Classic Greek Salad Recipe
If there’s one dish that instantly transports me to a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Aegean, it’s a Classic Greek Salad Recipe. With its medley of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, every bite bursts with freshness and that signature Mediterranean flavor. This salad is more than just a colorful side; it’s a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a show-stopping side, or a refreshing addition to any meal, you’ll fall in love with the ease and authentic taste of this timeless favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this Classic Greek Salad Recipe is how it transforms everyday produce into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding its own unique flavor, crunch, or pop of color. Gather these essentials for a bowl of sunshine you’ll crave all year long:
- Ripe tomatoes (3 cups, chopped): Use the juiciest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find for maximum sweetness and color.
- Large cucumber (peeled and sliced into half-moons): Adds refreshing crunch and coolness that balances the other bold flavors.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Provides a gentle bite and beautiful purple ribbons throughout the salad.
- Green bell pepper (sliced): Offers a subtle sweetness and crisp texture that’s essential for authenticity.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, pitted): These briny gems bring classic Greek flair with every salty, savory bite.
- Feta cheese (6 ounces, cut into large chunks or crumbled): Creamy, tangy feta is the heart of this salad—choose sheep’s milk feta for even more richness.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): A good-quality olive oil infuses the salad with a peppery, fruity aroma.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, zesty note that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Sprinkling this classic herb gives the salad its unmistakable Greek character.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of the veggies and balances the tangy dressing.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers just a hint of heat and depth to the final dish.
How to Make Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Chop and Combine the Vegetables
Begin by prepping all your fresh produce. Chop the tomatoes into juicy chunks, slice the cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice the red onion, and cut the green bell pepper into rings or strips. In a large salad bowl, gently toss these vegetables together with the Kalamata olives, making sure everything is evenly distributed without crushing the delicate tomatoes.
Step 2: Add the Feta Cheese
Now comes the magical moment—adding the feta cheese. Place the feta on top of your salad, either in generous blocks (as they do in Greece) or crumbled for more coverage. This not only looks stunning but allows the cheese to keep its creamy texture until you toss it all together.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The aroma alone will have you dreaming of summer! This simple dressing is the backbone of any Classic Greek Salad Recipe, so don’t skimp on the quality of your olive oil.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to break up the feta too much—you want those creamy chunks in every serving. If you have a few minutes, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle. Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled for the most authentic taste.
How to Serve Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle an extra pinch of dried oregano over the top and finish with a drizzle of your very best olive oil. A few fresh mint or basil leaves can add a pop of color and a fragrant twist, though it’s perfectly delicious as is.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside so many classic Mediterranean dishes. Try serving your Classic Greek Salad Recipe with grilled meats like lamb chops or chicken souvlaki, or simply pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the zesty dressing. It also makes a refreshing companion to roasted vegetables or a bowl of hearty lentil soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your salad into a show-stopper by layering the ingredients on a beautiful platter, letting the vibrant colors steal the spotlight. For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars for picnics or layered in small cups as appetizers at your next gathering. However you plate it, this Classic Greek Salad Recipe always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day for peak freshness, as the vegetables will soften over time, but the flavors become even more pronounced as they marinate.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of the tomatoes and cucumbers. Freezing will change the texture dramatically, so it’s best to enjoy your Classic Greek Salad Recipe fresh or within a day of making it.
Reheating
No reheating required! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out all the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can chop the veggies and prepare the dressing a few hours in advance, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the feta fresh.
Is it okay to use a different kind of olive?
While Kalamata olives provide the most authentic flavor, you can use other black or green olives if needed. Just be sure to use pitted olives for easy eating.
What’s the best feta for a Classic Greek Salad Recipe?
Sheep’s milk feta is traditional and offers a rich, tangy flavor, but any good-quality feta will work beautifully. Look for blocks instead of pre-crumbled for the best texture.
Can I add lettuce to this salad?
Classic Greek Salad Recipe is traditionally made without lettuce, focusing on the bold flavors of tomatoes, cucumber, and feta. If you want extra greens, try serving the salad on a bed of crisp romaine, but it’s not necessary for authenticity.
How can I make this vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or use your favorite vegan feta alternative. The salad will still have plenty of flavor and color, making it a fresh and satisfying plant-based option.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Greek Salad Recipe is proof that a handful of fresh, quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and instantly brightens any table. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a staple in your own kitchen—let the vibrant flavors and easy preparation win you over, bite after bite!
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Classic Greek Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and authentic Classic Greek Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 cups chopped ripe tomatoes
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Other Salad Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 6 ounces feta cheese, cut into large chunks or crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, peeled and sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced green bell pepper. Gently toss to mix all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Add Olives and Feta Cheese: Add the pitted Kalamata olives to the bowl. Place the feta cheese on top in large chunks or crumble it over the salad depending on your preference to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to create a balanced, flavorful dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss the salad carefully to mix the dressing without breaking up the feta cheese too much. Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor.
Notes
- Traditional Greek salad doesn’t include lettuce, keeping it light and authentic.
- For enhanced flavor, allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes after adding the dressing to let the ingredients meld.
- This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
