Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad)

Maroulosalata is the easiest Greek Lettuce Salad you'll make this summer! Simple, fresh with classic Mediterranean flavors you love. The perfect side dish to enjoy with bbq meats or seafood, or enjoy on its own with a crusty piece of bread. This will become your go-to summer Greek salad!

Maroulosalata comes from the Greek word "marouli" meaning lettuce, and "salata" meaning salad. Sounds like the grandpa in My Big Fat Greek Wedding! 🤣 Literally it means Lettuce Salad in Greek.

Why You'll Love Maroulosalata

• Fresh and Light - a healthy salad that's easy to make, Romaine is low calorie, EVOO is healthy, what's not to love?
• Simple Ingredients - you probably have these ingredients in your fridge and pantry, nothing fancy, ready to make at the drop of a hat
• Versatile - enjoy as a side dish or part of a main salad served with proteins
• Different Greek Salad - I've had this for the first time in Greece, and it's not the usual salad you're thinking of! This one is authentic, called Psilokomeni in Greek, tasty and budget friendly too!

Ingredients

• Romaine Lettuce Hearts
• Spring Onions - or Scallions
• Fresh Dill
• Fresh Parsley
• Greek Feta Cheese - must be Greek not Danish
• Dressing - Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic Clove, Salt and Pepper

Equipment You'll Need

• Salad Spinner
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Glass Jar with Lid - or whisk and small bowl
• Cutting Board and Knife
• Garlic Press

How to Make Maroulosalata

1. Prepare Lettuce - wash and dry Romaine Lettuce. Best to spin in a Salad Spinner to ensure it's dry. Stack leaves and thinly slice into ribbons - about ¼" thick.
2. Chop Greens - Thinly slice Green Onions, Dill and Parsley.
3. Make Dressing - in a small jar with lid, pour Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Salt and Pepper. Vigorously shake the jar to mix togther.
4. Assemble Salad - in a large bowl, combine sliced Romaine Lettuce, Green Onions, Dill and Parsley. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss.
5. Add Feta - sprinkle crumbled Greek Feta over the salad. (can toss through or leave on top)
6. Serve - adjust seasoning or Lemon Juice if needed. Serve Immediately as a side dish or alongside Chicken Souvlaki or Grilled Shrimp.

Maroulosolata Variations

• Protein Boost - my favorite way to serve - enjoy with Chicken Souvlaki Skewers, Grilled Shrimp or Grilled Fish, or add Chickpeas if Vegetarian
• Cucumber Maroulosalata - add one small cucumber for extra crunch or flavor. Persian Cucumbers are great because they have less seeds
• Minty Maroulosalata - add 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped Mint for a rich herby flavor
• Creamy Dressing - add 1 tablespoon of Greek Yogurt for extra tang and creaminess in the salad
• Radish Kick - thinly slice 3 radishes for peppery flavor and depth
• Black Olives - not traditional, but who doesn't love some Kalamata Olives tossed through a salad?

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Swap Lettuce - to substitute Romaine, try Butter Lettuce, Cos Lettuce (which is what they call Romaine in Australia) or Baby Gem Lettuce to get the same crunch
• Dry Greens Throughly - best to use a Salad Spinner, even the washed Herbs. Excess water will make the salad soggy.
• Dress Just Before Serving - Toss, Mix and Serve right away. You want the salad to be crispy and not soggy.
• Use Real Greek Feta - for authentic flavor, Greek Feta is made with Sheep's Milk and has tang and bite, compared to Cow's Milk Feta. Danish Feta is too creamy and doesn't crumble.
• Don't Overdress - shake and pour ½ or ¾ of the salad dressing over the salad. Adjust more as needed.

Can I Make Maroulosalata Ahead of Time?

Yes. Prepare all the ingredients, toss the salad in a bowl, but ONLY dress it with salad dressing when ready to serve. Cover with cling film and keep in fridge until ready.

How Long Does Maroulosalata Last?

It's meant to be enjoyed right away when served. If you have leftovers, place in airtight container and enjoy within one day.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?

This is meant to be a fresh summer salad, with fresh herbs. However, if you have none, substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried dill, rehydrated in the salad dressing.

Greek Recipes You'll Love

• Greek Mezze Feast - perfect addition to your Greek Summer Feast, will take you back to the Greek Isles
• Lamb Kofta Kebabs - a tasty side dish to serve with your salad
• Instant Pot Lamb Shanks - a heavier, meaty Greek dish, but Maroulosalata adds freshness to your dinner
• Horiatiki - classic Greek Cucumber Salad
• Saganaki - Greek Fried Cheese
• Spanakopita Triangles
• Kleftiko - Roasted Goat or Lamb

Greek Lettuce Salad is one of the simplest and tastiest salads you'll make this summer. Frangrant Dill, Tangy Feta, Crunch Lettuce, this salad is sure to impress your guests or family. So get chopping to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greece, with a helpful video to guide you. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

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