Greek salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty olives, it’s a simple yet satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, enjoying it as a light meal, or bringing it to a potluck, this Greek salad is sure to be a hit.
My family and I travel to Florida often to visit family. While we are there we love to dine on the local cuisine. One of our favorite spots is a little Greek restaurant where they serve this amazing Greek salad along side a piece of fresh fish. We love it so much that we had to re create it at home so we can enjoy it year round! This recipe is my take based on that Greek salad. Feel free to swap out or add any ingredients! Recipes are the best when made to your liking!
I love to prep all the ingredients for this salad and then make up containers of them to eat throughout the week. I also make up a big container of Greek dressing, but don’t add it until I am ready to eat. Enjoy it on its own or add some chicken or fish for added protein!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a gorgeous salad ready in minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a main course, or even a topping for grilled meats or pita bread.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups of chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup canned beets, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced into quarters
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted ( or you can use a Greek medley variety)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh pepperoncini peppers, leave whole
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a slight tang)
- juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 Tablespoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. If using Romaine lettuce, chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Add the cucumber, beets, and pepperoncini peppers on top.
- Add the Olives and Feta: Scatter the Kalamata olives over the vegetables, followed by the crumbled or cubed feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together gently to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Tips for the Best Greek Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce and crisp cucumbers make a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the salad.
- Quality Feta: Opt for a good quality, brined feta cheese for the best flavor. It should be tangy and creamy, not overly salty.
- Customize It: Feel free to add or omit ingredients based on your preferences. Some people like adding capers, fresh mint, or even a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Pairing Suggestions
This Greek salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or fish. It’s also fantastic alongside a hearty soup, crusty bread, or a mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, and pita.
Food for Thought!
Greek salad is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Its combination of fresh, crisp vegetables, rich feta, and briny olives, all tied together with a simple yet flavorful dressing, makes it a go-to recipe for any meal. Enjoy this salad as part of a balanced diet, and bring a little taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
Greek Salad
Description
Greek Salad bursting with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty olives, it’s a simple yet satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Greek Salad Dressing
Instructions
- Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. If using Romaine lettuce, chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl. Add the cucumber, beets, and pepperoncini peppers on top.
- Scatter the Kalamata olives over the vegetables, followed by the crumbled or cubed feta cheese.
- In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together gently to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- This Greek salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or fish. It’s also fantastic alongside a hearty soup, crusty bread, or a mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, and pita.
More Tasty Salads!
Autumn Harvest Salad: Autumn Harvest Salad combines the crispness of apples, the smokiness of bacon, the sweetness of dried cranberries, the richness of walnuts, and the creaminess of feta cheese.
7 Layer Salad: A classic 7 layer salad that is crisp with a creamy dressing. Full of chopped lettuce, celery, green pepper, onions, cheese, tomatoes, and bacon, this salad makes a quick and easy side dish!
Tangy Cucumber Salad: Sweet and tangy cucumber salad in a homemade red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect summer salad to use up your garden vegetables!
Italian Pasta Salad: Easy Italian pasta salad that is bursting with color and flavor! Lots of veggies and tri-color pasta make this a beautiful side dish for a party.
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