Bright Mediterranean Joy: A Lively Greek Salad Recipe

Summer’s golden rays call for a refreshing greek salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

This classic dish combines crisp vegetables and tangy ingredients in a simple yet delectable ensemble.

The greek salad brings together ripe tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and sharp red onions with remarkable ease.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy texture that balances the bright, zesty elements.

Kalamata olives introduce a rich, briny note that complements the fresh produce.

A drizzle of quality olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano elevate every bite to an authentic experience.

Savor this colorful salad and transport yourself to a sun-drenched Greek island with each delightful forkful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Fresh Greek Salad Ingredient Breakdown

• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweet, tangy flavor, select ripe, vibrant red tomatoes for the best taste and juiciness.
• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, choose firm cucumbers with bright green skin for a cool crunch.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and satisfying crunch, pick bright green peppers without blemishes.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, zesty bite, select firm onions with deep purple-red skin for maximum flavor.
• Kalamata Olives: Mediterranean gems that bring a rich, briny taste, choose plump, glossy olives for authentic Greek flair.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that ties the salad together, opt for extra virgin olive oil for the most robust flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy and bright, adds essential Mediterranean zing to the dressing.
• Oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings earthy, aromatic notes to the salad.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a citrusy freshness that brightens the entire dish.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, spicy undertone that enhances the salad's complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate all the flavors.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty Greek cheese that crowns the salad with authentic Mediterranean character.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Crisp and Cool Salads

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing all salad ingredients together, spacious and roomy.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Ideal for whisking and combining dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing components into a unified, flavorful mixture.
• Knife: Sharp tool for chopping vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for preparing and slicing fresh ingredients safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for portioning out herbs, salt, and pepper.

How to Toss a Classic Greek Salad Quickly

• Chop Fresh Ingredients

Slice crisp cucumber into half-moons, quarter cherry tomatoes, and dice green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice red onion for a sharp crunch and add vibrant Kalamata olives to create a colorful Mediterranean base.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a small container, blend extra virgin olive oil with tangy red wine vinegar. Crush dried oregano between your fingers to release its aromatic oils. Mince fresh garlic and squeeze a burst of lemon juice for brightness. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper.

• Toss and Marry Flavors

Pour the fragrant dressing over the chopped vegetables. Gently mix with a light hand, ensuring every morsel gets coated with the vibrant liquid. Let the ingredients mingle and absorb the Mediterranean flavors for a few minutes.

• Finish with Creamy Feta

Crumble authentic Greek feta cheese over the top, allowing its salty, creamy texture to contrast with the crisp vegetables. Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and additional herbal notes.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately to preserve the salad’s freshness and crispness. Best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, perfect as a refreshing side or light lunch.

Tips to Elevate Your Salad With Extra Flavor

• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes and crisp vegetables for the most vibrant flavor and texture in your Greek salad.
• Use authentic Greek feta cheese for the most authentic taste, preferably made from sheep's or goat's milk for a richer, tangier profile.
• Chop vegetables and store separately from dressing to prevent soggy salad. Combine ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp textures.
• This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for vegetarian and vegan diets by omitting feta or using plant-based cheese alternatives.
• Experiment with additional fresh herbs like mint or dill to add extra layers of Mediterranean flavor and freshness to the traditional recipe.

Serve Greek Salad With Bread or Grilled Protein

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a stunning spread by surrounding the salad with warm pita bread, hummus, dolmades, and grilled halloumi cheese for a complete Greek-inspired dining experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or lamb souvlaki on top of the salad to transform it into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites and provides extra protein.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light Greek rosé to complement the fresh, tangy flavors of the salad and enhance the overall Mediterranean meal.
• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack the salad in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or picnics, keeping it cool and refreshing during warm weather adventures.

Keep Greek Salad Fresh Before Serving

• Keep the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, understanding that vegetables might release moisture and slightly soften over time.
• Separate wet ingredients from crumbly feta cheese to maintain crisp texture and prevent soggy components when storing leftovers.
• Store dressing separately in a sealed jar, allowing you to refresh the salad's texture by adding fresh dressing right before enjoying the next serving.
• Consume the salad chilled for best flavor, removing from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to reach optimal taste and texture.

Vibrant Greek Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sunshine dances through classic greek salad, inviting summer’s fresh flavors onto your plate. Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and tangy feta create a perfect harmony that transports you straight to a Greek coastal village.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled or in blocks
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 2 cups (473 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, and red onion into uniform bite-sized pieces. Slice Kalamata olives and arrange them with the chopped vegetables in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Dressing Creation: Combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a sealed container. Vigorously shake or whisk until ingredients emulsify into a smooth, aromatic vinaigrette.
3. Salad Assembly: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables, using gentle folding motions to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated without bruising the delicate produce.
4. Cheese and Garnish: Crumble authentic Greek feta cheese over the dressed salad. Optionally, scatter freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant herbal accent.
5. Serving: Plate the salad immediately to preserve its crisp texture, or chill briefly to enhance the flavor melding. Serve as a refreshing side dish or light Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure each forkful has balanced flavors and textures.
• Let salad rest in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
• Use fresh, ripe vegetables and authentic Greek feta cheese for the most authentic Mediterranean taste experience.
• Drizzle dressing gradually and toss gently to prevent vegetable bruising and maintain crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg