Ree Drummond, the famed Pioneer Woman, is known for her approachable, hearty, and flavorful recipes. While sometimes perceived as over-the-top, her dishes consistently deliver deliciousness and comfort. Among her many culinary creations, The Pioneer Woman’s Greek Salad stands out as a fresh and vibrant dish, perfect for any occasion. This recipe takes the classic Greek salad to another level with a generous, feta-packed dressing that elevates the entire experience.
What makes The Pioneer Woman Greek Salad so special? It’s the combination of crisp, fresh vegetables, salty Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and most importantly, a rich and tangy homemade dressing. This isn’t just your average Greek salad; it’s a Pioneer Woman recipe, meaning it’s packed with flavor and made with simple, accessible ingredients. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Ree Drummond or new to her cooking style, this Greek salad recipe is a must-try.
The Pioneer Woman preparing Greek Salad ingredients
Ingredients for The Pioneer Woman Greek Salad
To create this delightful salad, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients for both the salad and the dressing:
For the Salad:
- 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into small wedges
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 30 pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Feta Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 6 whole Kalamata olives, finely chopped
- 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Close up of Pioneer Woman Greek Salad ingredients
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pioneer Woman Greek Salad
Follow these simple directions to make your own Pioneer Woman Greek Salad:
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Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, cucumber chunks, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, half of the crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Ensure all vegetables are fresh and crisp for the best texture.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Greek Salad in a bowl -
Make the Feta Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and finely chopped Kalamata olives. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
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Combine and Toss: Pour the feta dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Be careful not to over-dress the salad; you want just enough dressing to lightly coat the vegetables.
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Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the top of the salad for an extra cheesy touch. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad to brighten the flavors and add a final zing. Serve immediately for the freshest and crispiest salad.
Pioneer Woman Greek Salad ready to serve
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Greek Salad
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest vegetables possible for the best flavor and texture. Ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce are essential.
- Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually and toss lightly. You can always add more dressing if needed, but you can’t take it away.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of red onion or garlic in the dressing to your preference.
- Make Ahead (Partially): You can chop the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, but combine them just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Serving Suggestions: This Pioneer Woman Greek Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish to grilled meats, or as a refreshing component of a larger Mediterranean-style meal.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Pioneer Woman Greek Salad recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors.
