Maroulosalata: A Refreshing Greek Salad

Maroulosalata, also known as Greek Lettuce Salad, is a classic salad from Greek cuisine that stands out for its freshness and simplicity. 

This salad is a traditional element in many Greek meals and is appreciated for its combination of flavors and textures.

Maroulosalata is made with crisp and fresh lettuces, such as romaine lettuce hearts, which are thinly chopped. Additionally, ingredients like chopped chives, dill, and parsley are added, providing herbal and fresh aromas to the salad.

One of the wonders of Maroulosalata is its versatility. You can add other ingredients such as radishes, cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, olives, or avocado to give it an extra touch of flavor and texture. 

In this version, I used ricotta cheese to keep the points low, but you can definitely opt for the more traditional Feta if you prefer. The version below rings in at 4 WW points per serving 

The salad is completed with a simple yet delicious dressing made with canola oil, lemon juice (or red wine vinegar), salt, pepper, and dried Greek oregano.

Why you should try this recipe

Firstly, this salad is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to different types of diets depending on the ingredients you choose to add after the lettuce. You can customize it for weight watchers with crunchy radishes, refreshing cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, olives, or even creamy avocado for the keto diet. Additionally, Maroulosalata stands out by using chives instead of onions, which adds a unique and less explored flavor since chives are mostly used in soups and stews. This combination of fresh flavors and herbal aromas will transport you to the authentic experience of Greek cuisine.

 Ingredients in Maroulosala:

• 1 romaine lettuce (approximately 200 g)
• 1 butterhead lettuce (approximately 150 g)
• ½ cup of ricotta cheese
• 2 small chives, 40 g.
• 1 small chicory (approximately 30 g)
• 2 tablespoons of canola oil
• 4 tablespoons of lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sprig of fennel

A Note on the Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce and butterhead lettuce: The base of this salad, cut into fine pieces to create a crunchy and refreshing texture.
• Chives: Used instead of onion, providing a mild and delicate flavor to the salad.
• Dill: A key ingredient that adds a herbal and fresh touch.
• Radicchio: has a slightly bitter taste, and adds a very interesting color to the salad.
• Ricotta cheese: has the rich flavor of cheese but lower in points than Feta.
• Additional options: You can add ingredients such as crunchy radishes, refreshing cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, olives, or avocado to customize your Maroulosalata according to your preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Maroulosalata Dressing

• Canola oil: Provides a smooth flavor and healthy fats.
• Lemon juice (or red wine vinegar): Adds a citrusy and acidic touch to enhance the flavors.
• Salt and pepper: To season the dressing according to your taste.
• Dried Greek oregano: Also known as “true oregano”; you can substitute it with any type of oregano. It is one of the foundational spices in Mediterranean cuisine.

This combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients, along with the delicious dressing, is what makes Maroulosalata such a delightful and versatile salad.

Instructions for making Maroulosalata

1. Once you have gathered all the ingredients, begin by washing the romaine and butterhead lettuces thoroughly, making sure to remove any dirt or impurities.
2. Dry them well using a salad spinner or paper towels, then proceed to cut them into large, bite-sized pieces and place them in a spacious bowl. 
3. Finely chop the small chives and chicory, adding them to the bowl along with the crumbled ricotta cheese.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined. 
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated. 
6. For an added touch of freshness, include the sprig of fennel, either whole or finely chopped. 
7. Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. 
8. Finally, serve the Maroulosalata on individual plates and enjoy! 

Variations and substitutions in Maroulosalata

1.  Replace cos lettuce with romaine lettuce: If you can’t find cos lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce instead. It will provide a similar texture and a slightly different taste.

2.  Add cherry tomatoes: To add a touch of sweetness and color to the salad, you can incorporate halved cherry tomatoes. This will provide a contrast of fresh and juicy flavors.

3.  Use cilantro instead of parsley: If you prefer a more distinctive and herbaceous flavor, you can replace parsley with cilantro. Cilantro will add a fresh and spicy touch to the salad.

4.  Try balsamic vinegar: Instead of using lemon juice or red wine vinegar in the vinaigrette, you can experiment with balsamic vinegar. This will give a sweeter and more complex flavor to the salad.

5.  Add chopped nuts: To add some texture and nutty flavor, you can incorporate chopped nuts into the salad. This will provide a crunchy element and a slightly earthy taste.

Tips and Tricks for making Maroulosalata

1.  Use plastic knives to cut the lettuce: To prevent oxidation and discoloration of the lettuce, I suggest using plastic knives instead of metal knives. Plastic knives reduce the chances of chemical reactions that can affect the appearance and flavor of the lettuce.

2.  Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce: Before cutting the lettuce, make sure to wash it properly to remove any dirt or residue. Then, dry it completely to prevent moisture from diluting the dressing and affecting the texture of the salad.

3.  Add the dressing just before serving: To maintain the freshness and crisp texture of Maroulosalata, I recommend adding the dressing just before serving. This will prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy and the salad from becoming watery.

Related Recipes

If you are looking for even more salads, check out my collection of Simple Weight Watchers Salads. And this salad is a perfect pairing these Greek Turkey Burgers.