Are you ready to dive into one of the most refreshing, vibrant, and satisfying salads out there? Meet the Greek Salad, a dish so simple yet so delicious that it’s bound to become your new go-to for lunch, dinner, or even a side dish. With its juicy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, tangy feta cheese, and zesty homemade dressing, this salad is a celebration of fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Did you know that Greek Salads have been enjoyed for centuries in Greece, where they’re often served as a hearty appetizer or light meal? This recipe takes inspiration from traditional methods but adds a modern twist to make it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, compared to other heavy salads like Caesar or Cobb, this one is lighter, healthier, and packed with nutrients.
What Is a Greek Salad?
A Greek Salad, also known as Horiatiki, is more than just a collection of vegetables. It’s an ode to simplicity and authenticity. Have you ever wondered why such a humble dish has captured hearts worldwide? Its name reflects its roots. “Horiatiki” translates to “village salad,” symbolizing its rustic charm and farm-to-table origins.
Just like the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” this salad invites everyone to savor the pure joy of wholesome ingredients. So whether you’re hosting friends or preparing a quick lunch, don’t hesitate to give this classic a try. You won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad
Here are three reasons why this Greek Salad will quickly become your favorite:
1. Unique and Memorable Flavor Profile
This salad combines the crisp crunch of cucumbers, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the salty tang of Kalamata olives and feta cheese. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it unforgettable.
2. Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Making this salad at home saves money compared to buying pre-made options. Plus, most ingredients can be stored for days, reducing waste and stretching your grocery budget further.
3. Versatile Toppings
From adding grilled chicken for extra protein to tossing in garbanzo beans for a vegetarian boost, this salad adapts effortlessly to suit any dietary preference. If you enjoyed our recent post on Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken or Roasted Vegetable Medleys, think of this Greek Salad as the perfect side dish or light meal to complement those recipes.
How to Make Greek Salad
Quick Overview
Creating this Greek Salad is easier than you might think. It comes together in under 10 minutes using six key ingredients plus a homemade dressing. Best of all, its chunky texture ensures every ingredient shines without overpowering the others.
Key Ingredients for Greek Salad
- 1 large cucumber, diced (use English cucumbers for thinner skin)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions:
- Grilled chicken breast for added protein
- Diced avocado for healthy fats
- Canned garbanzo beans for a vegetarian option
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
The cucumber is one of the star ingredients in this salad, providing a refreshing crunch and juicy texture. For this recipe, we recommend using an English cucumber, which has a thinner skin compared to regular cucumbers.
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water.
- Use a sharp knife to slice it lengthwise first (this makes slicing easier).
- Stack several slices on top of each other and cut them into quarters or smaller chunks, depending on your preference.
- Transfer the cucumber pieces to a large mixing bowl.
Pro Tip: Leaving the skin on adds color and nutrients, but if you prefer, peel it before chopping.
Step 2: Slice the Bell Pepper
Bell peppers add sweetness and vibrant color to the salad. While you can use any color pepper, green bell peppers are most traditional for Greek Salads.
- Begin by cutting off the top and bottom of the pepper.
- Remove the seeds and white membrane inside. It can be bitter.
- Slice the pepper into long strips, then chop those strips into chunky cubes.
- Add the diced bell pepper to the mixing bowl with the cucumber.
Step 3: Halve the Grape Tomatoes
Grape tomatoes bring juiciness and natural sweetness to balance the salty feta and tangy olives.
- Rinse the tomatoes under cold water.
- Cut each tomato in half horizontally. If you have access to fresh garden tomatoes, feel free to substitute them for larger chunks.
- Place the halved tomatoes in the mixing bowl.
Step 4: Thinly Slice the Red Onion
Red onions provide a mild yet zesty bite that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Start by cutting the onion in half from top to bottom.
- Peel away the outer layer and discard it.
- Lay each half flat-side down and slice it thinly from root to tip.
- Break apart the slices gently and add them to the mixing bowl.
Step 5: Add the Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are essential for authentic Greek flavor. Their rich, briny taste elevates the entire dish.
- Measure out ½ cup of pitted Kalamata olives.
- Slice the olives in half lengthwise for easier eating.
- Mix the olives into the salad.
Step 6: Crumble the Feta Cheese
High-quality feta cheese is non-negotiable for this recipe. Its creamy, salty flavor ties everything together.
- Choose a block of feta instead of pre-crumbled options for superior taste.
- Break off about 4 ounces of feta and crumble it into large chunks using your fingers or a fork.
- Sprinkle the feta generously over the salad.
Step 7: Make the Homemade Dressing
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture emulsifies.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to bring all the elements together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad in the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss everything together with tongs or a spatula.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
What to Serve with Greek Salad
While this salad shines on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes enhances the experience. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Pita Bread
- Spanakopita
- Red Wine
Enjoy this classic Greek Salad with a homemade touch!
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GREEK SALAD
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
A refreshing and authentic Greek Salad made with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a homemade dressing. Perfect for summer meals or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber , diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes , halved
- 1 green bell pepper , diced
- ½ red onion , thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives , halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese , crumbled
- Salt and pepper , to taste
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
-
Prepare the Salad Ingredients :
- Dice 1 large cucumber into bite-sized chunks.
- Halve 1 pint of grape tomatoes.
- Dice 1 green bell pepper into chunky cubes.
- Thinly slice ½ of a red onion into curved wedges.
- Halve ½ cup of pitted Kalamata olives.
- Crumble or cube 4 ounces of high-quality feta cheese into large chunks.
-
Combine Ingredients :
- Add all prepared ingredients (cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, olives, and feta) to a large mixing bowl.
-
Make the Dressing :
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Slowly drizzle in ½ cup of olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing emulsifies.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
-
Dress the Salad :
- Pour the dressing over the salad in the mixing bowl.
- Gently toss everything together with tongs or a spatula to coat evenly.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve Immediately :
- Divide the salad among individual plates or bowls.
- Garnish with extra dried oregano if desired.
Notes
- For meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent wilting.
- To make it heartier, add grilled chicken, diced avocado, or canned beans for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 396 kcal
- Sodium: 757 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 7 g
