Greek Salad Recipe: A Fresh Mediterranean Classic

There’s something magical about the vibrant colors and bold flavors that come together in a traditional Greek Salad. After a long day at work, I often find myself craving this refreshing dish that takes just minutes to prepare yet delivers an explosion of Mediterranean flavors. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese create a perfect harmony that transports you straight to a seaside taverna in Greece. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option, a stunning side dish, or a refreshing starter for your next dinner party, this authentic Greek Salad recipe delivers simplicity and nutrition without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad

• ✅ Ready in just 10 minutes – perfect for busy weeknight meals
• ✅ Packed with Mediterranean diet Greek salad benefits including heart-healthy fats and antioxidants
• ✅ Simple traditional Greek salad ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store
• ✅ Versatile recipe that works as a side dish, light lunch, or party appetizer
• ✅ The authentic Greek salad preparation tips ensure restaurant-quality results every time
• ✅ Low-carb Greek salad meal ideas make it perfect for various dietary preferences

Ingredients for Greek Salad

To make an authentic Greek Salad with feta cheese and olives, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• 4 large vine tomatoes, cut into irregular wedges
• 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded, then roughly chopped
• ½ a red onion, thinly sliced
• 16 Kalamata olives
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 85g feta cheese, cut into chunks (barrel-matured feta is best)
• 4 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Tomatoes: Vine-ripened tomatoes provide the best flavor, but any ripe, in-season tomatoes will work well.
• Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers work best as they contain fewer seeds.
• Onions: If red onions are too strong, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.
• Olives: Traditional Greek Salad uses Kalamata olives, but any black olives can substitute in a pinch.
• Feta: For authentic flavor, choose Greek feta made from sheep’s milk rather than cow’s milk versions.
• Oil: High-quality Greek extra virgin olive oil makes a significant difference in the final taste.

How to Make Greek Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into irregular wedges – this rustic cutting style is traditional and helps the tomatoes release their juices into the salad. Peel the cucumber, remove the seeds, and chop into bite-sized chunks. Slice the red onion very thinly to ensure it doesn’t overpower the other fresh vegetable Greek salad toppings.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the prepared tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add the Kalamata olives whole. The traditional method for making Greek Salad calls for minimal handling to keep ingredients intact and presentation rustic.

Step 3: Add the Feta and Seasonings

Place the feta cheese on top of the salad in large chunks rather than crumbling it – this is the authentic Greek way. Sprinkle the dried oregano over the entire salad. The warmth from the vegetables will help release the oregano’s aromatic oils.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the Greek extra virgin olive oil over everything just before serving. For an easy homemade Greek salad dressing variation, you can mix the olive oil with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt, but purists often stick with just olive oil.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Greek Salad

• Use room temperature ingredients: Take your vegetables out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before preparing for maximum flavor.
• Don’t skimp on olive oil: High-quality Greek olive oil is essential for authentic taste.
• Keep it simple: Authentic Greek Salad doesn’t contain lettuce, peppers, or premade dressings.
• Serve immediately after dressing: For the best texture, add the olive oil just before serving.
• Cut vegetables into substantial chunks: Small pieces will become soggy quickly.
• Season from above: Sprinkle salt from a height to ensure even distribution.

Best Ways to Serve Greek Salad

Greek Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a light main course with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices
• As a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish
• As part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus and pita
• In pita pockets with grilled chicken for a satisfying sandwich
• As a topping for baked potatoes for a complete meal

When thinking about how to make Greek salad for parties, consider serving it in a shallow, wide bowl that showcases the colorful ingredients. Present it with serving utensils that won’t break up the feta chunks.

Nutritional Information for Greek Salad

One of the best things about Greek Salad is its exceptional Greek salad nutritional value and facts. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (¼ of recipe):

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g (primarily healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg (primarily from olives and feta)

This makes Greek Salad an excellent option for those following Mediterranean, low-carb, or ketogenic diets. The combination of vegetables provides vitamins A and C, while the olive oil and feta deliver calcium and heart-healthy fats.

Storage & Leftovers

While Greek Salad is best enjoyed freshly made, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results:

• Store the dressing separately if possible
• Allow refrigerated salad to come to room temperature before serving
• Add a drizzle of fresh olive oil to revive leftovers
• Consider healthy Greek salad variations by adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to refresh day-old salad

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are in a traditional Greek salad?

An authentic Greek Salad contains tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, dried oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. Unlike many Western adaptations, traditional Greek Salad (also called “Horiatiki”) doesn’t contain lettuce, bell peppers, or vinegar-based dressings.

How many calories are in a Greek salad?

A typical serving of Greek Salad contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively light meal option. The calorie content can vary depending on the amount of olive oil and feta cheese used.

Can you make Greek salad without feta cheese?

Yes, you can make Greek Salad without feta for a dairy-free version. Consider substituting with a dairy-free feta alternative or simply omitting it. The salad will still be delicious with just the vegetables, olives, oregano, and olive oil.

Is Greek salad healthy?

Absolutely! Greek Salad is extremely healthy as it features fresh vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants, heart-healthy olive oil, and moderate amounts of protein from feta. It aligns perfectly with Mediterranean diet principles, which are consistently ranked among the healthiest eating patterns in the world.

Conclusion

This simple yet flavorful Greek Salad recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort. By focusing on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods, you can create an authentic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The refreshing combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta has stood the test of time for good reason – it’s simply delicious!

Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish with dinner, or preparing it for your next gathering, this classic Greek Salad is sure to impress. Remember that simplicity is key – let the fresh ingredients speak for themselves, and don’t overcomplicate this timeless recipe.

Have you tried making Greek Salad at home? What’s your favorite way to enjoy this Mediterranean classic? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below!

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