Greek Salad

Greek Salad is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or a light lunch. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy red onions, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese come together in a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. I like to toss everything in a large bowl and let the flavors mingle for a few minutes before serving. Its simplicity and bright flavors make it an ideal side dish or a standalone meal. Whether you’re prepping for a quick weekday dinner or a gathering, Greek Salad delivers refreshing, wholesome, and visually appealing results every time.

a fresh colorful greek salad served in 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Greek Salad is vibrant, easy, and versatile, making it a staple for any home cook. The combination of fresh vegetables, salty olives, and creamy feta creates layers of flavor with minimal effort. It’s a quick recipe to prep, perfect for weeknight meals or casual lunches. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a day or two, allowing you to enjoy it later without losing freshness. You can customize it by adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas, making it hearty yet light. Pinterest users will appreciate its colorful presentation and simple assembly, ideal for meal prep or serving at a gathering. It’s approachable, budget-friendly, and consistently satisfying, offering a cozy, fresh, and visually appealing dish you’ll want to make again and again.

a fresh colorful greek salad served in

Ingredients

Tip: Use firm, ripe cucumbers and fresh tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley or mint for garnish
all ingredients for a fresh colorful greek

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and dry all vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit the olives if needed. Crumble the feta cheese and chop fresh parsley or mint for garnish if using.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly, ensuring the dressing covers all vegetables for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add crumbled feta cheese to the bowl and gently fold it into the vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The salad should be colorful, fresh, and aromatic, with a balanced combination of tangy, salty, and herbaceous notes.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or mint before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a bright, refreshing, and visually appealing dish.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Greek Salad is quick, simple, and requires no cooking, making it perfect for busy days. Chop vegetables in advance, store them in airtight containers, and assemble the salad in minutes. Leftovers keep fresh for a day or two, so it’s ideal for meal prep or easy lunches. Its bright flavors and fresh ingredients provide a satisfying, wholesome option without much effort, saving time while delivering a visually appealing and delicious dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Even Slicing: Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent texture and a polished presentation. Avoid thick cuts that can overpower each bite.
  • Dressing Balance: Start with less olive oil and lemon juice, then adjust to taste. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy.
  • Feta Care: Crumble feta gently to avoid it blending into the vegetables; it should remain visible for flavor and presentation.
  • Fresh Herbs: Add fresh parsley or mint at the end to maintain vibrant color and fresh aroma.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak strips to make the salad more filling while retaining its fresh flavors.
  • Vegetarian Option: Include chickpeas or roasted tofu for extra protein without changing the classic taste.
  • Ingredient Swap: Replace cucumber with zucchini ribbons or cherry tomatoes with roasted peppers for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  • Herb & Flavor Boost: Add fresh basil, dill, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra aroma and a deeper flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

  • Family Dinner Side: Pair with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or Mediterranean mains for a complete meal.
  • Lunchbox Ready: Pack in containers for a refreshing, portable lunch that stays fresh until mealtime.
  • Elegant Plating: Arrange vegetables in layers in a clear bowl and sprinkle feta on top for a Pinterest-ready presentation.
  • Light Meal Option: Serve as a standalone salad with warm pita bread or whole-grain crackers for a satisfying, balanced lunch.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days. Best served fresh for optimal texture.
  • Reheating: Not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature to maintain crispness.
  • Freezing: Do not freeze; fresh vegetables and feta lose texture and flavor when frozen.
  • Make-ahead Tips: Chop vegetables in advance and store separately; combine with dressing and feta just before serving to preserve freshness.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 180–220 per serving
Protein: 5–7g
Fat: 14–16g from olive oil and feta
Carbohydrates: 10–12g
Fiber: 3–4g
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient quality, portion size, and dressing amount.

FAQs

Yes, chop vegetables in advance and combine with dressing just before serving.

Too much dressing or overly ripe tomatoes can release excess liquid; add dressing gradually.

Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata can be used for a different flavor profile.

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well for a more filling option.

Best eaten within 1–2 days; refrigerate in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Greek Salad is a bright, refreshing, and versatile dish that fits effortlessly into busy lives and casual meals. Its combination of crisp vegetables, salty olives, and creamy feta makes it both satisfying and visually appealing. You can easily customize it with additional protein, different vegetables, or fresh herbs to suit your taste. This salad is quick to assemble, perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or gatherings, and ideal for Pinterest-worthy presentation. Keep it in rotation for an easy, wholesome, and colorful addition to your meal planning, bringing a touch of freshness and Mediterranean flavor to your table.

Greek Salad

Greek Salad

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calorieskcal

A fresh, colorful, and easy-to-make salad perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or a light lunch. Greek Salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese tossed in a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. Its vibrant flavors and simple assembly make it a visually appealing, wholesome dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 large cucumber, diced

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Optional: fresh parsley or mint for garnish

Directions

  • Wash and prep all vegetables: halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, slice onion, and pit olives if needed. Crumble feta cheese.
  • In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Gently fold in feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Garnish with parsley or mint. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Storage:
    Fridge: Up to 1–2 days in airtight container.
    Reheating: Not recommended; serve cold or room temperature.
    Freezing: Not suitable; vegetables lose texture.
    Make-ahead: Chop vegetables in advance; combine with dressing and feta before serving.

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