This Greek Salad Pita recipe is a refreshing and healthy meal option that combines the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, these pita pockets are filled with a delicious mix of fresh vegetables, vegan feta, and a tangy dressing.
If you don't usually stock kalamata olives or vegan feta cheese in your pantry, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket. Kalamata olives are a type of Greek olive known for their rich flavor, while vegan feta cheese is a plant-based alternative to traditional feta, offering a similar tangy taste.
Ingredients for Greek Salad Pita Recipe
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Tomatoes: Provides juiciness and a burst of flavor.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy taste to the mix.
Kalamata olives: Brings a rich, briny flavor to the salad.
Vegan feta cheese: Offers a tangy, creamy texture without dairy.
Olive oil: Used to dress the salad, adding a smooth, rich flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.
Dried oregano: Provides a classic Mediterranean herb flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Whole wheat pita bread: Serves as the vessel for the salad, adding a hearty, wholesome base.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to mellow out the sharpness and make the onion's flavor more subtle, enhancing the overall balance of the Greek salad.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative in salads.
Tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes offer a similar taste and can add a burst of sweetness to the salad.
Red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
Kalamata olives - Substitute with black olives: Black olives have a similar briny flavor and can easily replace kalamata olives in the salad.
Vegan feta cheese - Substitute with tofu feta: Tofu feta can mimic the texture and tangy flavor of vegan feta cheese.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in dressings.
Red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a slightly fruity note.
Dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano can offer a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried oregano.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a cleaner, more nuanced flavor than regular table salt.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used to add a subtle heat without altering the color of the salad.
Whole wheat pita bread - Substitute with gluten-free pita bread: Gluten-free pita bread is a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- To keep your Greek Salad Pita fresh, store the salad mixture and pita bread separately. This prevents the pita from becoming soggy.
- Place the salad mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Store the whole wheat pita bread in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature. It will remain soft and fresh for up to 3 days.
- If you need to keep the pita bread longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the pita bread at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds until soft.
- For the salad mixture, avoid freezing as the cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their texture and become mushy.
- If you have leftover Greek Salad Pita already assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Consume within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
- To refresh the pita bread, you can lightly toast it in a dry skillet or warm it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before stuffing with the salad mixture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the pita bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the oven for about 10 minutes or until it is warmed through. This method will keep the pita soft and the salad fresh.
If you're in a hurry, use a microwave. Place the Greek salad pita on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. This will warm the pita without making it too soggy.
For a slightly crispy pita, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pita in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pita is warmed through and slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the pita in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the salad fresh.
For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the pita in aluminum foil and place it in the toaster oven for about 8-10 minutes. This will ensure even heating without drying out the pita.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and vegan feta.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for safely dicing the cucumber and tomatoes, and slicing the red onion and olives.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for dicing the cucumber and tomatoes, and slicing the red onion and olives.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the exact amount of cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Salad tongs: Utensils used to toss the salad mixture evenly with the dressing.
Pita bread knife: A knife used to cut the pita bread in half and open the pockets gently.
Serving plate: A plate used to serve the stuffed pita pockets.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, and slice the red onion ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Use pre-made vegan feta: Save time by purchasing vegan feta cheese instead of making it from scratch.
Pre-slice pita bread: Cut the pita bread in half and open the pockets before starting the salad preparation.
Mix dressing separately: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small jar and shake well. This way, you can quickly drizzle it over the salad.
Greek Salad Pita Recipe
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup Cucumber, diced
- 1 cup Tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup Vegan feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 4 pieces Whole wheat pita bread
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and vegan feta.
- 2. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine.
- 3. Cut the pita bread in half and gently open the pockets.
- 4. Stuff the pita pockets with the salad mixture. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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