Refreshing Classic Greek Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Mediterranean summers burst with vibrant classic greek salad flavors that dance across your plate like sunshine.

Crisp vegetables whisper tales of coastal villages and azure waters.

Fresh ingredients connect you to ancient culinary traditions passed through generations.

Cucumber, tomatoes, and creamy feta create a symphony of textures that sing with simplicity.

Kalamata olives add a robust punch of Mediterranean spirit to this iconic dish.

Salt-kissed herbs weave through each delightful bite, transporting you to a Greek taverna.

Savor this refreshing recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious Mediterranean journey.

Classic Greek Salad That Refreshes Every Bite

• Quick Summer Delight: Whips up classic Mediterranean flavors in minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Chop, toss, and serve without complicated cooking techniques or special equipment needed.
• Healthy Mediterranean Nutrition: Packed with fresh vegetables, lean proteins from feta, and heart-healthy olive oil providing excellent nutritional balance.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch companion that impresses guests effortlessly.

Essentials for Classic Greek Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp base with cool, refreshing texture. Best when firm and dark green.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet burst of flavor, adds vibrant color. Ripe, deep red tomatoes preferred.
• Red Onion: Sharp flavor that adds zesty punch. Thin slices recommended.

• Kalamata Olives, Green Olives: Authentic Greek flavor with salty complexity. Pitted olives work best.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that defines Greek salad character. Authentic Greek feta recommended.

• Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb with earthy aroma. Use high-quality dried version.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright green color and light flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth dressing base. Extra virgin olive oil preferred.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Acidic component that balances flavors. Traditional Greek-style vinegar ideal.

Step-by-Step for Classic Greek Salad

Step 1: Prepare Crisp Vegetables

Grab a cutting board and sharp knife.

Slice the cucumber into thin, half-moon shapes.

Thinly slice the red onion into delicate rings that will add a zesty punch to your salad.

Step 2: Transform Tomatoes

Take your cherry tomatoes and slice them in half, revealing their juicy, vibrant centers.

These little gems will burst with flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Break Down Feta

Carefully cube the creamy feta cheese into bite-sized pieces.

The chunks should be small enough to distribute evenly throughout the salad.

Step 4: Create Salad Base

• Sliced cucumber
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Green olives

Step 5: Add Cheese Crowning Glory

Sprinkle the feta cheese cubes over the vegetable mixture, letting them nestle between the other ingredients.

Step 6: Season with Mediterranean Flair

• Dried oregano
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 7: Dress with Liquid Sunshine

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar

Step 8: Toss and Marry Flavors

Gently mix all ingredients, ensuring each piece gets coated with the dressing and seasonings.

Use a light touch to keep the vegetables looking fresh and crisp.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Transfer the salad to a serving dish.

Enjoy immediately for the most vibrant and refreshing Greek culinary experience.

Greek Salad Tricks Worth Using

• Cut cucumber, red onion, and tomatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even flavor distribution and attractive presentation.
• Refrigerate vegetables and feta before assembling to keep the salad crisp and refreshing, especially during warm weather.
• Select authentic Kalamata olives from Greece for a more genuine Mediterranean taste and rich, briny flavor profile.
• Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar sparingly to prevent overwhelming the fresh vegetable flavors while maintaining a light, zesty coating.
• Prepare and consume the salad right away to preserve the crispness of vegetables and prevent them from becoming soggy or wilted.

Storing Greek Salad Without Losing Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Greek salad doesn't freeze well due to the high water content of vegetables, which can turn mushy when thawed.
• Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove any excess liquid to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Quickly drain any accumulated liquid and give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients before enjoying the next day.

Fresh Complements For Greek Salad

Enhance Mediterranean Magic: Pairing Recommendations

• Crisp White Wine Delight: Match the salad with a chilled Assyrtiko from Santorini, its mineral notes perfectly complementing the tangy feta and bright vegetables.
• Grilled Protein Partner: Serve alongside succulent lamb souvlaki or herb-crusted grilled chicken to create a complete Mediterranean meal that balances the salad's fresh flavors.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Add warm, rustic pita or fresh Greek bread to soak up the olive oil and vinegar dressing, turning the salad into a more substantial dining experience.
• Refreshing Drink Option: Pour a cold Mythos beer or an ouzo spritzer to echo the salad's authentic Greek character and provide a cool, crisp contrast to the salad's robust ingredients.

Greek Salad Dressing Swaps

• Vegan Olive Herb Salad: Replace feta with firm tofu cubes, nutritional yeast, and add extra olives for rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Mix: Swap tomatoes with roasted bell peppers, increase cucumber quantity, and use extra virgin olive oil for lighter version.
• Protein-Packed Greek Bowl: Include grilled chicken or chickpeas, double the herbs, and add quinoa for substantial meal transformation.
• Gluten-Free Herb Garden Salad: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use fresh herbs from garden, and enhance with lemon zest for bright taste.

FAQs

• Is a Greek salad healthy?

Yes, it’s incredibly nutritious. Packed with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and feta cheese, it provides antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that support heart health and boost overall wellness.

• What makes authentic Greek salad different from other salads?

Authentic Greek salad doesn’t include lettuce. It focuses on fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, with Kalamata olives and feta cheese, creating a robust and traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent vegetables from becoming soggy.

• Do I need special ingredients for a traditional Greek salad?

Not really. Basic ingredients like fresh vegetables, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, olive oil, and red wine vinegar are easily available in most grocery stores.

Classic Greek Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sunshine dances through this classic greek salad, bringing crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta together in a refreshing harmony. Crumbled herbs and olive oil complete this simple yet elegant dish that transports diners straight to a Greek island taverna.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup (237 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Cheese and Olives:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) feta cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) green olives

Herbs, Seasonings, and Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. Chop cucumber and red onion into thin, uniform slices for a balanced texture and visual appeal.
2. Carefully slice cherry tomatoes in half, revealing their vibrant inner flesh.
3. Create neat, bite-sized cubes of feta cheese to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
4. Transfer all prepared vegetables and olives into a spacious mixing vessel.
5. Gently scatter feta cheese cubes across the vegetable medley.
6. Enhance the salad’s Mediterranean essence by sprinkling dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Elevate the flavor profile by drizzling high-quality extra virgin olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar over the ingredients.
8. Delicately fold and toss the components, ensuring each morsel is lovingly coated with the aromatic dressing.
9. Present immediately to capture the salad’s crisp freshness and vibrant flavors, transporting diners to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.

Notes

• Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has balanced flavors and textures.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh ingredients for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
• For a lighter version, reduce feta cheese quantity or substitute with low-fat Greek yogurt cubes.
• Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this salad into a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg