Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

This classic Greek lettuce salad (maroulosalata) is one of the most popular salads in Greece along with the better-known Greek peasant salad (the tomato, cucumber and Feta salad that everybody knows and loves).  No matter how big or small the meal, a simple lettuce salad such as this one is sure to make its way to a Greek table for lunch or dinner.

This flavorful salad is enjoyed in Greece throughout the year, but it is especially delicious in early summer when young lettuce is at its best.  It is made with thinly sliced lettuce, chopped green onions, snipped fresh dill, and some crumbled Feta cheese.   Everything is tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette just before serving .

Ingredients for the Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

The star of this simple recipe is crisp Romaine lettuce – the fresher the better.  If possible, choose tender lettuce hearts.

Besides the lettuce, this recipe will need:

• Green onions (you can also use scallions for a mild onion flavor)
• Fresh dill
• Extra virgin olive oil (use the best finishing olive oil for this)
• Lemon juice (or, red wine vinegar)
• Sea salt
• Greek Feta (made with sheep’s milk and sold as a solid block in brine)
• Olives such as Kalamata (completely optional, but they add a great tangy flavor)

Four Tips for the best Classic Greek Lettuce Salad:

1. The lettuce is traditionally sliced very thinly; almost shaved.  Do not use your hands to tear it and do not rough-chop the lettuce
2. Do not replace the lettuce hearts for mixed greens or other greens, like kale
3. Use fresh dill and not dried
4. Toss the salad with the vinaigrette just before serving to avoid a soggy salad

How to make the Classic Greek Lettuce Salad

• Stack several lettuce leaves one on top of another and slice them as thinly as possible with a sharp knife

• Place the lettuce in a bowl, or on a platter, along with sliced green onions and minced fresh dill

• Toss gently with the vinaigrette, add the Feta and the olives, and gently toss again

What to serve with the Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

This classic Greek lettuce salad is a delicious salad to enjoy on its own, but for a complete meal, you can add a simple protein like tuna, cooked chicken, or, even top it with a couple of soft boiled eggs.  In Greece this salad is typically served alongside any simple grilled meat dish, lamb chops, meatballs, pork, or of course, with any kind of fish.  The simplicity of this salad is what makes each ingredient shine and paired with the lemony vinaigrette, every bite explodes with flavor!

5.0 from 2 reviews

Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Total time

10 mins

 

A refreshing Greek salad with tender lettuce hearts, green onions, fresh dill, Feta cheese, olives and a lemony vinaigrette.

Author: Marilena Leavitt

Recipe type: Salad

Cuisine: Greek

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2 med. romaine lettuce hearts, very thinly sliced
• 4 med. scallions, white part and most of the green part, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• 4 oz. Greek feta, crumbled
• 10 --- Kalamata olives, pitted, cut in half (optional)
• For the vinaigrette:
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3-4 TBSP. lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp. sea salt

Instructions

1. Wash and dry very well the lettuce heart leaves. Slice them very thin (about ¼”) and place them in a large serving bowl. Top the lettuce with the sliced scallions and the fresh dill and set aside (you can do this a couple of hours ahead of time, cover and refrigerate.)
2. In a small jar with a tight lid, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake to emulsify. The dressing can also be done ahead of time.
3. When you are ready to serve the salad, combine the greens with the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Top with the crumbled Feta and olives (if using), taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed. Serve at once with some crusty bread on the side.

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