Why This Easy Greek Salad Recipe Stands Out

What makes this Greek salad recipe special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors:

• Crunchy vegetables – Crisp cucumbers and bell peppers provide satisfying texture
• Juicy tomatoes – Sweet cherry tomatoes burst with freshness
• Salty feta – Creamy cheese cubes add richness
• Briny olives – Kalamata olives deliver authentic Greek flavor
• Zesty dressing – Simple vinaigrette ties everything together

Unlike complicated salads with dozens of ingredients, this easy Greek salad comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours preparing it. The combination of fresh produce with Mediterranean staples creates a dish that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.

Greek Salad Ingredients: Fresh & Flavorful

Authentic Greek salad relies on quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes – Halved for perfect bite-sized pieces
• 2 Persian cucumbers – Sliced into half-moons
• 1 green bell pepper – Diced for crunch
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives – Pitted and halved
• 1/4 red onion – Thinly sliced and soaked in water
• 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers – For mild heat
• 6 oz feta cheese – Cubed or crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil – Extra virgin preferred
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar – For tangy brightness
• 1 tsp dried oregano – Authentic Greek flavor
• 1/2 tsp sea salt – Enhances all flavors
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground

How to Make Greek Salad: Simple Steps

1. Prep vegetables: Wash and chop all produce. Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite.
2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, drained red onion, olives, and pepperoncini.
3. Add cheese: Carefully fold in feta cubes to prevent breaking them up too much.
4. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
5. Toss and serve: Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all ingredients.

For best results, serve immediately after dressing to maintain crisp textures. The flavors will continue to develop as the salad sits, but the vegetables will soften slightly.

Greek Salad Variations: Make It Your Own

While traditional Greek salad has specific ingredients, you can easily customize it:

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
• Extra veggies: Include artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers
• Grain addition: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for heartiness
• Dressing variations: Try lemon juice instead of vinegar
• Cheese options: Substitute goat cheese or halloumi

The beauty of this easy Greek salad recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preferences while maintaining the essential Mediterranean flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings: How to Serve Greek Salad

This versatile dish works in multiple meal contexts:

• Light lunch: Serve with warm pita bread
• Dinner side: Pair with grilled meats or fish
• Meal prep: Keep components separate for easy assembly
• Entertaining: Present as part of a mezze platter

For an authentic Greek experience, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil just before serving and accompany with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.

Greek Salad FAQ