Fresh Greek Lettuce Salad

This refreshing Maroulosalata has been my go-to Greek salad for over a decade, bringing bright Mediterranean flavors to any meal with minimal effort. The combination of crisp romaine, tangy feta, and herb-infused dressing creates a symphony of flavors that transports you straight to a seaside taverna.

I first discovered this salad while visiting a small coastal village in Greece. The local taverna owner showed me how massaging the lettuce with the dressing completely transforms the dish, a technique I've treasured ever since.

Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce hearts: They provide the perfect crisp texture and mild flavor base for the other ingredients. Choose hearts that feel firm and heavy for their size.
• Fresh scallions: The gentle onion flavor adds brightness without overpowering. Use the white and light green parts for best flavor.
• Fresh dill: This herb is essential for authentic Greek flavor. Look for vibrant green bunches with no yellowing.
• Feta cheese: Traditional Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers the best flavor and creamy texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the dressing. Use the highest quality you can afford for best results.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds essential acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil and feta.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Just a little is needed as feta already provides saltiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the lettuce:

Rinse romaine hearts thoroughly to remove any grit then slice them into thin ribbons about 1/4 inch wide. The thin slicing is crucial as it allows the dressing to coat every piece perfectly. Use a salad spinner to ensure the lettuce is completely dry which helps the dressing adhere better.

Create the dressing:

In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil lemon juice and salt until the mixture becomes slightly thickened and emulsified. This may take about 30 seconds of vigorous whisking. The dressing should look slightly cloudy when properly combined.

Assemble the salad:

Place the sliced romaine diced scallions chopped dill and crumbled feta in a large serving bowl. Make sure the bowl is spacious enough to allow for proper tossing without ingredients spilling over the sides.

Dress and massage:

Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Using clean hands gently but firmly massage and scrunch the greens for about 1 minute. This step is essential as it breaks down the fibrous structure of the romaine slightly making it more tender while infusing the flavors throughout.

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My favorite aspect of this salad is how the hands on massaging technique transforms ordinary lettuce into something extraordinary. My Greek grandmother taught me that this simple step is what separates an authentic Maroulosalata from a regular tossed salad. The first time I saw her scrunch the leaves I thought she was ruining the salad but the resulting tenderness makes all the difference.

Authentic Greek Variations

In different regions of Greece you might find Maroulosalata with slight variations. Some coastal areas add a touch of fresh mint along with the dill. In mountain villages they sometimes include a small amount of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of dried oregano. The most traditional version in Athens often includes very thinly sliced radishes for an extra peppery crunch. Feel free to experiment with these additions while keeping the core ingredients intact.

Make Ahead Tips

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline serving. Wash and slice the romaine up to 24 hours in advance storing it in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Chop the herbs and scallions up to 12 hours ahead keeping them in separate containers. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in a jar in the refrigerator just bring to room temperature and reshake before using.

Serving Suggestions

Maroulosalata traditionally accompanies grilled meats particularly lamb or souvlaki. It pairs beautifully with seafood especially whole grilled fish dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. For a complete meatless meal serve alongside spanakopita or pair with warm pita bread and a selection of dips like tzatziki and hummus. During summer months this salad becomes even more refreshing when chilled for about 30 minutes before serving.

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This bright and refreshing Maroulosalata is guaranteed to become a staple for all your Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does Maroulosalata mean?

Maroulosalata (μαρουλοσαλάτα) translates to 'lettuce salad' in Greek. It's a traditional Greek dish that highlights fresh romaine lettuce as the main ingredient, complemented by herbs, feta cheese, and a simple olive oil-lemon dressing.

→ Can I prepare Maroulosalata ahead of time?

While you can prepare the dressing and chop ingredients ahead of time, it's best to assemble Maroulosalata just before serving. The lettuce will wilt if dressed too far in advance. If needed, store components separately and combine within 30 minutes of serving for best results.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you need a substitute for feta, try ricotta salata, goat cheese, or a mild white cheese like queso fresco. For a dairy-free version, firm tofu crumbled with a bit of lemon juice and salt can provide a similar texture and protein element.

→ Why do you massage the lettuce in this salad?

Massaging the lettuce helps break down its fibrous texture slightly, allowing it to better absorb the dressing flavors. This technique, common in Greek cuisine, creates a more cohesive salad where the lettuce becomes infused with the herbs, cheese, and dressing rather than simply being coated.

→ What dishes pair well with Maroulosalata?

Maroulosalata pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially lamb or chicken souvlaki. It also complements other Greek dishes like moussaka, pastitsio, or spanakopita. For a complete meal, serve alongside warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! While traditional Maroulosalata focuses on lettuce, you can add cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, or red onions for additional flavor and texture. Just keep the romaine lettuce as the main ingredient to maintain the salad's authentic character.