The Perfect Greek Salad Recipe: Refreshing Summer Bliss

Crisp vegetables dance harmoniously in this vibrant greek salad that captures Mediterranean sunshine on a plate.

Refreshing cucumbers and juicy tomatoes create a colorful canvas of flavors.

Briny kalamata olives add a salty punch to each delightful bite.

Crumbled feta cheese brings creamy richness that balances the bright ingredients.

Zesty red onions provide a sharp contrast against the smooth textures.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, promising a quick and delicious meal.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this classic Mediterranean delight.

Why Refreshing Greek Salad Works For Any Occasion

• Craft Authentic Mediterranean Flavors: Discover a classic Greek salad that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny islands with minimal prep work.
• Quick Vegetable Prep Magic: Chop, slice, and dice ingredients in just a few minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a fresh, nutritious meal.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light lunch companion that appeals to both vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. Pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins or as a standalone dish.
• No-Fuss Dressing Delight: Create a zesty Mediterranean dressing using just a few pantry staples, transforming simple vegetables into a restaurant-quality salad without complicated techniques.

Ingredients For Refreshing Greek Salad

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds cool texture to the Greek salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy red vegetables that provide a sweet and tangy base for the salad.
• Red Onion: A sharp and pungent vegetable that offers a bold flavor profile.
• Green Bell Pepper: A crunchy vegetable that introduces a mild, fresh taste to the dish.

• Feta Cheese: A creamy and tangy Greek cheese that adds rich, salty character to the salad.
• Kalamata Olives: Traditional Greek olives with a deep, briny flavor that enhances the Mediterranean essence.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: A classic combination that creates a light and zesty dressing base.
• Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic herbs and seasonings that provide depth and traditional Greek seasoning to the salad.

Steps To Make Refreshing Greek Salad Fast

Step 1: Wash And Prep Vegetables

Thoroughly rinse all vegetables under cool running water. Remove any visible dirt or debris carefully.

Step 2: Chop Cucumber

Cut cucumber into bite-sized chunks. Peeling is optional based on personal preference. Aim for uniform pieces to create consistent texture.

Step 3: Dice Tomatoes

Slice tomatoes into similar-sized pieces. Remove tough core sections to enhance salad composition and eating experience.

Step 4: Slice Red Onion

Create thin, translucent rings or half-moons of red onion. This technique helps distribute a subtle sharp flavor throughout the salad.

Step 5: Chop Green Bell Pepper

Cut green bell pepper into small, even squares that harmonize with other vegetable sizes in the dish.

Step 6: Crumble Feta Cheese

Break feta cheese into irregular, rustic pieces. This approach provides creamy texture and tangy flavor elements.

Step 7: Whisk Mediterranean Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until well blended, creating a robust Mediterranean-style dressing.

Step 8: Combine Vegetables

Transfer all prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 9: Add Feta

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over vegetable mixture.

Step 10: Incorporate Olives

Add pitted kalamata olives throughout the salad to introduce authentic Greek flavor profile.

Step 11: Dress The Salad

Pour prepared dressing over salad. Toss gently to ensure light and even coating of all ingredients.

Step 12: Let Flavors Mingle

Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This waiting period helps flavors blend and intensify before serving.

Tips That Help With Refreshing Greek Salad

• Rinse Veggies Carefully: Thoroughly wash all vegetables under cool water to eliminate potential dirt and ensure food safety.
• Slice Uniformly: Cut cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper into consistent, bite-sized pieces for balanced texture and even flavor distribution.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, firm vegetables and high-quality feta cheese to enhance the salad's authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Dress Strategically: Prepare dressing separately and add just before serving to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy and maintain crisp texture.
• Rest and Develop Flavors: Allow salad to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, enabling ingredients to blend and intensify their natural taste profiles.

Ways To Switch Up Refreshing Greek Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Add fresh chopped basil, mint, and parsley to enhance the aromatic profile and introduce additional herbal notes.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp chunks for a substantial main course salad with increased protein content.
• Quinoa Mediterranean Remix: Mix cooked quinoa into the salad for added nutritional value and a hearty, filling texture.
• Spicy Greek Fusion: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and add diced jalapeños to introduce a warm, zesty kick to the traditional recipe.

What Goes Well With Refreshing Greek Salad

• Perfectly Pair Greek Salad with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Assyrtiko from Santorini that matches the salad's bright Mediterranean flavors and cuts through the tangy feta.
• Create Mediterranean Grilled Protein Companion: Serve alongside herb-marinated grilled chicken or succulent lamb souvlaki skewers that complement the salad's fresh vegetable profile and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic whole wheat or traditional Greek pita bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and vinegar dressing, adding textural contrast and making the meal more satisfying.

How To Store Refreshing Greek Salad Properly

• Store the Greek salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy and wilted.
• Do not freeze this salad, as fresh vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed.
• Prepare extra dressing and store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before using to recombine ingredients.
• For best taste and texture, consume the salad within 24 hours of preparation. Drain any excess liquid before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.

FAQs About Refreshing Greek Salad

• Why use extra virgin olive oil in the dressing?

Extra virgin olive oil provides authentic Mediterranean flavor, rich health benefits, and creates a smooth, silky texture that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and tangy feta.

• How do I choose the best feta cheese for this salad?

Select high-quality, authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. Look for a creamy, slightly crumbly texture with a tangy, salty flavor that enhances the overall salad profile.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but add the dressing and olives just before serving to maintain the vegetables’ crisp texture and prevent wilting.

Greek Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp Mediterranean flavors dance through this Greek salad, combining fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. Salty olives and zesty herbs create a refreshing meal that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumber, chopped
• 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

Cheese and Proteins:

• 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 10 kalamata olives, pitted

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Instructions

1. Rinse all vegetables thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Prepare the cucumber by peeling (optional) and cutting into bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture.
3. Dice the tomatoes into similar-sized pieces, removing any tough core sections for better salad composition.
4. Slice the red onion into thin, translucent rings or half-moons to distribute a subtle sharp flavor throughout the salad.
5. Chop the green bell pepper into small, even squares that complement the other vegetable sizes.
6. Crumble the feta cheese into irregular, rustic pieces that will provide creamy texture and tangy flavor.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a robust Mediterranean-style dressing.
8. Combine all prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl, gently tossing to distribute ingredients evenly.
9. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable mixture.
10. Add pitted kalamata olives, distributing them throughout the salad for authentic Greek flavor.
11. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated.
12. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

• Choose crisp, fresh vegetables for the most vibrant and authentic Greek salad experience.
• Chill serving plates beforehand to keep the salad cool and refreshing, especially during warm weather.
• Consider removing seeds from tomatoes and cucumbers to prevent excess liquid and maintain salad’s crispness.
• Swap feta for vegan alternatives like tofu or nutritional yeast for dairy-free diets, maintaining the salad’s tangy profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg