesome and fulfilling meal suitable for any day of the week.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
The Greek Wedge Salad is incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:
- **Summer Lunches:** Light, refreshing, and full of flavor – ideal for a hot day.
- **BBQs and Potlucks:** A vibrant side dish that stands out from the usual coleslaw or potato salad.
- **Weeknight Dinners:** Quick to assemble, especially if the vinaigrette and pickled onions are made ahead.
- **Entertaining:** Impress your guests with a beautiful and flavorful starter.
No matter how or when you choose to serve it, this Greek Wedge Salad promises a delightful culinary experience that is both simple to prepare and sophisticated in taste.
Greek Wedge Salad with a Tzatziki Vinaigrette
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Ingredients
tzatziki vinaigrette
- 8- ounce container Greek yogurt, plain
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup English cucumber, diced very fine – regular cucumber will also work
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – or apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- salt and pepper, to taste
greek wedge salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into 4 wedges
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced (I used grape tomatoes, but any will work)
- 1/4 cup red onions, diced (fresh raw, or pickled)
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
tzatziki vinaigrette
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To a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together until well combined. For best flavor, chill the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This dressing can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
greek wedge salad
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Arrange each prepared iceberg lettuce wedge on individual plates. Generously top each wedge with the diced tomatoes, pickled or fresh red onion, Kalamata olives, diced English cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring an even distribution of all the colorful ingredients.
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Before serving, drizzle a generous amount of the chilled Tzatziki Vinaigrette dressing over each wedge. Ensure every part of the salad gets a coating of this delectable sauce.
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Serve your Greek Wedge Salads immediately to enjoy them at their freshest and crispiest. Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing culinary delight!
Nutrition
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