How to Make Greek Feta Cheese Salad with Malaysian Herbs (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Greek Feta Cheese Salad with Malaysian Herbs is a unique fusion dish that brings together the creamy, tangy notes of feta cheese and the vibrant flavors of local Malaysian ingredients. In Malaysia’s multicultural culinary landscape, salads are often enjoyed as light, refreshing meals, especially during lunch. By incorporating fresh ulam (Malay herbs), tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty limau nipis (lime) dressing, this dish celebrates both global and local flavors. The combination of feta cheese with aromatic herbs like daun kesum (Vietnamese mint) and lemongrass adds depth and a distinctly Malaysian twist to the classic cheese salad. This makes it perfect for health-conscious vegetarians looking for something nutritious and satisfying. The salad is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy days or as a wholesome lunch that doesn’t compromise on taste or tradition.
Ingredients
- 100g Feta cheese (Greek-style, cubed)
- 1 medium Cucumber (diced, timun)
- 10 pieces Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 bulb Red onion (thinly sliced, bawang merah)
- 5 leaves Daun kesum (Vietnamese mint) (finely chopped)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass (inner part, thinly sliced, serai)
- 1 small Pandan leaf (optional, finely sliced)
- 1 Limau nipis (lime) (juiced)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground, lada hitam)
- to taste Sea salt (garam laut)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare all vegetables by dicing cucumber
Prepare all vegetables by dicing cucumber, halving cherry tomatoes, and thinly slicing red onion and lemongrass.
Step 2 · Wash and finely chop daun kesum and optional pandan leaf
Wash and finely chop daun kesum and optional pandan leaf, adding fragrant herbal notes.
Step 3 · Cube the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces and set aside
Cube the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 4 · In a large bowl
In a large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lemongrass, daun kesum, and pandan leaf.
Step 5 · Whisk together olive oil
Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, black pepper, and sea salt to make the dressing.
Step 6 · Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
Step 7 · Top salad with cubed feta cheese and serve immediately
Top salad with cubed feta cheese and serve immediately.
Why this recipe is healthy
Greek Feta Cheese Salad with Malaysian Herbs is a healthy choice due to its high content of fresh vegetables and herbs, which offer essential nutrients and fiber. The use of olive oil and lime juice for dressing avoids unhealthy saturated fats. It’s naturally low in calories, supports weight management, and is suitable for vegetarians. The inclusion of herbs like daun kesum and lemongrass offers added health benefits unique to Malaysian cuisine.
A note on tradition
While feta cheese is not traditionally Malaysian, salads incorporating local herbs and fresh produce are popular in Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine, especially during hot afternoons. This dish exemplifies how global ingredients like feta can be harmoniously paired with Malaysian flavors such as daun kesum, lemongrass, and pandan for a refreshing, modern take. It’s increasingly enjoyed in health-conscious cafes across Kuala Lumpur and Penang.