Zesty Greek Salad Recipe: A Fresh Summer Delight

Mediterranean summers sparkle with this zesty Greek salad that dances between crisp vegetables and tangy flavors.

Cool cucumber slices mingle with ripe tomatoes, creating a vibrant palette of colors.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy texture that melts on your tongue.

Kalamata olives bring a rich, briny note to each refreshing bite.

Sharp red onions provide a subtle kick that awakens your senses.

Fresh herbs like oregano weave through the ingredients, transporting you to a sunny Greek island.

You’ll want to savor every delightful spoonful of this classic summer dish.

Why This Greek Salad Is a Go-To Choice

• Enjoy a vibrant medley of crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty dressing that creates an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired tastes in every bite.
• Pack your meal with colorful, nutrient-rich ingredients that provide a wholesome and balanced option for health-conscious food lovers.
• Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish that appeals to nearly everyone with its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients.

Ingredients for a Classic Greek Salad

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that add vibrant color to the salad.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that provides a cool and refreshing crunch.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor with a nice crunch.
• Red Onion: Offers a sharp and pungent taste that complements the other vegetables.
• Kalamata Olives: Rich and briny olives that bring a classic Greek flavor to the salad.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbly and tangy Greek cheese that adds a creamy and salty element.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Classic dressing base that creates a light and zesty coating for the salad.
• Dried Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herbal note and provides a beautiful green garnish.

Salad Assembly Guide with a Greek Twist

Step 1: Chop and Dice Colorful Veggies

Grab a cutting board and sharp knife.

Slice crisp cucumber into bite-sized chunks.

Halve juicy cherry tomatoes.

Dice vibrant bell peppers into small pieces.

Thinly slice red onion for a sharp kick.

Roughly chop Kalamata olives to release their rich Mediterranean flavor.

Step 2: Crumble Creamy Feta

Take a block of tangy feta cheese and break it into rustic crumbles.

Sprinkle the cheese over the freshly chopped vegetables, letting the white chunks contrast beautifully with the colorful produce.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, pour extra virgin olive oil.

Add a splash of red wine vinegar.

Sprinkle dried oregano for an herbal punch.

Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk everything together until the dressing looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Toss and Coat

Pour the vibrant dressing over the vegetable and cheese mixture.

Use a large spoon to gently mix, ensuring every piece gets a delicious coating of the herb-infused dressing.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Optionally, scatter fresh parsley leaves on top for a burst of green.

Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle and develop a deeper taste profile.

Serve cold and enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors of this classic Greek salad.

Tips to Keep Greek Salad Crisp and Fresh

• Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture and even flavor distribution in every bite.
• Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to enhance the taste and allow ingredients to marinate together.
• Select ripe, firm vegetables and high-quality feta cheese for the most vibrant and authentic Greek salad experience.
• Pat Kalamata olives dry to prevent excess liquid from making the salad watery.
• Drizzle dressing gradually and taste, ensuring it doesn't overwhelm the fresh vegetable flavors.

Smart Storage for Greek Salad Leftovers

• Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Before serving refrigerated salad, drain any accumulated liquid and gently toss to revive the ingredients.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil to boost flavor and texture when serving leftover salad.
• Avoid freezing this salad as the vegetables will become watery and lose their crisp texture when thawed.

Great Matches for Greek Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini or a light Sauvignon Blanc that complements the salad's tangy feta and bright vegetable flavors.
• Match with Mediterranean Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty Greek pita or sourdough bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and vinegar dressing.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to transform the salad into a protein-packed lunch or dinner option that feels fresh and satisfying.
• Enhance with Cool Tzatziki: Serve a small side of creamy tzatziki sauce as a complementary dip that adds extra richness and traditional Greek flavor to the salad experience.

Ways to Add Variety to Greek Salad

• Vegan Greek Salad: Replace feta cheese with firm tofu cubes or vegan feta alternative. Use plant-based olive oil and add extra herbs for depth.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Bowl: Swap cucumber and bell pepper for mixed greens. Include grilled chicken or shrimp for protein boost. Reduce onion quantity.
• Gluten-Free Herbal Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add chopped fresh mint or dill for enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile. Use organic produce.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Replace traditional ingredients with cooked quinoa. Include roasted chickpeas for protein. Add za'atar spice blend for authentic taste.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this Greek salad is packed with nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins from fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from feta cheese, making it a nutritious and balanced dish.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Mix them together just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

• What if I don't like Kalamata olives?

You can substitute Kalamata olives with regular black olives or green olives. The key is to maintain the Mediterranean flavor profile of the salad.

• Do I need to use fresh herbs?

While fresh parsley adds a nice touch, it’s optional. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can skip them or use dried parsley without significantly changing the salad’s taste.

Refreshing Greek Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic sparkles in this Greek salad, where crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta dance together. Crumbled herbs and zesty olive oil elevate this classic dish, inviting you to savor summer’s freshest flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced texture and even flavor distribution.
2. Thinly slice red onions to provide a sharp, crisp element without overwhelming the other ingredients.
3. Add Kalamata olives whole or halved, creating bursts of Mediterranean intensity throughout the salad.
4. Crumble feta cheese with gentle hand movements, allowing irregular chunks that will provide creamy contrast to the fresh vegetables.
5. Prepare the dressing by whisking extra virgin olive oil with robust red wine vinegar, creating a tangy emulsion.
6. Sprinkle dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the dressing, intensifying the classic Greek flavor profile.
7. Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture, using a light folding technique to coat ingredients without bruising delicate components.
8. Let salad rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
9. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish that enhances the salad’s visual appeal and aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of textures and flavors.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a more authentic Mediterranean taste profile.
• For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with firm tofu or plant-based cheese alternative, seasoned with nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Let the salad rest briefly before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste sensations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg