Greek Salad is a refreshing, healthy, and nutritious Mediterranean dish. It features a combination of fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, and aromatic herbs, and is dressed with either Greek Salad Dressing or a simple vinaigrette. This vibrant salad is bursting with flavors and is an ideal accompaniment to roasted or baked meats, chicken dishes, seafood, or other Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
In the recipe provided, I have shared easy step-by-step instructions on how to make Greek Salad. It offers a clear and straightforward approach to preparing this delightful dish. To further enhance your understanding of the making process, I have also included a detailed video that visually guides you through the recipe.
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What is Greek Salad?
Greek Salad is a delightful Mediterranean side dish that offers a crisp, refreshing texture and a burst of flavors. Made with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, fragrant herbs, basic seasonings, and a handcrafted Greek salad dressing or a simple vinaigrette, it is a true culinary delight. This versatile dish serves as the perfect accompaniment to meats, grilled chicken, salmon, lamb, hummus, tahini, or falafel, elevating both lunch and dinner experiences.
Not only is Greek Salad a refreshing addition to any meal, but it is also a nutritious choice. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, it brings a wealth of health benefits to the table. Its versatility allows you to incorporate additional veggies and customize them to your liking. Moreover, it offers the convenience of prepping ahead, making it an ideal option for those who like to plan their meals in advance.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you will need to make this Greek Salad are fresh veggies, basic seasonings, and herbs. So let's see what are they below:
For the Dressing
Below are the ingredients to make the Greek Salad Dressing:
- Olive Oil: The olive oil brings a rich, smooth, and slightly fruity flavor to the dressing. It provides a luscious mouthfeel and acts as the base for the other ingredients
- Red Vinegar: It brings a tangy and robust flavor to the dressing. The red wine vinegar adds depth and complexity, providing a delightful balance of acidity and richness. You can also try experimenting with balsamic, white, or apple cider vinegar
- Garlic: The minced garlic infuses the dressing with a pungent and aromatic kick. It adds a distinct savory note and depth of flavor
- Dried Oregano: Dried oregano contributes a herbaceous and earthy flavor to the dressing. It brings a hint of bitterness and a pleasant aromatic quality
- Dijon Mustard: Although not traditionally used in Greek cuisine, can be incorporated to add a tangy and slightly spicy flavor and aid in emulsifying the ingredients, providing a subtle kick
- Black Pepper and Salt: Black pepper provides a mild heat and a touch of spiciness to the dressing. Salt enhances the overall taste, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients and ensuring a well-balanced seasoning
To Prep Greek Salad
Below are the ingredients to make the Greek Salad:
- Cucumber: English or garden cucumber provides a crisp and refreshing texture. It has a mild and subtly flavored profile, making it a cooling element in the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: These tomatoes are juicy and offer a burst of natural sweetness. They add a vibrant and fresh taste to the salad, enhancing its overall appeal
- Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives have a rich and briny flavor, characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. They contribute a savory and tangy element to the salad, infusing it with a distinct taste
- Bell Peppers (Green and yellow): Green bell peppers provide a crisp and slightly bitter taste, adding an earthy note to the salad. Yellow bell peppers bring a sweet and mild flavor, balancing the overall profile with a touch of sweetness
- Onions (Red preferred): Red onions have a sharp and pungent flavor, adding a robust taste to the salad. They offer a subtle spiciness that complements the other ingredients, while red onions tend to be milder and slightly sweeter than other onion varieties
- Feta Cheese: Feta cheese is known for its creamy and tangy flavor profile. It has a slightly briny and salty taste, contributing richness and depth to the salad's overall taste experience
- Mint Leaves: Mint leaves provide a fresh and aromatic flavor to the salad. They offer a cool and refreshing taste with herbal and floral notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the dish
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Greek Salad at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Greek Salad, a refreshing, crisp, and flavor-bursting dish. Made with fresh veggies, herbs, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, this refreshing dish is one of the best sides to grilled chicken and seafood.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
To make Dressing
- Prep Dressing: To prepare the dressing, combine oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined
- Use Mason Jar: Alternatively, use a mason jar, add the ingredients, and close the lid tightly. Shake the jar vigorously to achieve effective emulsification. Reserve this dressing for later use
Note: For additional recipe ideas, tips, and step-by-step instructions, please explore our dedicated blog post on Greek Salad Dressing.
