Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe

If you are looking for a vibrant, fresh, and mouthwatering salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, you are going to love this Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe. It combines juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy olives, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese, all elevated by crunchy homemade garlicky croutons that add a sensational texture. This salad is perfect for warm-weather lunches, light dinners, or a colorful side dish to impress guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential to building the perfect balance of taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the briny olives to the fresh parsley—that makes this salad sing with freshness and Mediterranean charm.

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes: Halved to release juicy sweetness and vibrant color into every bite.
• ½ cup pitted Kalamata or black olives: Halved for a salty, slightly fruity kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
• ½ cup cucumber: Diced for refreshing crunch and a cool note to balance the acidity of the dressing.
• ¼ red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness and slight bite that perks up each mouthful.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess that’s essential for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright herbal freshness that lifts the entire salad.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Used in the dressing to bring everything together with rich, fruity undertones.
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice: Provides acidity and brightness that balances the richness of the feta and olive oil.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste, completing the seasoning perfectly.
• 2 cups crusty bread: Cubed as the base for homemade croutons that add irresistible crunch.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For coating the croutons lightly to achieve that perfect crispiness in the oven.
• 1 garlic clove: Minced to infuse the croutons with an aromatic garlicky punch.
• Pinch of salt: To season the croutons evenly and bring out the best flavor.

How to Make Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Make the Garlicky Croutons

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the cubed crusty bread with olive oil, freshly minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until each piece is lightly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet to ensure they crisp evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a golden, crispy texture. These croutons will bring a wonderful crunch and garlicky fragrance that make this salad truly unforgettable. Once baked, let the croutons cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Grab a large bowl and combine halved cherry tomatoes, pitted and halved Kalamata or black olives, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped parsley. This mix is the colorful heart of the salad, delivering bursts of freshness, briny saltiness, and crisp texture in each forkful.

Step 3: Dress It Up

Drizzle the salad with olive oil and your choice of either red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that each vegetable is lightly coated in the zesty dressing, perfectly balancing all the bold flavors.

Step 4: Top & Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese and the homemade garlicky croutons. This last touch preserves the croutons’ crisp texture while allowing the creamy feta to melt slightly into the veggies. The result is a harmonious blend of juicy, crunchy, creamy, and tangy elements that will have you reaching for seconds.

How to Serve Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe even more special, try garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a handful of fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also elevate the presentation and add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside warm pita bread or a bowl of homemade hummus to add heartiness without weighing down the fresh salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your salad in rustic terracotta bowls, or layer it in clear glass jars for a colorful picnic or lunchbox treat. You can also stuff pita pockets or wrap it in large lettuce leaves as a handheld meal option, making it versatile enough for many occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the salad and croutons separate for best results. Store the salad covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep the veggies fresh and crisp.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the tomatoes and cucumbers will become watery upon thawing, and the croutons will lose their crunch.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad. If you want to warm the croutons, you can quickly toast them in the oven for a couple of minutes before adding to the salad fresh again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives in this salad?

Absolutely! While Kalamata olives are traditional and flavorful, you can swap in green olives or Castelvetrano olives for a milder taste. Just make sure to pit and halve them to keep the texture consistent.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

If you prefer a milder cheese or need a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu with a bit of lemon juice and salt, or use a vegan feta alternative to maintain the tangy creaminess.

Can I make the salad entirely in advance?

It’s best to prepare and dress the salad just before serving, as the vegetables can release water and become soggy. However, you can chop and prep the ingredients a few hours ahead and combine them last minute.

What type of bread works best for the croutons?

Choose a sturdy, crusty bread like a baguette or sourdough. These hold up well during baking and give you that wonderful crispy, chewy contrast in the croutons.

Can I add protein to make this salad a full meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas tossed into the salad will boost the protein and make it a satisfying main dish without compromising its fresh and light character.

Final Thoughts

This Feta, Tomato & Olive Salad with Garlicky Croutons Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both effortlessly simple and incredibly delicious, perfect for anytime you want something fresh, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with friends and family—it truly shines when enjoyed together. Once you taste those garlicky croutons alongside juicy tomatoes and creamy feta, you’ll keep coming back for more!

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