Greek salad is a vibrant explosion of colors and flavors, with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta all mingling together like old friends at a summer barbecue. Picture it: the crunch of fresh vegetables, the briny burst of olives, and that zesty dressing whispering sweet nothings to your taste buds. It’s not just a salad; it’s a Mediterranean party on your plate that practically screams “Eat me!” as you take in its sun-kissed charm.
The best part? This Greek salad is perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, enjoying a lazy Sunday brunch, or simply trying to impress someone special without breaking a sweat in the kitchen, this dish has you covered. Trust me when I say that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire and have everyone asking for seconds—maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Greek salad is super easy to whip up with minimal prep time
- The combination of fresh ingredients delivers an explosion of flavor that dazzles the senses
- Its bright colors make it an eye-catching addition to any meal or gathering
- Perfect as a side dish or light main course, it’s versatile enough to suit any palate
One memorable summer evening, I served this Greek salad at my best friend’s birthday bash and watched in awe as it disappeared faster than the cake. Guests were raving about it all night—and I’ll admit I savored every bit of that culinary glory.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cucumbers: Crisp, refreshing cucumbers add crunch; opt for English cucumbers for fewer seeds and more flavor.
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Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes are essential; vine-ripened ones offer the most sweetness.
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Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings a bite; soak them in water first to tone down their intensity.
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Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; go for high-quality Greek feta if possible for authentic flavor.
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Black Olives: Kalamata olives provide richness; pit them for safety and ease when serving.
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Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of dried oregano enhances the Mediterranean vibe; feel free to use fresh if you have it!
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Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil ties everything together with its fruity notes.
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Balsamic Vinegar (optional): A drizzle adds sweetness and depth; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Veggies: Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under cool water. Chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and slice the tomatoes into wedges that will make them easier to enjoy.
Add the Onions: Next up, grab that red onion! Thinly slice it so its sharpness can play nicely with the other ingredients. If you want less bite, give those slices a quick soak in cold water before adding them to the mix.
Toss in Olives & Feta : Now it’s time for some fun! Toss in those beautiful Kalamata olives along with generous crumbles of feta cheese. Watch how they mingle with the veggies—it’s like an impromptu dance party!
Season It Right : Sprinkle dried oregano over your colorful medley and drizzle olive oil generously across the top. If you’d like a touch of sweetness from balsamic vinegar, now’s your chance!
Mix & Serve : Gently toss everything together until well combined but be careful not to break up your feta too much—nobody wants feta mush! Serve immediately or let it chill until you’re ready to impress your guests.
Enjoy every crunchy bite of your homemade Greek salad—it’s sure to be one for the books!
You Must Know
- This vibrant Greek salad is not just delicious; it’s a visual feast
- The fresh flavors and crunchy textures create a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion
- Don’t underestimate the power of quality ingredients; they truly make this salad shine
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, chop your vegetables first, then whisk the dressing while you prepare the cheese and olives.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese or add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the crispiest cucumber, choose English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and thicker skin
- When using tomatoes, opt for vine-ripened varieties; they add a burst of flavor
- Lastly, let your salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully
Creating this Greek salad has become a cherished tradition in my family; we even argue over who gets to chop the veggies!
FAQ
Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?
Yes, but dress it just before serving to keep veggies crisp.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese or mozzarella work well as tasty alternatives.
How do I store leftover Greek salad?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Greek Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A colorful and refreshing dish bursting with fresh flavors, this Greek salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, all dressed in high-quality olive oil and oregano. Perfect for any occasion—from casual gatherings to elegant dinners—this vibrant salad will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Easy to prepare and delightful to savor, it’s the ideal side dish or light main course that will impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, wedged
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and tomatoes; dice cucumber and wedge tomatoes.
- Thinly slice red onion; soak in cold water if desired for milder flavor.
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture; sprinkle with dried oregano and balsamic vinegar if using.
- Gently toss the salad until combined. Serve immediately or chill for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
