summer greek salad

I've been craving salad. Maybe because it's been 100-degree weather and I constantly want to climb into the nearest refrigerator. Or, perhaps I just want to save my fatty fatty food binge for my NYC trip next week. Regardless, there's nothing better in summer than a meal that won't weigh you down.

I was inspired by The Girl Who Ate Everything's Portillo Chopped Salad and decided to give it a Greek spin.

Summer Greek Salad
Yields 10 servings

INGREDIENTS
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
3 cups shredded red cabbage
3 cups cooked short macaroni pasta (Ditalini)
2 1/2 cups halved cucumber slices
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced red onion (about 1 small onion)
2 cup halved olives (I used regular black olives because I like them better, but use Kalamata if you prefer)
2 cups diced tomato
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 recipe of Sweet Balsamic Dressing (see recipe below)

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together except for dressing and feta.
2. When ready to serve, add enough dressing to taste and toss together well until everything is incorporated. Then, add feta last and give it another light toss. 

Sweet Balsamic Dressing
Recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated (or minced)
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS
You can follow the original directions here. But I was lazy and omitted the blender.
1. Whisk together balsam vinegar, garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
2. Then whisk in olive oil slowly until everything is combined. 
3. Refrigerate for at least an hour before using. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.