Greek-style Va Tron

Ingredients

In this Greek adaptation of Va Tron, we replace some of the traditional Vietnamese ingredients with Greek counterparts. Instead of using fish sauce, we incorporate tangy feta cheese for a creamy and salty element. The dressing is made with lemon juice and olive oil, giving it a Mediterranean twist. Additionally, we add Greek herbs such as oregano and dill to enhance the flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Va tron, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) cucumber, thinly sliced 2 cups (470ml) cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (470ml) tomatoes, diced 2 cups (470ml) tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup (235ml) red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup (235ml) red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (235ml) bell peppers, thinly sliced 1 cup (235ml) bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (235ml) feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup (235ml) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1/2 cup (120ml) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh oregano, chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 7g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, dill, and oregano.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. 4.
   Allow the flavors to meld for at least 15 minutes before serving.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing flavors of Greek-style Va Tron.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumber — Make sure to slice the cucumber thinly for a crisp texture.
• Feta cheese — Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Lemon — Squeeze the lemons just before preparing the dressing to ensure maximum freshness.
• Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh herbs rather than dried for a vibrant and aromatic taste.
• Kalamata olives — Choose pitted Kalamata olives and halve them for easy consumption.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds on top.
• Customize the salad by adding or substituting vegetables such as radishes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
• Serve the Greek-style Va Tron as a side dish with grilled chicken or lamb for a complete Mediterranean meal.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil in the dressing according to your taste preferences.
• Make a larger batch of the dressing and keep it refrigerated for future use in other salads.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-style Va Tron chilled as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a lemon wedge for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. The crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives add visual interest and a pop of contrasting color.