Greek Salad with Kalamata Olive Dressing

Kalamata Olives give this dressing a hint of salty brine like flavor

Fireworks Pizza in Arlington, VA is one of my favorite go-to restaurants. If I am picking the place to meet friends - this is it!  They have a fantastic Greek salad and I went to work on creating my own version - after many attempts this became something slightly different but oh so satisfying - adding kalamata olives in the dressing was a game changer - I make this at least once a week and keep it in the fridge to add to wraps, salads, and pasta salad.

To Make Kalamata Olive Greek Salad Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon basil (dry)
• 1 teaspoon oregano (dry)
• 1/4 teaspoon honey
• 5 kalamata olives, minced super fine (into almost a paste) - you really want a little kalamata to stick the salad leaves

To Make Greek Salad

• 2-3 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup cucumber, thin slice and cut into quarters
• 1/4 cup tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup feta, crumbled
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives (cut in half)

Kalamata Olive Greek Salad Dressing - mix the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon, basil, oregano, kalamata olives, and honey. I store this in a glass jar in the fridge and use throughout the week.

Greek Salad - In a large bowl add romaine, red onion, cucumber, tomato, feta, and olives.  Toss with desired amount of Kalamata Olive Greek Dressing. Top with additional feta if desired.