To make Greek Salad
- Cut Cucumber: For the Greek salad, wash and pat dry all the vegetables. Start by trimming the ends of the cucumber. Cut it in half lengthwise and slice each half into smaller pieces as shown in the picture. Set aside for later use
- Halve the cherry tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and reserve them for later use
- Dice olives and bell peppers: Dice the Kalamata olives in half and reserve them for later use. Next, dice the yellow and green bell peppers into small pieces, removing the hardcore parts. Add them to a bowl
- Prep onions and cheese: Slice the red onions and include them as well. Proceed to dice the feta cheese into cubes and add it to the bowl. Alternatively, you can use crushed feta cheese if it's more convenient
- Assemble the veggies: Now, add the reserved chopped veggies such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the bowl. Include some fresh mint leaves as well
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared Greek Salad dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld
- Serve: Serve this bursting-with-flavor Greek Salad alongside chicken, seafood, or any other favorite dish of your choice
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that you use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers
- Authentic Cheese: Traditional Greek salad typically includes feta cheese. Look for authentic feta cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk for an authentic taste
- Proper Dressing: Dressing is an essential component of Greek Salad. Make sure to prepare the dressing using quality ingredients and mix it well for even distribution of flavors. Additionally, if desired, a simple vinaigrette can also be used as an alternative dressing option
- Resting Time: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste
- Salt and Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt or more dressing if desired, but be mindful not to overpower the natural flavors of the vegetables
- Herbaceous Additions: Fresh herbs like mint or oregano can add a delightful aroma and taste to the salad. Consider adding a few torn mint leaves or sprinkling dried oregano for an authentic Greek flavor
- Consistent Size: Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and a consistent eating experience. This also helps with the overall presentation of the salad
- Optional Ingredients: While the traditional Greek salad consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, capers, or red cabbage for additional flavors and textures
- Serve Chilled: Greek salad is best served chilled. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve, especially during warm weather, to maintain freshness and crispness
Storage Suggestions
This Greek Salad stays good in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It's normal for some water to accumulate from the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes during storage. Simply give the salad a gentle mix before serving or drain any excess water to enjoy it again. This will help maintain the freshness and flavors of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Greek Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some suggestions for what you can serve with it:
- Grilled or roasted chicken or shrimp: Add some protein to your meal by serving grilled or roasted chicken, baked chicken drumsticks, baked chicken thighs, or shrimp on the side
- Pita Bread: Warm, fluffy pita bread is a classic choice to serve with Greek salad. You can scoop up the salad or make a delicious gyro wrap
- Tzatziki Sauce: Tzatziki, a Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce, is a fantastic condiment with Greek salad. Its cool and tangy flavors enhance the overall taste
- Hummus and Olives: Offer a Mediterranean twist by serving hummus and a variety of olives alongside the Greek salad. It adds a range of textures and flavors to your meal
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades): Dolmades, vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, are another popular Greek appetizer. They add a unique texture and taste to your meal
- Greek-style Grains: Prepare a side of grains like couscous, quinoa, or bulgur wheat. Season them with herbs and lemon juice to complement the flavors of the salad
Related Recipes
You can also find similar recipes below and more at salad recipes and summer recipes.
- Greek Salad Dressing
- Chickpea Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Coleslaw
- Cucumber Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Fruit Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Potato Salad
- Pico De Gallo
- Greek Yogurt Smoothie
Greek Salad Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Greek Salad recipe below that I hope will help you make a refreshing salad at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Greek Salad
Ingredients
For Greek Salad
- 1 Cucumber, English or Garden cucumber
- ½ Red Onion, sliced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 2 cups Cherry Tomato
- ¾ cup Kalamata Olives
- 8 oz Feta Cheese
- ¼ cup Mint Leaves, loosely packed
For Dressing
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar, or white, balsamic or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
To make Dressing
- To prepare the Greek salad dressing, add oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined. Alternatively, you can use a mason jar, add the ingredients, and close the lid tightly. Shake the jar vigorously to achieve effective emulsification. Reserve this dressing for later use
To make Greek Salad
- For the Greek salad, begin by washing and patting dry all the vegetables. Start by trimming the ends of the cucumber. Cut it in half lengthwise and slice each half into smaller pieces as shown in the picture. Set aside for later use
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and reserve them for later use
- Dice the Kalamata olives in half and also reserve them for later use
- Next, dice the yellow and green bell peppers into small pieces, removing the tough core parts. Add them to a bowl
- Slice the red onions and include them as well
- Proceed to dice the feta cheese into cubes and add it to the bowl. Alternatively, you can use crumbled feta cheese if it's more convenient for you
- Now, add the reserved chopped veggies such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the bowl. Include some fresh mint leaves as well
- Drizzle the prepared Greek Salad dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld
To Serve
- Serve this bursting-with-flavor Greek Salad alongside roasted chicken, baked chicken drumsticks, baked leg quarters, grilled salmon, or any other favorite dish of your choice
Video
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that you use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers
- Authentic Cheese: Traditional Greek salad typically includes feta cheese. Look for authentic feta cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk for an authentic taste
- Proper Dressing: Dressing is an essential component of Greek Salad. Make sure to prepare the dressing using quality ingredients and mix it well for even distribution of flavors. Additionally, if desired, a simple vinaigrette can also be used as an alternative dressing option
- Resting Time: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste
- Salt and Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt or more dressing if desired, but be mindful not to overpower the natural flavors of the vegetables
- Herbaceous Additions: Fresh herbs like mint or oregano can add a delightful aroma and taste to the salad. Consider adding a few torn mint leaves or sprinkling dried oregano for an authentic Greek flavor
- Consistent Size: Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and a consistent eating experience. This also helps with the overall presentation of the salad
- Optional Ingredients: While the traditional Greek salad consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, capers, or red cabbage for additional flavors and textures
- Serve Chilled: Greek salad is best served chilled. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve, especially during warm weather, to maintain freshness and crispness
Nutrition
FAQ
Substitute feta cheese in a Greek salad with options like goat cheese, grilled halloumi, or vegan feta alternatives. Ricotta Salata and marinated tofu also offer flavorful alternatives. Choose based on personal preference and dietary needs to maintain the essence of a Greek salad while accommodating individual needs.
Yes, you can use a vinaigrette to dress a Greek salad. While the traditional Greek salad dressing typically consists of olive oil and lemon juice or red wine vinegar, a vinaigrette can provide a suitable alternative.
Yes, you can use regular black olives instead of Kalamata olives in a Greek salad. While Kalamata olives are traditionally used in Greek cuisine and offer a distinct flavor, regular black olives can still contribute to the overall taste of the salad.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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