There’s something absolutely magical about a Classic Greek Salad Recipe — it’s summer on a plate, brimming with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and olives that transport your tastebuds straight to a sunlit taverna by the Aegean. This vibrant dish captures the heart and soul of Greek cuisine Salad. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or an old fan, this salad promises refreshing flavors and a cheerful pop of color at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Greek Salad Recipe shines thanks to the honest, bright flavors of each ingredient. Everything works in harmony — from the crisp lettuce to the briny olives — to create irresistible taste, color, and texture. No fancy preparations required, just the best ingredients and a little care!
- Romaine Lettuce (3 cups, chopped): Adds crunch and fresh green color, though you can skip it for a more authentic version.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bring sweet juiciness and vibrant red color to every bite.
- Cucumber (1 cup, sliced): Offers cool refreshment and crunch, balancing the salty notes beautifully.
- Red Onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): Slices add a mild bite and hint of sweetness — soak in cold water for 10 minutes if you want a subtler flavor.
- Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup, pitted): Deep purple olives give a signature punchy, briny flavor so characteristic of the Classic Greek Salad Recipe.
- Feta Cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled or in large chunks): Tangy, creamy feta is a must; use large pieces for a traditional touch.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup): The backbone of the dressing, lending richness and depth.
- Red Wine Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the dressing that zippy tang to bring everything to life.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Infuses the whole salad with classic Greek herbiness.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential to enhance and tie together all the wonderful produce and flavors.
How to Make Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Chop and Combine Your Veggies
Start by prepping all your fresh vegetables: chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion. Place them all into a large salad bowl along with your pitted Kalamata olives. This is when the salad really starts to come to life, bursting with color and anticipation.
Step 2: Toss the Base Ingredients
Using your hands or salad tongs, gently toss the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives together. This helps distribute all the flavors, and those colors mixing together are a sight to behold! Tossing carefully keeps the veggies crisp and evenly mixed.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl, pour in your extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is slightly thickened and emulsified. This simple mix is the heart of the Classic Greek Salad Recipe, tying all the ingredients together with its herby, zesty essence.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the freshly whisked dressing all over the salad, and toss once more to coat every green, olive, and tomato in that delicious Mediterranean flavor. The aroma alone will have everyone crowding the kitchen, eager for a taste.
Step 5: Add the Feta Cheese
Finally, just before serving, scatter your crumbled or chunked feta cheese right on top. Keeping it as the finishing touch lets the feta stay cool and creamy, while its salty tang infuses the salad as you dig in – a tribute to the authenticity of the Classic Greek Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
While this salad is spectacular as is, adding a final sprinkle of fresh oregano, a twist of cracked pepper, or even a handful of capers as a garnish truly elevates the presentation and flavor. If you’re after a vibrant pop of color, a few extra tomato halves or a drizzle of good olive oil on top will do the trick.
Side Dishes
The Classic Greek Salad Recipe is versatile enough to hold its own or complement a wide variety of dishes. Pair it with warm pita bread, grilled chicken, fresh seafood, or even as part of a mezze spread with hummus and dolmas. This salad is a perfect, refreshing counterpart to richer main courses and especially welcome at picnics or summer barbecues.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in individual jars or cocktail glasses for easy grab-and-go portions at parties. Another creative idea: pile the salad high on a platter and arrange the feta in artistic blocks, finishing with a few edible flowers for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can even layer the ingredients for a deconstructed salad presentation that’s as visually striking as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days, though the vegetables will gradually soften and release juices, making it even more flavorful the next day. Add fresh feta and a quick drizzle of olive oil just before serving again for best results.
Freezing
Due to the high water content of the veggies and the delicate nature of feta, freezing isn’t recommended for the Classic Greek Salad Recipe. The original texture and taste would be lost after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or from refrigerated leftovers within a day or two.
Reheating
No cooking or reheating needed! This salad is all about being cold and crisp. If making ahead, allow the salad to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors shine. For best taste, add the feta and dressing just before serving rather than in advance.
FAQs
Can I substitute the romaine lettuce with another green?
Absolutely! While romaine provides an extra crunch and color, it’s not part of the most traditional Greek salads. You can swap it for crisp iceberg, mixed greens, or even leave it out entirely for an authentic horiatiki (village) salad.
Is there a vegan option for the Classic Greek Salad Recipe?
Definitely. Omit the feta cheese or try a plant-based feta alternative to make this dish vegan-friendly. Every other ingredient is naturally vegan and just as flavorful without any modifications.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can chop your veggies and prepare the dressing ahead, but for best crunch and freshness, toss everything together and add the feta right before serving. This keeps every bite crisp and the flavors perfectly balanced.
What other toppings can I add?
Capers, sliced green bell peppers, or even a few sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions that complement the original flavors. Feel free to get creative but keep the spirit of tradition in mind for that classic flavor profile.
How do I keep the onions from being too strong?
If raw onions are a bit too pungent, soak your sliced red onion in ice water for about 10 minutes before adding to the salad. This simple step mellows their sharpness without sacrificing that lovely, subtle bite in the Classic Greek Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to grab your freshest veggies and make this Classic Greek Salad Recipe part of your mealtime rotation. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that bursts with Greek sunshine and flavor, perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and watch it become a favorite at your table!
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Classic Greek Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Classic Greek Salad recipe is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crisp vegetables, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce:
3 cups chopped
Cherry Tomatoes:
1 cup halved
Cucumber:
1 cup sliced
Red Onion:
1/2 cup thinly sliced
Kalamata Olives:
1/2 cup pitted
Feta Cheese:
3/4 cup crumbled or in large chunks
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
1/4 cup
Red Wine Vinegar:
1 tablespoon
Dried Oregano:
1 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss Salad: Pour dressing over vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add Feta: Top with feta cheese before serving.
- Serve: Chill or serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Authentic Greek salad traditionally doesn’t include lettuce; you can omit it for a more classic version.
- For extra flavor, add capers or green bell pepper slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
