Mediterranean Crunch: Crispy Greek Pita Salad 🥗

Greek Pita Salad Recipe 🥗

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Greek Pita Salad! Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this vibrant dish is not only easy to make but also a joy to savor. With the crispiness of pita, the freshness of veggies, and the tanginess of feta cheese, each bite is a celebration of textures and tastes. Let’s dive into the kitchen and create this masterpiece together!

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for this Greek Pita Salad recipe:

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), and position the rack in the middle of the oven.
• Begin by placing the diced English cucumber in a sieve, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let it drain for about 20 minutes. After draining, pat the cucumber dry with a paper towel.

2. Crispy Pita Preparation:

• Take the torn pieces of pita bread and spread them out on a large baking pan.
• Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the pita pieces, tossing them gently to coat evenly.
• Season the pita with a sprinkle of salt, ensuring each piece is seasoned.
• Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-22 minutes. Make sure to shake the pan occasionally during baking to ensure even crispiness.
• Keep an eye on the pita, checking after the first 15 minutes to ensure they are browning evenly. Once they are golden-brown and crisp, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

3. Dressing Preparation:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic.
• Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your taste preferences, whisking until the ingredients are fully emulsified.

4. Salad Assembly:

• To the bowl of dressing, add the diced red bell peppers, tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint leaves.
• Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing.
• Add in the crispy pita pieces and the drained cucumber, tossing the salad gently to combine all the flavors.

5. Serving:

• Divide the Greek Pita Salad between two large plates, creating generous portions.
• For an extra burst of flavor and a touch of color, sprinkle some sumac over the salads as a garnish (if using).
• Your Greek Pita Salad is now ready to be served and enjoyed immediately!

Tips and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the components of this salad ahead of time. Store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients and assemble just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the pita.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad for a protein-packed meal.
• Veggie Variation: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite veggies such as cucumbers, olives, or artichoke hearts.
• Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh mint on hand, you can use a smaller amount of dried mint in the dressing.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the salad before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 651
• Total Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.3g
  • Cholesterol: 26.8mg
  • Sodium: 669.2mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45.7g
  • Fiber: 3.8g
  • Sugar: 7.2g
  • Protein: 11.7g

Indulge in the Mediterranean goodness of this Greek Pita Salad, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Whether it’s a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a colorful addition to your dinner table, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the crunch of the pita, the tang of the feta, and the freshness of the veggies in every delightful bite! 🥗✨