Ingredients:

  • 6 oz Feta cheese (Block, good quality)
  • 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Full fat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 medium English Cucumber (finely diced, salted and drained)
  • 2 medium Vine Tomatoes (finely diced, seeds removed)
  • 1/4 medium Red Onion (very finely minced)
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata Olives (pitted), roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Red Wine Vinegar
  • Pinch Salt (for draining cucumber)
  • 8 slices Sourdough Bread (thick cut)
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach or Rocket (Arugula), optional

Instructions:

  1. Prepare and drain the vegetables: Dice the cucumber and tomatoes very finely. Remove the seedy, watery pulp from the tomatoes. Place the diced cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve, toss lightly with a pinch of salt, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Finely chop the red onion and olives.
  2. Create the Feta Binding Base: In a mixing bowl, place the feta cheese block and one tablespoon of the reserved feta brine. Use a fork to mash the feta until it forms a creamy, crumbly paste. Stir in the Greek yogurt, dried oregano, fresh dill, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Mix the Filling: Pat the drained cucumber dry using a clean towel. Add the cucumber, diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped olives, and red wine vinegar to the feta mixture. Gently fold the components together. Do not overmix. Taste, adjust seasoning if necessary, cover, and chill for 15 minutes.
  4. Toast the Bread: Brush one side of the 8 sourdough slices lightly with olive oil. Toast the bread on a grill pan, in a toaster, or under the oven grill until golden brown and firm, creating a sturdy moisture barrier. Allow the bread to cool slightly.
  5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of the toasted bread. If using, lay a small handful of baby spinach or rocket on the base slices. Spoon a generous amount of the chilled Greek Salad filling onto the bread. Top with the remaining 4 slices, press down lightly, and slice the sandwiches in half diagonally. Serve immediately.