🧀🍅 Greek Feta Salad Tower
A visually stunning and flavorful Mediterranean salad, built in layers like a tower. Combining creamy feta, ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, olives, and herbs, it’s simple yet sophisticated—ideal for parties, dinner sides, or healthy snacking.
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕰️ No cooking required
🍽️ Servings: 3–4 (as appetizer/side)
🔥 Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 block (8 oz / 225g) feta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 small red onion, sliced into thin rings
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green or Kalamata olives (whole or pitted & halved)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional — taste first, as feta is salty)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
🔪 Instructions:
- Prep the ingredients:
Slice the tomatoes and onions, cube the feta, and chop the parsley. Arrange your ingredients mise en place for easy layering. - Build the tower:
On a serving plate, layer a tomato slice, a few onion rings, a cube or two of feta, and a few olive halves. Repeat to build up 3–4 layers, balancing the stack gently. - Drizzle & season:
Once stacked, drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tower. Sprinkle with oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Garnish with chopped parsley. - Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for a refreshing bite.
🧠 Notes:
- If you prefer a looser salad, skip the tower and toss all ingredients in a bowl.
- Use heirloom or Roma tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- If stacking is tricky, serve in a shallow dish and layer horizontally like a mosaic.
- Use toothpicks or skewers if you want individual mini-towers for a party platter.
💡 Tips:
- Make sure the feta is firm enough to hold its shape when cubed.
- Add cucumber slices or avocado wedges for extra layers.
- For extra flair, grill the tomato slices lightly before stacking.
- Want more bite? Add a splash of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves: 3–4 as a side or starter
- Serving size: ~1/4 of the full tower
- Calories per serving: ~280 kcal
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: ~620mg
🌿 Health Benefits:
- High in calcium & protein from feta
- Heart-healthy fats from olive oil and olives
- Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and parsley
- Naturally gluten-free and low in carbs
- Supports Mediterranean diet principles — clean, fresh, and anti-inflammatory
❓Q&A:
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the components ahead, but assemble the tower close to serving time to keep it neat and fresh.
Q: Can I use crumbled feta instead?
A: For a tower structure, blocks are best. Crumbles work great for a deconstructed version.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Pair it with grilled chicken, pita bread, lamb kebabs, or as a side to a mezze platter.
Q: Is there a vegan version?
A: Yes! Use vegan feta or tofu cubes marinated in lemon juice and olive oil.