Warm and creamy baked feta makes every Greek salad better.

A punchy salad dressing of vinegar, oil, and herbs brings it all together in a brilliant way.

But we’ve taken the classic Greek salad and decided to step it up one notch.

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta in a bowl to serve

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Consider the warm feta the cherry on top.

Here’s a brief outline of the process; the full recipe is further below.

This is a great salad to prep ahead of time.

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta ingredients

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The salad dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

When ready to eat, mix everything together, toss in the dressing while feta bakes.

If you want the salad to last a little longer, separate the vegetables and dressing.

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta in the bowl to serve

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Toss together the serving size you want just before eating, while the feta block bakes.

A crisp rose or a sauvignon blanc would also be a lovely addition.

you might also serve this with baked or grilled chicken, lamb burgers, or a greek potato salad.

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta slicing the feta

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1/2cuppitted kalamata olives, plus 1 Tbsp.

brine from jar, divided

1 medium (12 oz.

containergrape tomatoes, halved (1 3/4 cups)

1 small (5 oz.

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta after baking the cheese

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)green bell pepper, cut into thin strips (about1 1/4cups)

1medium-size (8 oz.

Cut feta horizontally into 2 slabs.

Whisk vigorously until combined but not creamy, about 1 minute.

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta whisking together the salad dressing

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Top with cheese:

Top with warm feta, and serve.

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta tossing the vegetables with the dressing

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Southern Living Greek Salad with Baked Feta in the bowl ready to serve

Credit:Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley