Greek Feta Salad Tower

⏱ Time

Prep: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 (as appetizer) or 2 (as main)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad Layers

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced (seeds removed)

• 1 English cucumber, diced

• ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• 1 cup high-quality feta cheese, cut into small cubes or thick slabs

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

• Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Greek Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Pinch salt

• Pinch black pepper

• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Whisk until emulsified.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Vegetables

• Dice tomatoes and cucumber evenly (small, uniform cubes for clean layers).

• Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain.

• Pat vegetables dry to prevent excess liquid.

2️⃣ Assemble the Tower

Use a 3–4 inch round food ring mold (or a cleaned tuna can with both ends removed).

Layer in this order (press gently between layers):

1. Tomato base (lightly salted)

2. Cucumber

3. Red onion

4. Cherry tomatoes

5. Kalamata olives

6. Feta (press gently so it holds shape)

Carefully lift the mold straight up.

3️⃣ Finish & Garnish

• Drizzle generously with Greek dressing.

• Sprinkle with oregano, parsley, and cracked black pepper.

• Add a final drizzle of olive oil over the feta.

🌿 Optional Add-Ons

• Thin sliced green bell pepper

• Capers

• Fresh basil

• Avocado layer

• Grilled shrimp on top for protein boost

🔥 Pro Tips for a Perfect Tower

• Pat everything dry — excess moisture makes it collapse.

• Use firm feta (block style, not crumbled).

• Chill 10 minutes before serving for cleaner structure.

• Serve with warm pita or grilled sourdough.

🥙 Serving Ideas

• Elegant plated appetizer

• Side dish for grilled chicken or lamb

• Light summer lunch with hummus & pita

• Part of a Mediterranean mezze spread