Classic Tossed Salad Recipe

Romaine lettuce: A crisp and refreshing leafy green that forms the base of the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Small, juicy tomatoes that add a burst of sweetness and color.

Cucumber: Adds a cool, crunchy texture to the salad.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the other ingredients.

Feta cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese that adds creaminess and depth.

Olive oil: A healthy fat that forms the base of the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.

Dried oregano: A herb that adds a subtle, earthy flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.

When preparing the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to mellow out the sharpness and make the onion flavor more subtle, ensuring it doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach provides a similar leafy texture and is packed with nutrients.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size, making them a perfect alternative.

• cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and can be eaten raw, providing a comparable texture.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor and can be used in the same thinly sliced form.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in salads.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tang, making it a suitable replacement.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a different but complementary herbaceous flavor that can enhance the salad.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides the same seasoning effect but with a slightly different mineral profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To keep your classic tossed salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain the crispness of the romaine lettuce and other vegetables.
• If you plan to enjoy the salad over a few days, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
• For the best flavor, add the feta cheese just before serving. This keeps the cheese from absorbing too much moisture and losing its texture.
• If you need to prepare the salad in advance, chop the vegetables and store them in separate containers. Combine them just before serving to ensure maximum freshness.
• When freezing, note that lettuce and other fresh vegetables do not freeze well. They tend to become mushy upon thawing. Instead, freeze the dressing and feta cheese separately.
• To freeze the dressing, pour it into a small, airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Label it with the date and use it within 1-2 months for the best flavor.
• For the feta cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will help preserve its flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the dressing and feta cheese in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble the salad with fresh vegetables for a delicious and crisp meal.

• First, separate the romaine lettuce from the rest of the ingredients. Lettuce doesn't reheat well and can become wilted and unappetizing.
• Place the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese in a microwave-safe dish.
• Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the ingredients to keep them moist during reheating.
• Microwave on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check frequently to ensure the ingredients are warming evenly and not becoming too hot.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the ingredients in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet and toss the ingredients for about 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through.
• Once the ingredients are warmed, let them cool slightly before recombining with the fresh romaine lettuce.
• Toss gently and serve immediately.

• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl to combine all the salad ingredients together.

• Salad tongs: Useful for gently tossing the salad to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the romaine lettuce, slicing the cucumber, and thinly slicing the red onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.

• Salad spinner: Optional but helpful for drying the romaine lettuce after washing to prevent a soggy salad.

• Serving bowl: A presentable bowl to serve the salad in once it is prepared.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in advance and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-crumbled cheese: Buy crumbled feta cheese to save time on crumbling it yourself.

Make dressing ahead: Mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano in a jar and store it in the fridge.

Batch prep: Double the ingredients and make a larger batch to have salad ready for multiple meals.

Use a salad spinner: Quickly dry your lettuce after washing to save time.