Greek Salad

Greek salad always brings back memories of my first trip to a sunny Mediterranean coast where every meal started with a fresh bright bowl filled with vibrant vegetables and a generous chunk of feta so when I came back home I knew I had to recreate that taste. The first time I made it myself I remember how excited I felt layering the juicy tomatoes crisp cucumbers and briny olives while that drizzle of olive oil and oregano made me feel like I was right back at that seaside table.

Now it’s one of those recipes I turn to when I need something quick healthy and satisfying so I often whip it up for lunch or as a side at dinner because it’s not just simple but it looks beautiful on the plate. Whether you’re planning a light summer dinner or need a colorful dish for guests this Greek salad never fails to impress and it takes just a few minutes to make!

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Cherry tomatoes – Juicy and sweet they bring a pop of color and freshness.
• Cucumber – Adds a cool crunchy texture that’s so refreshing.
• Red onion – Offers sharpness and bite to balance the sweetness of the veggies.
• Kalamata olives – Rich briny and deeply flavorful they bring that Greek touch.
• Feta cheese – Salty creamy and tangy it crumbles beautifully on top.
• Olive oil – The classic base for a Mediterranean dressing.
• Red wine vinegar – Adds tang and brightness to the salad.
• Dried oregano – A traditional herb that brings authentic Greek flavor.
• Fresh parsley – Optional but I love it for a burst of green and freshness.
• Salt and pepper – Just a little to enhance all the vibrant flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting board – For slicing all those crisp fresh veggies.
• Sharp knife – Helps you get perfect even slices and dices.
• Salad bowl – Big enough to hold and toss everything comfortably.
• Measuring spoons – To get the dressing ratios just right.
• Serving spoon – For tossing and dishing out the salad easily.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the vegetables

I start by slicing the cucumber into rounds and then I halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the red onion thinly so everything is bite-sized and colorful.

Step 2: Assemble the base

In a large salad bowl I add the cucumber tomatoes red onion and Kalamata olives. I try to scatter the ingredients so each spoonful will be balanced.

Step 3: Add the feta

I crumble the feta over the top in chunks rather than tiny pieces because I love those creamy bites throughout the salad.

Step 4: Mix the dressing

In a small bowl I whisk together olive oil red wine vinegar dried oregano salt and pepper. The smell alone makes me hungry!

Step 5: Toss and serve

I drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together just before serving. I sometimes add chopped fresh parsley if I have it on hand.

Tips

If you want to tone down the bite of the red onion I soak the slices in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. Sometimes I add sliced bell peppers for extra crunch or a squeeze of lemon juice when I want a bit more zing. You can also serve the feta in one large slab on top for that traditional Greek restaurant presentation.

Ways to Serve

I often serve this Greek salad with grilled chicken or lamb for a full meal. It also works perfectly as a side for pasta dishes or wraps. During warmer months I love packing it for picnics or making it the star of a light lunch with pita bread and hummus on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?

Yes you can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance just keep them separate and combine right before serving to keep everything crisp.

Is Greek salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with fresh vegetables healthy fats from the olive oil and feta and it’s naturally low in carbs.

What’s the best substitute for feta in Greek salad?

If you don’t have feta goat cheese or a mild crumbly cheese like queso fresco works nicely although the flavor will be slightly different.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Greek salad a try and enjoy it as much as I do! It’s fresh flavorful and comes together in minutes so it’s a winner for any day of the week. Let me know how yours turns out and feel free to make it your own!

Happy Cooking!

Print