Name: Classic Greek Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 3 medium tomatoes, diced; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste

A Classic Greek Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, crisp vegetables and a simple dressing that comes together to create an unforgettable dish. This Mediterranean favorite is light, healthy, and full of bold flavors that make it the ideal addition to any meal. With its balance of salty feta, juicy tomatoes, and zesty olives, it’s no wonder this salad has become a global sensation. Classic Greek Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and quick this Classic Greek Salad is to make. It requires no cooking, just chopping up a few fresh ingredients and tossing them together. The combination of flavors from the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta is unbeatable. The olive oil and oregano dressing adds the perfect Mediterranean touch that ties everything together. Plus, it’s so versatile – I can enjoy it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a topping for grilled meats.

Ingredients

3 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cucumber, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by preparing all the vegetables. Slice the tomatoes in half, the cucumber into rounds, and thinly slice the red onion. If you’re using a bell pepper, slice that as well.
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper (if using), and olives.
Add the feta cheese on top. You can either crumble the feta or cut it into cubes, depending on your preference.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure all the ingredients are well-coated.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it a great option for a family meal or as a side dish to a larger spread. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, so it’s a quick and easy addition to any meal.

Variations

Add grilled chicken: For a more filling meal, I sometimes add grilled chicken on top of the salad.
Use different olives: I’ve experimented with different varieties of olives like green olives or even a mix of black and green olives.
Add a lemon dressing: I occasionally switch up the dressing by adding some fresh lemon juice for a more citrusy flavor.
Include capers: Sometimes, I add a handful of capers for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Greek salad is best served fresh, but I can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. The vegetables will release some moisture over time, but the salad still holds up well for a couple of days. I prefer not to store the dressing with the salad to keep it fresh – I usually store it separately and add it just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, I can prep all the ingredients a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Just don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, if I don’t have feta, I’ve used other cheeses like goat cheese or even mozzarella in a pinch. However, feta is the traditional choice for Greek salad.

What if I don’t like olives?

If olives aren’t my thing, I simply leave them out. The salad still tastes amazing without them, but I might miss that briny punch.

Can I make the dressing without vinegar?

If I’m not a fan of vinegar, I sometimes swap it out for some fresh lemon juice. It gives the salad a nice, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the vegetables.

Can I add more protein to this salad?

Absolutely! If I want to turn this into a more filling meal, I often add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.

Conclusion

This Classic Greek Salad is an easy and delicious way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to my table. Whether I’m serving it as a side dish or making it the main event, it’s a versatile, healthy, and refreshing option that I can enjoy any time. The crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta combined with the tangy dressing make for an irresistible dish that never disappoints.