A Beautiful Simple Green Salad – Inspired by Maroulosalata
Here is a simple green salad inspired by Maroulosalata a vibrant Greek salad that’s tangy, fresh, and delicious, featuring simple ingredients including thinly sliced lettuce and a medley of fresh herbs including green onions, dill, parsley, and mint, all tossed in a bright vinaigrette. Common additions to this salad include feta and cucumbers.
Also Read: Greek Salad with Wheatberries, Italian Dressing and Salad, Feta Flatbread
A chef and foodie friend recently introduced me to this salad, and I instantly fell in love with its flavor and texture. Unlike other salads that often include large pieces of lettuce and chunks of veggies, Maroulosalata boasts fine ribbons of lettuce, herbs, and tiny cubes of cucumber and feta. This simple change in texture transforms the entire salad, making it taste light, bright, and incredibly fresh. Definitely worth trying!
I’ve since made my own versions of this salad for dinner guests several times, and each time, I receive requests for the recipe. So, here it is, my version of this simple green salad inspired by Maroulosalata. Like everything I make, I improvise and use what I have on hand. Sometimes I add diced tomatoes, and if I have leftovers, I might even throw in some eggs, chicken, or chickpeas for added protein. In other words, this may not be a traditional, authentic Maroulosalata, but it is certainly inspired by it. For a truly authentic version, find a recipe from someone with Greek heritage.
Helpful Tips for this Green Lettuce Salad
- For the best texture, cut the lettuce into thin shreds and the cucumbers, and tomatoes into small, uniform cubes.
- Fresh herbs are a must for this salad. Don’t skip them!
- Make Ahead: Chop everything and prepare the dressing and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Toss and dress just before serving.
- Turn this into a full meal by adding your favorite source of protein and cooked whole grains. I like hard-cooked eggs, chicken, chickpeas, tuna, or sliced steak. Quinoa or brown rice keep you satisfied throughout the afternoon. Check out this Greek Whole Grain Salad with Chickpeas.
What to Serve with this Green Salad
This simple green salad pairs makes a perfect side to a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Baked salmon
- Pasta dishes
- Soup and sandwiches
- Grilled vegetables
Recipe for Simple Green Salad Inspired by Maroulosalata
Simple Green Salad
Ingredients
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts
- 1/2 cucumber
- 2 tomatoes optional
- 4 green onions thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
- 1/2 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped finely
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint chopped finely (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese finely chopped or crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Thinly slice the lettuce into 1/4 inch wide ribbons from top to bottom of romaine heart (excluding the bottom root). Slice cucumber lengthwise into 6-8 long spears and then into small little cubes. If using, slice tomatoes open and remove the jelly and seeds. Cut into tiny little cubes.
- In large salad bowl, combine the lettuce ribbons, cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs,
- In separate bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Shortly before serving, pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Top with feta and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
I really hope you give this salad a try. When you do, I’d love to hear what you think and see what your version. Drop me a note below or share your photos with me on instagram @getgettys or Facebook @GettyStewart.HomeEconomist.
Step by Step guide to Vinaigrette
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Vinaigrettes use at least twice as much oil as acid and are bound by an emulsifier. So whether you make a small or big batch use 2 parts oil, 1 part acid and 1 part emulsifier. Don’t worry. The guide will walk you through it all…
- Get the ratio you need for dressing success
- Ideas for flavour and emulsifiers
- Salad & Dressing recipes you’ll love
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What a wealth of information! Here comes the warm weather…time to love the variety of salads and dressings you covered! I’m a vinaigrette gal but I”m loving the simple formula for a Ranch dressing! And with the dill explosion happening in my garden that Maroulosalata salad is definitely happening here!
Thanks Heide! I’m loving this salad and the fresh dill right now – simple and delicious!
Love this salad.