Greek Salad Recipe

Greek Salad is a classic Mediterranean dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Crisp, vibrant vegetables are combined with creamy feta cheese, briny olives, and a zesty olive oil dressing to create a refreshing and satisfying salad. It’s not heavy or overly complicated, making it perfect for warm-weather meals, light lunches, or as a flavorful side to any main dish. If you’re looking for a dish that highlights fresh, wholesome ingredients while delivering bold and satisfying flavors, this salad is for you. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of olives; you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Let’s bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with this delightful Greek Salad recipe!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter or bowl

Overview of Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Romaine lettuce (optional, for added greens)
• English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Green bell pepper, sliced
• Kalamata olives, pitted
• Feta cheese, cubed or crumbled

For the Dressing:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish:

• Fresh oregano or parsley (optional)
• Extra feta or olives

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and cut the green bell pepper into strips. If using romaine lettuce, chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   • Add the sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives to the bowl. Gently toss to combine. Scatter the feta cheese on top.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Dress the Salad:
   • Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently to coat the vegetables and feta without breaking them up.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley, if desired, and a little extra feta or olives. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Customize your greens: Traditional Greek salad doesn’t include lettuce, but adding romaine can make the dish more filling.
• Chill your ingredients: For a refreshing salad, use chilled vegetables and feta.
• Marinate the dressing: Let the dressing sit for a few minutes before tossing to allow the flavors to meld.
• Adjust to taste: Add more lemon juice for brightness or more oregano for a herbal punch.

What to Serve with This Recipe

• Grilled chicken, fish, or lamb
• Warm pita bread or crusty bread
• Hummus or tzatziki on the side
• A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the vegetables from wilting.

How long does this salad keep? Greek Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the vegetables may lose some crunch over time.

Can I use pre-crumbled feta? Yes, but block feta has a creamier texture and more authentic flavor.

Are there substitutions for Kalamata olives? If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, you can use black olives or omit them entirely.

Notes

This Greek Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to add your own twist, like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts, to make it uniquely yours. Whether served as a side or a main, it’s sure to transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean!

Greek Salad

Greek Salad is a classic Mediterranean dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Crisp, vibrant vegetables are combined with creamy feta cheese, briny olives, and a zesty olive oil dressing to create a refreshing and satisfying salad. It’s not heavy or overly complicated, making it perfect for warm-weather meals, light lunches, or as a flavorful side to any main dish. If you’re looking for a dish that highlights fresh, wholesome ingredients while delivering bold and satisfying flavors, this salad is for you. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of olives; you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Let’s bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with this delightful Greek Salad recipe!

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Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl or jar (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter or bowl

Ingredients

  

• For the Salad:
• Romaine lettuce optional, for added greens
• English cucumber sliced into half-moons
• Cherry or grape tomatoes halved
• Red onion thinly sliced
• Green bell pepper sliced
• Kalamata olives pitted
• Feta cheese cubed or crumbled
• For the Dressing:
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Garlic minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• For Garnish:
• Fresh oregano or parsley optional
• Extra feta or olives

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Vegetables:
• Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and cut the green bell pepper into strips. If using romaine lettuce, chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
• Assemble the Salad:
• Add the sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives to the bowl. Gently toss to combine. Scatter the feta cheese on top.
• Make the Dressing: