Classic Greek Salad Recipe
If you are craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with Mediterranean charm, look no further than the Classic Greek Salad. This salad is a timeless blend of crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives, all brought together with a simple yet flavorful olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes, making the Classic Greek Salad not just a side dish but a joyful experience that’s perfect any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Classic Greek Salad lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that signature Mediterranean flavor. Fresh vegetables provide crunch and color, while olives and feta add depth and character. The dressing ties everything together with a punch of zesty goodness.
- 3 medium tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes for sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cucumber: Peeled and sliced for a cool, crisp texture that balances the salad.
- 1 red onion: Thinly sliced to add sharpness without overpowering.
- 1 green bell pepper: Thin slices contribute a mild, fresh crunch and bright green hue.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives: Pitted, their briny richness brings a distinctive Mediterranean flavor.
- ¾ cup feta cheese: Cubed or crumbled, it adds a creamy, tangy contrast essential to the dish.
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: Use the best quality for a rich, fruity base in the dressing.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Provides just the right amount of acidity to lift the flavors.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Brings herbal notes that are classic to Greek cuisine.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing the flavors naturally.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a fragrant, bright garnish.
How to Make Classic Greek Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing the tomatoes, cucumber, and green bell pepper thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and peel the cucumber, slicing it into half-moons for visual appeal and balanced texture. Thinly slice the red onion and green bell pepper to ensure every bite is refreshing and not overwhelming.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a spacious salad bowl, gently toss together the prepared tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper. This simple mixture sets the stage for the robust flavors that are about to come.
Step 3: Fold in Olives and Feta
Add the Kalamata olives and the feta cheese to the salad bowl. Gently fold them in so the savory olives and creamy feta are evenly distributed without breaking up the delicate cheese too much.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until well emulsified. This dressing is the heart of the Classic Greek Salad, infusing every ingredient with vibrant, zesty flavor.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure each crisp and tender element is lightly coated with that fragrant, tangy dressing.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Serve your Classic Greek Salad immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors, or chill briefly to let the ingredients meld slightly for an even deeper taste experience.
How to Serve Classic Greek Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the look but adds a subtle herbal freshness that elevates the Classic Greek Salad. You might also consider adding a few capers or a dash of sumac for a colorful twist.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb chops, and it’s equally delicious alongside hearty bread or a simple pilaf. Its fresh, light quality complements heavier mains perfectly, making it a versatile star on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the ingredients in a glass bowl for a gorgeous visual effect or serving it on individual plates with a wedge of lemon on the side. For a fun twist, you can even skewer the components on cocktail sticks for Greek salad bites that are perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the salad dressing separate if possible to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. The salad is best enjoyed within a day to preserve that fresh crunch.
Freezing
Because this salad is primarily fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture of the cucumbers and tomatoes drastically, leading to a soggy salad upon thawing.
Reheating
The Classic Greek Salad is never served warm, so reheating is not applicable. Just give it a gentle toss before serving leftover salad cold, maintaining the fresh, vibrant salad experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives instead of Kalamata?
While Kalamata olives are traditional and offer a unique flavor, you can substitute other briny, dark olives if needed. Just be mindful that they may alter the authentic taste slightly.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe includes feta cheese, so it’s not vegan. However, you can easily make a vegan version by using a plant-based feta alternative or simply omitting the cheese altogether.
What is the best way to cut the vegetables?
Keeping the vegetable cuts uniform helps the salad look beautiful and ensures consistent texture in every bite. Thin slices and wedges work best to balance the various flavors and textures harmoniously.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, but for the best texture, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them just before serving. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything crisp and fresh.
What wines pair well with Classic Greek Salad?
A dry white wine like Assyrtiko or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the salad’s bright, tangy flavors. These wines complement without overpowering.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Classic Greek Salad that keeps you coming back for more. Its simplicity is its charm, inviting fresh, vibrant ingredients to shine through in perfect harmony. Whether you are looking for a quick light meal or a beautiful side, this salad is a go-to that never disappoints. Give it a try and bring a little taste of the Mediterranean sunshine to your table today!
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Classic Greek Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Classic Greek Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a simple oregano-infused olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into half-moons
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Salad Add-ins
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ¾ cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
Dressing
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into wedges, peel and slice the cucumber into half-moons, and thinly slice the red onion and green bell pepper to ensure even texture and flavor in the salad.
- Combine vegetables: In a large salad bowl, add the cut tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper. Mix gently to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
- Add olives and cheese: Carefully fold in the pitted Kalamata olives and the cubed or crumbled feta cheese, ensuring not to break the cheese too much to maintain its texture.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad mixture and toss gently with a large spoon or salad tongs to coat all ingredients without damaging the vegetables or cheese.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness or chill briefly in the refrigerator. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For an authentic taste, use full-fat feta cheese and Kalamata olives.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after tossing as feta and olives add saltiness.
- Chilling the salad for 15-20 minutes can enhance the flavors melding together.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a light standalone meal.
- For a vegan version, omit feta cheese or substitute with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
Keywords: Greek salad, classic Greek salad recipe, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese salad, healthy salad, tomato cucumber salad
