Greek salad has a way of transporting me straight to a sunny Greek island, even when I’m just in my kitchen. I remember the first time I tried a truly authentic Greek salad recipe, made by a family friend whose grandmother immigrated from Crete. It was simple, yet the explosion of fresh flavors – the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and that tangy, herby dressing – was unforgettable. This Mediterranean salad with feta and olives is incredibly easy to prepare, making it my go-to for a quick, healthy meal. Let’s whip up this delicious Greek salad together!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad
This isn’t just any salad; it’s a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine! You’ll adore this easy Greek salad for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly fresh and vibrant, packed with colorful veggies.
- The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion is a classic for a reason.
- You get that perfect salty bite from the briny Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese.
- The traditional Greek salad dressing is simple yet bursting with flavor.
- It’s a healthy Greek salad recipe that’s satisfying enough for a light lunch or a perfect side dish.
- This Mediterranean salad with feta and olives comes together in minutes – seriously, it’s that easy!
- It’s so versatile; you can easily adapt it to your liking.
Authentic Greek Salad Ingredients
Gathering the right components is key to making a real Greek salad. Here’s what you’ll need for this classic Greek salad recipe:
- 1 large cucumber, chopped – English cucumbers are great for their less-seedy texture.
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped – Ripe, juicy tomatoes are a must for that sweet burst.
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced – This adds a nice sharp bite and beautiful color.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped – For a touch of sweetness and crispness.
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted – These briny, flavorful olives are essential for that Mediterranean taste.
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled – Use a good quality block feta and crumble it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – This provides the classic tangy base for our simple Greek salad dressing recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Essential for that authentic Greek flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the fresh flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
How to Make a Real Greek Salad
Let’s get this easy Greek salad with cucumbers and tomatoes on your table! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be making it all the time.
- Step 1: Start by prepping your veggies. I like to chop my 1 large cucumber into bite-sized pieces and dice my 2 large tomatoes. Thinly slice 1 red onion – the thinner the slices, the milder the onion flavor. Chop 1 green bell pepper for that extra crunch and sweetness.
- Step 2: Combine all your chopped and sliced vegetables – cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper – in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted to the mix. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients.
- Step 3: Now for the star: the feta! Crumble 6 ounces feta cheese right into the bowl with the vegetables and olives.
- Step 4: Let’s whip up that traditional Greek salad dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This simple Greek salad dressing recipe is key to the authentic flavor.
- Step 5: Pour this glorious dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Step 6: Gently toss everything together. I like to use my hands for this part to ensure every piece is coated without crushing the delicate feta. You want that dressing to coat everything beautifully, creating a truly fresh Greek salad.
- Step 7: Serve your delicious Greek salad immediately to enjoy it at its peak freshness. It’s the best Greek salad recipe easy enough for any day!
Traditional Greek Salad Dressing Secrets
Crafting the perfect traditional Greek salad dressing is all about balance and quality. Here are a few insider tips I’ve picked up:
- Always use extra virgin olive oil; its robust flavor is non-negotiable for an authentic taste.
- Don’t be shy with the dried oregano! It needs a moment to rehydrate in the dressing to release its full aroma.
- A good quality red wine vinegar is essential. If you can find Greek red wine vinegar, even better!
- Taste and adjust seasonings before dressing the salad. Sometimes a little more salt or a splash more vinegar is needed.
- For a slightly thicker dressing, you can emulsify the oil and vinegar by slowly drizzling the oil while whisking constantly.
What’s the secret to a perfect Greek Salad?
The real secret to a perfect Greek Salad lies in the quality of your ingredients and the simplicity of the dressing. Using ripe, fresh vegetables and good feta cheese, combined with a classic dressing, makes all the difference.
Can I make Greek Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chopped vegetables and Kalamata olives ahead of time. Store them separately from the feta and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Dress the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Greek Salad?
A common mistake is using pre-crumbled feta, which can be dry. Always use a block of feta and crumble it yourself. Another pitfall is over-mixing or using too much vinegar; stick to the classic ratio and toss gently to keep that fresh crunch.
Best Ways to Serve Your Greek Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean salad with feta and olives is incredibly versatile! It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or lamb, making it a star at any barbecue. For a lighter meal, I love serving this Greek salad bowl over a bed of quinoa or alongside some crusty bread for dipping into that delicious crusty bread. It also pairs wonderfully with baked salmon or lemon herb roasted chicken for a complete, healthy Greek salad recipe.
Nutrition Information for Greek Salad
This healthy Greek salad recipe is a fantastic choice for a light and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Greek Salad
Properly storing your Greek salad bowl is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. Once you’ve finished making this simple Greek salad dressing recipe, let the salad cool slightly before packing. I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This fresh Greek salad should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. While it’s not ideal for freezing, you can certainly prep the components separately and combine them when ready to eat. If you’re looking for a make-ahead option, keep the vegetables, olives, and feta in one container and the dressing in a separate small jar. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply combine and toss! Reheating isn’t typically necessary for this dish; it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Salad
What are the ingredients in a Greek salad?
A classic Greek salad recipe typically includes fresh chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. The traditional Greek salad dressing is a simple combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Some variations might include capers or pepperoncini, but the core ingredients remain consistent for an authentic Greek salad.
Can I add protein to my Greek salad?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean salad with feta and olives is fantastic with added protein. Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or even chickpeas are wonderful additions to make it a more substantial meal. For a Greek salad recipe with chicken, I often grill some marinated chicken thighs and slice them thinly over the top. It transforms a side dish into a hearty main course.
How do I make a Greek salad without lettuce?
You’re in luck! The most authentic Greek salad recipe, often called a “Horiatiki” or Greek village salad recipe, is traditionally made without lettuce. It focuses on the fresh vegetables, feta, and olives, relying on the quality of those ingredients for its appeal. So, you’re already on the right track if you’re aiming for a Greek salad without lettuce!
What kind of olives are best for Greek salad?
Kalamata olives are the quintessential choice for a Greek salad. Their rich, fruity flavor and slightly chewy texture are distinct and essential for that authentic Mediterranean taste. When buying them, look for pitted Kalamata olives for convenience, or if you have a little more time, unpitted ones often have a more intense flavor. They truly elevate this easy Greek salad with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Variations of Greek Salad You Can Try
While the classic version is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Greek salad! Here are a few ideas to spice things up.
- Add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For a more substantial meal, top your Greek salad bowl with grilled chicken breast or succulent shrimp. It’s a fantastic way to create a complete meal from this easy Greek salad recipe.
- Include Quinoa or Chickpeas: Boost the protein and fiber by adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas. This transforms your fresh Greek salad into a hearty vegetarian Greek salad that’s perfect for lunch.
- Incorporate Other Mediterranean Flavors: Feel free to add artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, or even a sprinkle of fresh dill to your Greek village salad recipe for a different flavor profile.
- Try a Lemon-Herb Dressing: Swap the red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice and add a bit more fresh parsley or mint to the traditional Greek salad dressing for a brighter, zestier taste.
Greek Salad: 1 Perfect Mediterranean Bite
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and colorful Greek salad bursting with fresh vegetables, briny feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, perfect as a side or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.
- Gently toss the vegetables to mix.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the Greek salad dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Serve this delicious Greek salad immediately.
Notes
- For an authentic Greek village salad, use a good quality feta cheese and Kalamata olives.
- You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein to make it a more substantial meal.
- Adjust the amount of red wine vinegar and olive oil to your preference for the Greek salad dressing.
- This Greek salad recipe is easy to customize with your favorite Mediterranean vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg