Classic Greek Salad Recipe
If there’s one dish that brings summer right to your table in a flash, it’s a Classic Greek Salad. Packed with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and just the right balance of crunch and creaminess, this salad feels like a mini vacation to the Mediterranean with every bite. It’s a beautiful harmony of crisp lettuce, tangy tomatoes, sharp red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a lively, oregano-kissed dressing. No cook time, no fuss—just fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes. Whether you’re planning an easy lunch, a show-stealing side, or a light dinner, this Classic Greek Salad is about to conquer your cravings and become your new staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Assembling the best Classic Greek Salad really is about letting every single element shine. Each ingredient brings something unique—and their natural flavors, colors, and textures make this recipe sing. Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate bowl of Mediterranean goodness:
- Romaine lettuce: Deliciously crisp, this forms the refreshing backbone of your salad, bringing volume and a satisfying bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and delightful juiciness balance the brininess from the olives and feta.
- Cucumber: Sliced into half-moons, cucumber adds that unmistakable cool crunch classic to Greek salads.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharp, tangy zing that perks up each forkful—if you’re sensitive to raw onion, let slices soak in cold water first.
- Kalamata olives: These purple-black gems contribute a savory, salty punch that’s iconic in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for an irresistibly creamy, tangy finish—buy a good block and crumble by hand for best flavor.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use the best quality you can find; its fruity, peppery notes form the heart of your dressing.
- Red wine vinegar: Brings a bright, zesty acidity that lifts and mingles all the flavors beautifully.
- Dried oregano: A must for that true Classic Greek Salad flavor—earthy, aromatic, and quintessentially Greek.
- Garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlicky warmth that builds depth in the dressing effortlessly.
- Salt and black pepper: For bringing everything into vibrant harmony—season to taste right before serving for best results.
How to Make Classic Greek Salad
Step 1: Chop and Prep Your Ingredients
The beauty of Classic Greek Salad lies in its simplicity, so start by prepping fresh, crisp vegetables. Roughly chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, slice the cherry tomatoes in half to reveal their juicy interior, cut the cucumber into half-moons, and thinly slice the red onion. Make sure your Kalamata olives are pitted—it saves everyone a surprise bite later! A little prep work now ensures every bite bursts with the perfect mix of flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Veggies and Olives
In a spacious salad bowl, gently toss together the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Give it just a few turns to combine without bruising the precious leaves. The mixture will already look beautifully inviting—don’t you love all those colors?
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
Grab a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid and pour in the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, a generous pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk or shake until everything emulsifies into a glossy, fragrant dressing. The aroma alone transports you straight to a sunlit Greek terrace!
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, then toss gently using tongs or your clean hands—this helps coat every piece without crushing your beautiful veggies. Don’t overdress—taste and add more if needed. This is the secret to a crave-worthy Classic Greek Salad: every bite shines, nothing gets soggy.
Step 5: Add the Feta Finishing Touch
Just before serving, crumble blocks of feta cheese by hand over the top. This adds a rich, tangy burst to every forkful, and the crumbled texture feels rustic and homemade. Serve right away for maximum crunch and flavor!
How to Serve Classic Greek Salad
Garnishes
This salad stands proud on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh oregano or a few extra Kalamata olives on top brings a pop of color and an extra hit of flavor. If you love a bit of zip, squeeze a wedge of lemon over everything just before serving—the freshness is unbeatable.
Side Dishes
Classic Greek Salad is super versatile. Serve it as a side to grilled chicken, lamb souvlaki, or simple roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki, or a scoop of creamy hummus. Add some crispy roasted potatoes or herby rice for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to give your Classic Greek Salad a fun twist? Try serving it deconstructed in a shallow platter, with each ingredient in its own section for guests to build their perfect bite. Layer it in mason jars for a picnic-ready lunch, or pile it atop crisp pita chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. For best results, store the dressing and feta separately to prevent sogginess and maintain the crispness of your veggies. Enjoy leftovers within 24 hours for peak flavor and crunch!
Freezing
Due to the high water content in the lettuce and tomatoes, Classic Greek Salad does not freeze well. The texture becomes mushy once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or from the fridge.
Reheating
This is strictly a no-cook, no-reheat dish—Classic Greek Salad tastes best cold and straight from the fridge. If you find it’s lost a bit of zing, refresh with a splash more vinegar and a crumble of fresh feta just before eating.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Greek Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the veggies and dressing up to a day in advance, but keep them separate until you’re ready to serve so everything stays crisp. Add the feta just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Is it authentic to use lettuce in a Classic Greek Salad?
Traditional Greek salads (horiatiki) omit lettuce, but many modern versions outside of Greece include romaine for extra crunch and volume. Feel free to skip the lettuce if you want to stick to the classic, or enjoy it as written for a refreshing twist.
What’s the best type Salad
For the best, most robust flavor, use a high-quality Greek extra-virgin olive oil. Its peppery, fruity notes elevate the dressing and make your Classic Greek Salad truly shine.
Can I add proteins to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are wonderful additions if you want to make your salad a bit more filling without overpowering those classic flavors.
What kind of feta is best?
Look for a block of feta made with sheep’s milk, ideally imported from Greece. Crumbling it by hand right before serving gives you richer flavor and better texture than pre-crumbled feta.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Greek Salad is fresh, lively, and endlessly satisfying—a true celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you serve it as a side or dig in for a light meal, I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and delicious it is. Give it a try and let your own Mediterranean moment begin right at home!
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Classic Greek Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Classic Greek Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine. Crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese are tossed in a zesty homemade dressing.
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce
- 4 cups chopped
Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 cup halved
Cucumber
- 1 cup sliced into half-moons
Red Onion
- 1/2 thinly sliced
Kalamata Olives
- 1/2 cup pitted
Feta Cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup
Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons
Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper
- to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can omit the lettuce for a traditional horiatiki-style salad.
- Add green bell pepper slices for extra crunch.
- For the best flavor, use high-quality Greek olive oil and block feta cheese, crumbled by hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad plate
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
