Refreshing Classic Greek Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Mediterranean summers burst with vibrant salad flavors that capture classic greek salad’s authentic spirit.

Crisp cucumber slices and juicy tomatoes dance across rustic plates.

Briny kalamata olives add depth to each refreshing bite.

Feta cheese crumbles bring tangy richness that makes this dish irresistible.

Salt-kissed ingredients whisper stories of sunny coastlines and relaxed dining.

Crunch meets creaminess in a symphony of simple, fresh components.

Let this recipe transport you to a charming Greek taverna with just a few ingredients.

Classic Greek Salad What Goes In

• Tomatoes: Juicy base of the salad, best when ripe and vine-ripened.
• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, adds cool texture.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that gives a zesty bite, thinly sliced for balance.
• Green Bell Pepper: Provides crunch and slight sweetness, optional if preferred.

• Feta Cheese: Traditional Greek cheese with tangy and salty profile, preferably made from sheep's milk.
• Kalamata Olives: Rich, dark olives with intense Mediterranean flavor, authentic Greek variety.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin preferred for authentic taste, smooth and fruity.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds bright acidic touch, balances the richness of cheese and olives.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that enhances Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides better aroma and flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright green color and fresh herbal note.

How to Build a Crisp & Fresh Greek Salad

Step 1: Chop Fresh Produce

Grab your cutting board and knife.

Slice ripe tomatoes into chunky wedges.

Dice crisp cucumber into bite-sized pieces.

Thinly slice red onion.

Cut green bell pepper into small chunks.

Transfer all chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Scatter Mediterranean Treasures

Sprinkle Kalamata olives generously over the vegetable mixture.

Place a whole block of creamy feta cheese on top or crumble it for easier serving.

The cheese should sit beautifully atop the colorful vegetables.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they create a smooth, aromatic mixture.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Gently pour the dressing over the salad.

Use a light touch to distribute the liquid, ensuring each vegetable gets a delicate coating.

Be careful not to break the feta cheese while mixing.

Step 5: Finish with Herbal Flourish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or extra oregano on top for a burst of color and additional flavor.

Serve immediately alongside warm pita bread or as a refreshing side to grilled proteins.

Salad Building Tricks for a Classic Greek Bowl

• Cut tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and even dressing absorption.
• Use traditional Greek feta made from sheep's or goat's milk for the most genuine flavor and creamy texture.
• Mix olive oil and vinegar in a 3: 1 ratio to create a perfectly balanced, tangy vinaigrette without overwhelming the vegetables.
• Refrigerate vegetables before assembling to keep the salad crisp and refreshing, especially during warm weather.
• Prepare the salad just before serving to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy and maintain their fresh, vibrant crunch.

Store Classic Greek Salad Properly

• Store leftover Greek salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep feta cheese and dressing separate to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Before storing, drain any accumulated liquid to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Gently stir the salad and add a splash of fresh dressing to revive flavors and texture when ready to eat again.
• Do not freeze this salad, as vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become watery upon thawing.

Fresh Pairings for Classic Greek Salad

• Pair with Crisp Assyrtiko Wine: Select a chilled Assyrtiko from Santorini, Greece, with its bright acidity and mineral notes that perfectly complement the salad's tangy feta and fresh vegetables.
• Serve with Grilled Souvlaki: Add succulent Greek-style chicken or lamb souvlaki skewers alongside the salad, creating a complete Mediterranean meal that balances the salad's freshness with smoky grilled protein.
• Match with Herbed Tzatziki: Offer a cool, creamy tzatziki dip made with yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs to provide a smooth contrast to the salad's crisp textures and add an extra layer of traditional Greek flavor.
• Accompany with Ouzo Spritzer: Create a light cocktail by mixing ouzo with sparkling water and a splash of lemon, which echoes the salad's bright, zesty profile while offering a refreshing alcoholic complement.

Salad Swaps for a Greek-Inspired Touch

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular salt with herb-infused salt alternative or use lemon juice for seasoning. Reduce olive quantity and choose lower-sodium feta cheese for healthier option.
• Vegan Mediterranean Adaptation: Substitute feta with firm tofu crumbles or cashew cheese. Use plant-based Greek-style dressing with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Approach: Increase olive and feta portions. Remove bell peppers and reduce onion quantities. Add extra virgin olive oil for higher fat content. Serve with grilled protein for complete meal.
• Gluten-Free Quick Swap: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free pita or cucumber slices instead of traditional bread. Check vinegar and seasoning labels for potential gluten contamination.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in a classic Greek salad?

The key ingredients are fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Is feta cheese mandatory in a Greek salad?

Yes, feta cheese is essential and a defining ingredient in a traditional Greek salad. It provides a tangy, creamy element that distinguishes this salad from other Mediterranean salads.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the Greek salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh. If needed, you can chop vegetables in advance and store separately, then combine and dress just before eating.

• Do I need special olive oil for this recipe?

Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for authentic flavor. Greek olive oil is ideal, but a good quality extra virgin olive oil from any region will work well in the recipe.

Greek Salad That’s Refreshing And Loved By All Ages

• Whip Up Summer Simplicity: Perfect for Quick Lunch Breaks
• Crafting this salad requires minimal cooking skills and takes only 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy professionals seeking a nutritious meal without complex preparation.
• Create Mediterranean Magic: Authentic Flavor Explosion
• Bursting with traditional Greek ingredients like Kalamata olives and tangy feta, this recipe delivers genuine Mediterranean taste without extensive culinary training or expensive ingredients.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for Multiple Occasions
• Whether serving as a refreshing side dish at a summer barbecue, packing for a picnic, or enjoying a light dinner, this salad seamlessly transitions between casual and elegant settings with its vibrant colors and fresh components.
• Healthy Eating Made Delicious: Nutrient-Rich Delight
• Packed with fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and protein-rich feta, this salad offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, supporting wellness goals without feeling like a restrictive diet.

Classic Greek Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp Mediterranean flavors dance through this classic greek salad, blending fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Mediterranean herbs and olive oil unite to create a refreshing dish that transports you to sunny Greek shores with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped into wedges
• 1 cucumber, sliced (or quartered if using a large cucumber)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) block of feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

Vegetable Additions:

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or oregano

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Instructions

1. Chop the fresh, ripe tomatoes into bite-sized cubes, slice crisp cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice red onion, and dice green bell pepper into uniform pieces.
2. Transfer all chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant Mediterranean medley.
3. Carefully distribute Kalamata olives across the vegetable landscape, then position the feta cheese block prominently on top, maintaining the traditional Greek presentation.
4. Craft the dressing by whisking extra virgin olive oil with robust red wine vinegar, sprinkling dried oregano, and seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Gently cascade the aromatic dressing over the salad, allowing it to delicately coat each vegetable piece without overwhelming the ingredients.
6. Optional: Briefly toss the salad to integrate flavors, taking care not to disrupt the feta’s elegant whole-block appearance.
7. Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with fresh parsley or an extra pinch of oregano, adding a final touch of herbaceous brightness.
8. Serve immediately alongside warm, soft pita bread or as a complementary side to grilled Mediterranean proteins, capturing the essence of Greek culinary tradition.

Notes

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure balanced flavor and consistent bite in every forkful.
• Swap feta with plant-based alternatives like tofu or vegan cheese for dairy-free diets without compromising authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Select high-quality Kalamata olives from specialty stores for richer, more authentic Mediterranean taste experience.
• Adjust vinegar and oil ratio based on personal preference, keeping traditional proportions for authentic Greek salad character.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg