Zesty Classic Greek Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful Magic

Mediterranean summers burst with incredible flavor in this classic greek salad that captures sunshine on a plate.

Crisp vegetables dance together in a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients.

Cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions create a rainbow of colors and textures.

Tangy feta cheese adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the bright vegetables.

Kalamata olives bring a salty punch that transports you straight to a seaside taverna in greece.

A simple olive oil and oregano dressing ties everything together with authentic Mediterranean simplicity.

Come savor this refreshing dish that makes every bite feel like a delicious Mediterranean escape.

Why Classic Greek Salad Remains a Fresh Favorite

• A salad that transports you to sunny Greek islands with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Takes just 10-15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meal planning.
• Easily adaptable for vegetarians, can swap ingredients based on preferences or available produce, making it versatile for different dietary needs.
• Loaded with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil and feta, providing a balanced and nutritious meal that feels indulgent yet light.

Ingredients That Make Greek Salad So Bold and Bright

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Green Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Kalamata Olives: Crisp and fresh vegetables providing vibrant colors and classic Greek salad texture. Choose ripe, firm vegetables for the best flavor and crunch.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Essential base for creating authentic Greek salad dressing with rich Mediterranean flavor. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best taste.
• Oregano, Lemon Juice, Garlic: Aromatic herbs and seasonings that add bright, zesty profile to the dressing. Fresh herbs provide more intense flavor compared to dried.

• Feta Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Tangy cheese adds creamy texture and traditional Greek element. Select high-quality, authentic Greek feta for most authentic taste. Parsley offers fresh, herbal garnish and additional color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor of the salad and dressing. Kosher or sea salt recommended for better taste.

How to Assemble a Perfectly Balanced Greek Salad

Step 1: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Slice cherry tomatoes into halves, dice cucumber into bite-sized cubes, thinly cut green bell pepper, mince red onion, and roughly chop Kalamata olives. Transfer all chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.

• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Green bell pepper
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives

Step 2: Whisk Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend ingredients vigorously until they create a smooth, unified dressing.

Step 3: Marry Salad Components

Pour prepared dressing over vegetable mixture. Gently toss ingredients using salad servers or large spoons, ensuring each piece gets coated with tangy liquid.

Step 4: Crown With Creamy Cheese

Crumble authentic Greek feta cheese generously across salad surface. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for additional color and herbal brightness.

Step 5: Present And Enjoy

Serve immediately at room temperature or chill briefly in refrigerator. Perfect as a side dish or light Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Pro Tips for Crisp Veggies and Tangy Dressing

• Slice Veggies Precisely: Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has balanced flavors and textures.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, high-quality tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the most authentic and vibrant Greek salad experience.
• Adjust Dressing Intensity: Modify the vinegar and olive oil ratio to suit your taste preferences, making the dressing more tangy or mild.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal that transforms this classic side dish into a complete main course.

How to Chill and Store Greek Salad Without Soggy Greens

• Store leftover Greek salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing and salad separate to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Before serving stored salad, drain any accumulated liquid and gently toss to redistribute ingredients and revive freshness.
• Avoid freezing this salad as cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese will lose texture and become watery when thawed.
• If salad seems wilted, add a few fresh chopped vegetables and a splash of dressing to brighten up the flavors before serving.

What Pairs Best with Classic Greek Salad

• Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini or a light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salad's fresh Mediterranean flavors and cut through the salty feta cheese.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or traditional Greek pita bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and vinegar dressing, adding texture and enhancing the salad's overall experience.
• Add a side of lemon-herb grilled chicken or succulent Greek-style lamb skewers to transform the salad into a complete, satisfying meal that highlights the classic Mediterranean culinary style.
• Pour a cold glass of lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, providing a light and refreshing counterpoint to the salad's robust flavors.

Fresh Additions for a New Greek Salad Twist

• Mediterranean Vegan Salad: Replace feta cheese with cubed tofu or vegan cheese alternative, ensuring plant-based protein and similar creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Greek Salad: Eliminate bell peppers, double cucumber quantity, and add extra virgin olive oil for increased healthy fat content.
• Protein-Packed Greek Salad: Incorporate grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, or quinoa to boost protein and create a more substantial meal.
• Herb-Infused Greek Salad: Experiment with fresh mint, dill, or basil alongside parsley for a vibrant herbal dimension and enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs About Building the Best Greek Salad

• Is a Greek salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and nutrient-rich feta cheese. The ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall wellness.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and prevent wilting. Store chopped vegetables and dressing separately in the refrigerator.

• What type of feta cheese works best?

Traditional Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk is ideal. Look for authentic Greek feta with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for the most authentic flavor and texture.

• Can I substitute ingredients in a Greek salad?

While authentic Greek salad has specific ingredients, you can make minor substitutions. For example, replace green bell peppers with yellow peppers or swap red onions for shallots, maintaining the salad’s core Mediterranean character.

Classic Greek Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Summer’s embrace brings Mediterranean magic with classic greek salad, a refreshing harmony of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta. Crumbled herbs and briny olives dance together, whisking you to sun-drenched Greek islands with each vibrant bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled or in blocks
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and green bell pepper into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture and flavor distribution.
2. Thinly slice red onion into delicate half-moons to provide a sharp, crisp element without overwhelming the other ingredients.
3. Place prepared vegetables in a spacious mixing bowl, adding Kalamata olives for their signature briny Mediterranean essence.
4. Create the zesty dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper in a separate container.
5. Drizzle the aromatic dressing over the chopped vegetables, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is elegantly coated.
6. Crumble authentic feta cheese directly on top, allowing its creamy, tangy profile to complement the fresh vegetable medley.
7. For an optional herbaceous finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the salad, enhancing its visual appeal and adding a subtle green note.
8. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s vibrant textures, or chill briefly to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Quickly chop vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
• Drain Kalamata olives thoroughly to prevent excess saltiness and watery salad consistency.
• Let salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld and enhance overall taste profile.
• For a lighter version, reduce olive oil quantity or substitute with Greek yogurt for a creamy, lower-calorie dressing alternative.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg