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Greek Salad Recipe

There’s a magic to a classic Greek Salad. It’s a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine—simple, fresh ingredients brought together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives are tossed with creamy feta and a tangy vinaigrette, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.

The first time I tasted an authentic Greek salad was on a sunlit patio overlooking the Aegean Sea. The flavors were bright, vibrant, and unforgettable. Recreating it at home is like bringing a piece of Greece to my kitchen. Whether it’s a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this salad never fails to impress. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe and make something truly delicious.

This Greek Salad Recipe combines the best of Mediterranean flavors in a simple, easy-to-make dish. Fresh vegetables, salty olives, and creamy feta come together in a tangy vinaigrette for a salad that’s as delicious as it is healthy. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light main course, this salad is a must-have in your recipe collection.

Exciting Story

The first time I made this Greek salad, it was for a summer picnic with friends. I wanted something fresh and light that could stand up to the grilled meats and hearty sides. As the salad came together, the kitchen filled with the aroma of oregano and lemon. When I served it, the vibrant colors and bold flavors stole the show. My friends couldn’t get enough, and it’s been a staple at every gathering since. This salad is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of freshness and simplicity.

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Why This Greek Salad Recipe

What Makes It Special

  • Fresh Ingredients: Simple, high-quality produce is the star.
  • Versatile Dish: Works as a side, starter, or main course.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and bold Mediterranean flavors.

What You Need for Greek Salad

  • 1 English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
  • 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (green or red), sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled or cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Greek Salad

  1. Prep the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to combine.
  4. Add the Feta: Top the salad with crumbled or cubed feta cheese.
  5. Serve: Garnish with optional add-ins like parsley or chickpeas, and serve immediately. For extra flavor, squeeze a lemon wedge over the salad just before eating.

Tips for Greek Salad

  1. Use Ripe Vegetables: Choose the freshest, ripest produce for the best flavor.
  2. High-Quality Olive Oil: A good extra-virgin olive oil makes a big difference.
  3. Authentic Feta: Use Greek feta made from sheep’s milk for the creamiest texture.
  4. Slice Uniformly: Cut vegetables evenly for a consistent texture and presentation.
  5. Serve Fresh: Greek salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the vegetables for 30 minutes before tossing for a refreshing touch.
  7. Season Lightly: Taste and adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid overpowering the flavors.
  8. Pair It Right: Serve with warm pita bread, grilled chicken, or roasted lamb for a complete meal.

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Vegan Option: Omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
  2. Low-Sodium: Use less feta and rinse olives to reduce salt content.
  3. Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
  4. Different Vinegar: Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
  5. No Onions: Replace red onion with green onions or leave them out entirely.
  6. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
  7. Roasted Veggies: Use roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.
  8. Grains Addition: Mix in cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for a filling salad.

Make a Healthier Version

  1. Less Oil: Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of two.
  2. Skip the Cheese: Replace feta with avocado for creaminess.
  3. Increase Veggies: Add more cucumbers and bell peppers for bulk without extra calories.
  4. Light Dressing: Use a yogurt-based dressing instead of olive oil.
  5. Low-Sodium Feta: Opt for reduced-sodium feta cheese.
  6. Whole Olives: Use whole, unpitted olives for a more natural flavor.
  7. Add Greens: Toss in arugula or spinach for additional nutrients.
  8. Fresh Herbs: Add dill or mint for a burst of freshness.

Closing for Greek Salad Recipe

This Greek Salad Recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of freshness, simplicity, and bold Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side, or a centerpiece for your next gathering, this salad delivers on all fronts. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress. So grab your freshest veggies, whisk up that tangy vinaigrette, and transport yourself to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite. Kali orexi!

Frequently Asked Questions for Greek Salad Recipe

  1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately. Toss them together just before serving.
  2. What if I don’t have red wine vinegar? Substitute with balsamic, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
  3. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note the vegetables may release water over time.
  4. Can I use store-bought dressing? Yes, but homemade dressing gives the best flavor and freshness.
  5. What pairs well with this salad? Serve with grilled meats, fish, or warm pita bread.
  6. Is Greek salad gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
  7. Can I add lettuce? While traditional Greek salad doesn’t include lettuce, you can add it for extra crunch.
  8. What type of olives are best? Kalamata olives are traditional, but any briny olive will work.
  9. How do I make it more filling? Add chickpeas, quinoa, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
  10. Can I use jarred feta? Fresh, block feta is preferred for its creamy texture, but crumbled feta works in a pinch.
  11. What herbs can I add? Fresh parsley, dill, or mint pair beautifully with the salad.
  12. How do I make it dairy-free? Skip the feta or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Greek Salad Recipe

Greek Salad Recipe

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

 

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 1 English cucumber, sliced into half-moons

  • 3 medium 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges

  • 1 small 1 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 1 bell pepper (green or red), sliced

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 Kalamata olives, pitted

  • 4 oz 4 feta cheese, crumbled or cut into cubes

  • 2 tbsp 2 extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tbsp 1 red wine vinegar

  • 1 tsp 1 dried oregano

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  • 1 1 avocado, sliced

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

  • Prep the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
  • Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to combine.
  • Add the Feta: Top the salad with crumbled or cubed feta cheese.
  • Serve: Garnish with optional add-ins like parsley or chickpeas, and serve immediately. For extra flavor, squeeze a lemon wedge over the salad just before eating.

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