If you’ve been craving a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine in every bite, then you’re going to love this Classic Greek Salad Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed together with fragrant herbs and a tangy dressing. This salad truly captures the essence of Greek flavors, making it an easy go-to whether you want a light lunch or a stunning side for your dinner. Plus, it comes together in just 10 minutes, delivering a perfect harmony of tastes and textures that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the crunchy cucumbers that provide cool freshness to the salty olives that bring a touch of depth. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time.
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced: Offers a crisp, hydrating crunch that brightens the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Gives a mild sharpness and slight bite that balances the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives: Brings a rich, tangy saltiness essential to authentic Greek flavor.
- 1/4 cup green olives: Adds a different olive dimension with a slightly milder, fruity note.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed: Creamy and salty, it melts in your mouth and ties the salad together.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Injects a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the entire bowl.
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano: Classic Greek seasoning that adds an earthy, slightly peppery taste.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Rich and fruity, it forms the luscious base of the dressing.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the oil and fresh veggies.
How to Make Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables
Start by slicing the cucumbers and red onion thinly to achieve that perfect crunch without overwhelming your bite. Halve the cherry tomatoes so their juices release just enough to mingle with the other ingredients. Cube the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces to spread the creamy texture evenly throughout the salad.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add all your fresh veggies along with the Kalamata and green olives. Adding both types of olives brings a more complex and authentic flavor that really makes this Classic Greek Salad Recipe stand out.
Step 3: Season and Dress
Sprinkle in the dried oregano and chopped fresh parsley to infuse aromatic layers into the salad. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar evenly over the top. Toss everything gently so that each bite is perfectly coated without bruising the delicate ingredients.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
The beauty of this salad is how fresh it tastes right away. Serve it as a light main course or a lovely side dish paired with warm pita bread, and you’ll have a meal reminiscent of a sun-soaked Greek taverna.
How to Serve Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some crumbled feta or a few whole cherry tomatoes on top before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can make the salad glisten beautifully, while a few sprigs of fresh parsley or oregano leaves offer an inviting pop of green.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like lamb or chicken souvlaki, but it’s also fantastic alongside freshly toasted pita bread or a simple lemon-herb rice pilaf. Its crispness is a perfect counterpoint to warm, savory dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual glass jars or mini bowls for a party or picnic setting. You can also layer the ingredients in a clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors before giving everything a final toss at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within a day as the cucumbers and tomatoes can release water, which may dilute the flavors over time.
Freezing
This Classic Greek Salad Recipe does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and feta. Freezing will affect their texture and taste, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or shortly after making it.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want to enjoy the leftovers, allow them to come to room temperature for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular green olives instead of Kalamata?
Absolutely! While Kalamata olives have a distinctive tangy flavor, green olives bring a slightly milder, fruitier note that still works beautifully in the salad.
Is feta cheese necessary in the Classic Greek Salad Recipe?
Feta cheese is a signature ingredient that adds creaminess and saltiness, giving the salad its authentic flair. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can omit it or substitute with a plant-based cheese, though the taste will differ.
What’s the best way to slice the cucumbers?
Thin slices work best because they blend well with the other textures and don’t overpower each bite. If you prefer, you can also cut them into half-moons for a different look.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving to maintain the fresh texture and vibrant flavors.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
Red wine vinegar adds a specific tanginess, but you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a similarly bright, acidic kick in the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Greek Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a sunny day on a plate. It’s simple, fresh, and utterly satisfying, making it an evergreen favorite whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. I encourage you to try it out, savor every bite, and maybe even experiment with your own twists. Once you taste that blend of crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and crumbly feta, you might just find this salad becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Classic Greek Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and authentic Classic Greek Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata and green olives, tangy feta cheese, and a simple oregano-olive oil vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, healthy side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Olives and Cheese
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup green olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
Seasonings and Dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and cube the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces to ensure balanced textures in the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, green olives, and cubed feta cheese gently to preserve their shapes.
- Season and Dress: Sprinkle the mixture with dried oregano, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the vegetables or cheese.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a crisp, refreshing side dish or a light main course. For added tradition and texture, consider pairing it with warm pita bread.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality olives and feta cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste; remember feta is naturally salty.
- Serve immediately to maintain freshness and texture; leftover salad can be refrigerated but may soften over time.
- Optional additions include sliced bell peppers or a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
