
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Salad is the epitome of simplicity and freshness. With minimal ingredients and no cooking required, this salad is quick and easy to prepare. The combination of crunchy vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The olive oil-based dressing adds a silky finish, perfectly complementing the fresh produce. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, as a standalone dish, or as part of a Mediterranean feast, Greek Salad is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
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2 cups cucumbers, peeled and chopped
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup Kalamata olives
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1 cup feta cheese, block-style (or crumbled)
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
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If using a block of feta, cut it into large cubes. Add the feta cheese to the salad.
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure all the vegetables and feta are coated evenly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chili peppers to give the salad a spicy kick.
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Include bell peppers: Add some sliced green or yellow bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
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Use a different cheese: If you can’t find feta, you can substitute with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
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Add capers: For extra Mediterranean flair, add a few capers to the salad for a briny, tangy kick.
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Make it vegan: Omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Greek Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The vegetables may release moisture, so it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it right before serving.
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Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold and does not need reheating. If stored, just give it a quick toss and add more dressing if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives in Greek Salad?
While Kalamata olives are traditional, you can use any type of olives you prefer, such as green olives or black olives, to suit your taste.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Greek Salad is best made fresh, but you can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance. Just store them separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store feta cheese?
If you have leftover feta, store it in a container with some brine (or olive oil) to keep it fresh. Make sure it’s fully submerged to preserve its texture and flavor.
Can I use bottled dressing for Greek Salad?
While homemade dressing is ideal for Greek Salad, you can use store-bought Greek dressing if you’re in a pinch. However, the homemade version with fresh lemon juice and oregano adds a lot of flavor.
Can I add grains to Greek Salad for a more filling meal?
Yes, you can add quinoa, couscous, or bulgur to the salad to make it more hearty and filling.
Can I use different herbs in the dressing?
Yes, while oregano is the traditional herb for Greek Salad, you can experiment with other Mediterranean herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for a unique twist.
What other vegetables can I add to Greek Salad?
Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added flavor and texture.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the dressing ingredients are free from gluten. Most store-bought dressings are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.
Can I use a different vinegar?
While red wine vinegar is traditional in Greek Salad, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some fresh chili peppers to introduce a spicy element to the salad.
Conclusion
Greek Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, briny olives, and a tangy dressing, this salad offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether served as a side or as a light meal on its own, Greek Salad is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd favorite. Enjoy it fresh, customize it to your liking, and savor the vibrant, healthy ingredients that make this salad so irresistible.
Print
Greek Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Greek Salad, also known as Horiatiki, is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines crisp vegetables, Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a simple, zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or part of a Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Kalamata olives
1 cup feta cheese, block-style (or crumbled)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- If using a block of feta, cut it into large cubes. Add the feta cheese to the salad.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure all the vegetables and feta are coated evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers.
- If you want a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp.
- This salad can also be customized with other vegetables such as bell peppers, radishes, or even roasted zucchini or eggplant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg