Authentic Greek Salad Recipe

Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this incredibly easy and refreshing Authentic Greek Salad Recipe. This classic dish is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. With ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and creamy feta, this delightful Greek salad brings a taste of Greece right to your table. Get ready to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal with minimal effort!

The Mediterranean diet is celebrated for its diverse health benefits, from supporting heart health to reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad

You’re going to fall in love with this fresh Greek salad for so many wonderful reasons:

• Vibrant Flavors: Each bite bursts with the goodness of sun-ripened vegetables and tangy dressing.
• Quick & Simple: It comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fresh produce and healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free pleasure.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a light main course or a vibrant side for any occasion.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, it suits many dietary needs.

Ingredients

Creating the perfect Greek salad starts with choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• 1 large cucumber, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives (good quality)
• 6 oz. block feta cheese, cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 1 small green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2″ pieces (optional but classic)
• Fresh oregano for garnish (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (high quality makes a difference!)

Notes & Substitutions

For the best texture, choose English or Persian cucumbers; their thin skins rarely need peeling. To reduce the sharp bite of red onion, soak the slices in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes, then drain well. While grape or cherry tomatoes are fantastic, a ripe beefsteak or Roma tomato also works beautifully when diced. Always opt for block feta cheese packed in brine for authentic flavor and creamy texture. To ensure you are using genuine Feta, look for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) feta cheese which guarantees traditional production methods and origin. Pre-crumbled feta often contains anti-caking agents and lacks the same richness. If fresh oregano is unavailable, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can also add a nice touch.

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized equipment to whip up this delicious salad. Gather these simple tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisk or fork
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your fresh, vibrant Greek salad. This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for any meal.

Step 1: Prepare Salad Vegetables

Start by thoroughly washing all your fresh produce. Slice the cucumber into neat half-moon shapes. Next, thinly slice your red onion; remember to soak it in ice water first if you prefer a milder taste, then drain well. Halve the grape or cherry tomatoes. If you’re including green bell pepper, core it, remove the seeds, and cut it into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. Finally, carefully cut your block feta cheese into perfect 1/2-inch cubes. Uniform cuts ensure every bite of this healthy Greek salad is balanced.

Step 2: Assemble Salad Base

In your large mixing bowl, combine the prepped cucumber, red onion, and tomatoes. Add the halved Kalamata olives to the bowl. Gently fold in the cubed feta cheese, being careful not to break it up too much. If you’re using the green bell pepper, add that in now as well. At this stage, your salad should look incredibly colorful and inviting.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

Now, let’s make that essential tangy dressing. In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar and the fresh lemon juice. Add the dried oregano, a generous pinch of Kosher salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. Slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuously whisking. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and beautifully emulsified, meaning the oil and vinegar are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the freshly made dressing generously over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the vegetables and feta are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Taste a piece of the salad and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch more lemon juice to your preference. Serve your delicious Greek salad immediately to enjoy its freshest flavors. If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh oregano for an extra aromatic touch.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Buying feta in a brine‑packed block gives a more authentic flavor and creamier texture than most pre‑crumbled versions, which often contain anti‑caking agents that dry the cheese out. To mellow sharp red onion, soak thin slices in cold water for about 10–15 minutes, which leaches out some of the sulfur compounds that cause a strong, pungent bite.​
• Cutting all vegetables into similar‑sized pieces helps distribute flavors evenly so each bite has a balanced mix of tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta. For a smooth, cohesive dressing, whisk the vinegar, lemon, and seasonings first, then add olive oil in a slow, steady stream while whisking to create a stable emulsion.​
• For the best texture, dress the salad right before serving; letting it sit too long with salt and acid draws water from the vegetables and can make them soft and watery.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Greek salad is perfect for so many occasions.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy it as a light, refreshing main course on a hot day.
• Serve it as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
• Pair it with warm pita bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean spread.
• It’s wonderful for potlucks, BBQs, or simple family dinners.

Storage Tips:

• For best results, store the undressed salad components (vegetables, olives, feta) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Keep the dressing in a separate airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
• Dressed salad is best consumed fresh, as the vegetables can become watery after a few hours.

Variations:

• Add grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, or canned cannellini beans for extra protein.
• Introduce capers or pepperoncini for an extra burst of briny, tangy flavor.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like mint or dill for a unique twist.
• A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add a lovely crunch.

Nutrition Information

This Greek salad is a nutrient-dense choice, thanks to its base of fresh vegetables that provide fiber, vitamins (like C and K), minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Extra virgin olive oil contributes heart‑healthy monounsaturated fats and beneficial polyphenols, which are linked to improved cardiovascular health in Mediterranean-style eating patterns. Feta cheese adds protein and is a notable source of calcium and phosphorus, helping support bone health while making the salad more satisfying as part of a balanced meal.

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities.

FAQ

Is Greek salad healthy?
Yes, Greek salad is generally considered healthy because it features fresh vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and olives, and protein and calcium from feta cheese.​

Can I make Greek salad ahead?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing up to a day in advance, storing each in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine and season just before serving for the best texture and flavor.​

What makes a Greek salad authentic?
An authentic Greek salad (horiatiki) typically includes tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and a block of Greek feta, dressed simply with extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, and a little vinegar or lemon.​

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried oregano is traditional in Greek salad dressings and is often preferred for its concentrated flavor, while fresh herbs like mint or oregano can be added as a garnish if desired.​

How long does Greek salad last?
Undressed chopped vegetables will usually keep 2–3 days in the fridge in an airtight container, but once dressed with oil and salt, the salad is best enjoyed within a few hours before the vegetables soften and release more liquid.​

Conclusion

This Authentic Greek Salad Recipe proves that delicious, healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. With its fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and vibrant flavors, it’s truly a standout dish. We hope you’ll try this recipe and discover how easy and rewarding it is to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your home. It’s perfect for busy parents and beginners looking for a quick, fresh, and satisfying meal. Enjoy your delicious Greek salad!

Authentic Greek Salad Recipe

This fresh and vibrant Greek salad features ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, Kalamata olives, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It's a quick, healthy, and authentic Mediterranean side or main dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, halved and pitted
• 6 oz feta cheese, block form, cut into 1/2" cubes
• 1 small green bell pepper, cut into 1/2" pieces (optional)
• Fresh oregano for garnish (optional)
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl For assembling the salad
• Small whisk or fork For making the vinaigrette
• Cutting Board To prep vegetables
• Sharp knife For slicing and dicing ingredients
• Measuring spoons and cups To measure dressing ingredients

Method

 

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice cucumber into half-moons, red onion into thin slices, halve the tomatoes and olives, and cube the feta. Prep green bell pepper if using.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and green bell pepper (if using). Gently fold in the feta cubes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh oregano if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use block feta in brine and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Soak red onions in ice water to mellow their sharpness. Dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com