Pin it
Maroulosalata is that crisp bright Greek salad I make the moment warmer days arrive when I crave clean green flavors that feel both substantial and effortless. This simple combination of lettuce, dill, scallions, and feta tastes much more vibrant than you would ever expect just by its looks alone and the lemony olive oil dressing is about as sunny as salad gets.
The first time I tried Maroulosalata was a family picnic and ever since it has become the dish I always want at every barbecue or outdoor dinner.
Ingredients
- Romaine hearts: tender and crisp for the best crunch. Choose ones with firm leaves and no browning at the edges
- Scallions: bring a gentle onion flavor without overpowering pick the smallest ones for sweeter taste
- Fresh dill: offers aromatic lift and freshness use the feathery tops and avoid woody stems
- Feta cheese: gives briny tanginess Greek sheep’s milk feta crumbles best and has a creamier flavor
- Olive oil: is luscious and ties all the flavors together opt for extra virgin for richness
- Lemon juice: brightens and balances the dressing always squeeze a fresh lemon for this recipe
- Salt: sharpens all the flavors a finishing salt like sea salt is ideal
Instructions
- Prep the Lettuce:
- Wash the romaine hearts thoroughly under cold running water then spin dry in a salad spinner. Using your sharpest knife slice as thinly as possible to create fine ribbons. This step makes the salad texture special
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk olive oil lemon juice and salt briskly for at least one minute until the mixture becomes thick and emulsified. The dressing needs to look opaque and cling slightly to a spoon
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the sliced lettuce diced scallions chopped dill and crumbled feta to your biggest salad bowl. Gently toss together to mix before adding the dressing
- Dress and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the salad. With both clean hands massage the greens scrunching lightly so the lettuce softens just a bit and all ingredients mingle. This makes the flavors stick to every ribbon
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste the salad and add extra lemon or feta if desired. Serve immediately while crisp and juicy
Pin it
My favorite part has always been how the dill perfumes every bite and reminds me of summers visiting my grandmother’s house where herbs grew wild right outside the kitchen. It is so simple yet feels truly special and familiar every time.
Storage Tips
After tossing keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The lettuce will soften slightly overnight but flavors become even more developed. Keep the feta aside if you want to avoid having it dissolve into the dressing on storage.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find romaine try Little Gem or even butter lettuce. Avoid dense greens like kale for this salad. If you cannot have feta a mild goat cheese or good quality ricotta salata tastes wonderful here.
Serving Suggestions
Maroulosalata is perfect as a side for grilled chicken lamb or fish. It also works as a lunch main with toasted pita and a scoop of hummus. If you double the recipe it is a crowd pleaser at picnics.
Cultural Context
This salad is a Greek classic and shows off the country’s love of bright fresh and straightforward flavors. It is eaten everywhere from seaside tavernas to family homes in spring and early summer. Traditionally it marks the arrival of local lettuces in the market.
Seasonal Adaptations
If spring dill is hard to find swap in a handful of chopped fresh mint. For even more crunch add a thinly sliced cucumber. Try orange zest in the dressing to make it feel even sunnier.
Success Stories
I have made Maroulosalata for Greek Easter gatherings and it always disappears before anything else. Last year I taught my niece to slice lettuce this way and now she makes the salad for her college friends.
Freezer Meal Conversion
This recipe is best made fresh and does not freeze well. However you can prep the greens and dressing separately to save time on busy days just combine before serving.
Pin it
Making Maroulosalata is a truly joyful way to celebrate spring. Every bite is always crisp fresh and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of lettuce is used in maroulosalata?
This dish calls for romaine hearts, providing a crisp and sturdy base that holds up well to the dressing and herbs.
- → How does dill enhance this dish?
The addition of dill adds bright, grassy notes that complement the lemon and feta, making the greens more aromatic.
- → What’s the purpose of massaging the greens?
Massaging helps break down the fibrous texture of romaine, allowing flavors to meld and the salad to become more tender.
- → Is feta essential or can it be omitted?
Feta adds creamy, tangy depth but can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese if preferred.
- → Can the dressing be made ahead?
The lemon and olive oil dressing can be whisked in advance and refrigerated, saving time for meal prep.