Grilled Garlic Baguettes with Greek Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Greek Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives
- 8 ounces (225g) feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
For the Greek Dressing
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Grilled Garlic Baguettes
- 1 French baguette, sliced lengthwise
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges
- Extra feta cheese
- Fresh oregano sprigs
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Greek Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk or shake until fully combined.
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Greek Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine:
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Green bell pepper
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh oregano
Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Refrigerate while preparing the bread.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Softened butter
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Prepare the Baguette
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the cut sides of the baguette.
Press lightly so the mixture adheres evenly.
Step 5: Grill the Bread
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.
Place the baguette halves cut-side down on the grill.
Cook for 2–4 minutes, or until golden brown with light grill marks.
Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
Slice into serving portions.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle the Greek dressing over the salad.
Toss gently until all vegetables are lightly coated.
Avoid overmixing to keep the feta intact.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or bowl.
Arrange the grilled garlic baguette slices alongside.
Garnish with:
- Extra feta cheese
- Fresh oregano
- Lemon wedges
- Cracked black pepper
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Greek Salad
Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes
The flavor of the tomatoes is one of the stars of the dish.
Choose High-Quality Feta
Authentic feta made from sheep’s milk provides the best texture and flavor.
Grill the Bread Fresh
Warm, freshly grilled bread creates the perfect contrast with the cool salad.
Don’t Overdress
Greek salad should be lightly coated, not swimming in dressing.
Let the Vegetables Shine
Cut vegetables into large, rustic pieces for a traditional Greek-style presentation.
Variations
Greek Chicken Salad
Add grilled chicken breast for a heartier meal.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mix in one can of drained chickpeas for extra protein.
Greek Pasta Salad
Toss the salad with cooked pasta for a filling side dish.
Seafood Greek Salad
Add grilled shrimp or tuna.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the baguette and serve with grilled vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled chicken skewers
- Lemon herb shrimp
- Roasted potatoes
- Hummus and pita
- Fresh fruit platter
- Sparkling lemonade
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours ahead.
Store separately and combine just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Garlic Baguettes
Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
