The Best Greek Salad Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Have you ever found yourself staring into your refrigerator after a long day, craving something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when The Best Greek Salad comes to the rescue. This Mediterranean classic combines crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives in a vibrant dressing that transports your taste buds straight to the Greek islands. The refreshing crunch of cucumber, the juicy burst of ripe tomatoes, and the bold flavors of herbs and olive oil create a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both simple and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option, a side dish for grilled meats, or a stunning starter for your next dinner party, this authentic The Best Greek Salad recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Greek Salad

• ✅ Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for quick weeknight meals when you’re short on time
• ✅ Authentic The Best Greek Salad recipe with traditional Mediterranean ingredients and flavors
• ✅ Naturally healthy Mediterranean diet The Best Greek Salad packed with fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil
• ✅ Versatile recipe that works beautifully as a side dish, main meal with protein, or party appetizer
• ✅ Classic The Best Greek Salad with fresh herbs that elevates any meal with minimal effort
• ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients that are widely available year-round for The Best Greek Salad cravings anytime

Ingredients for The Best Greek Salad

For this traditional The Best Greek Salad with olives and tomatoes, you’ll need these simple, fresh ingredients:

For the salad:

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 large cucumber, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup black olives (Kalamata preferred)
• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• Optional: 1 green bell pepper, sliced

For the dressing:

• 1 cup olive oil (use high-quality extra virgin for best results)
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano, or to taste
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• For a more authentic village-style The Best Greek Salad, skip the lettuce and focus on chunky vegetables
• If you can’t find Kalamata olives, any black olives will work
• Consider adding capers, pepperoncini, or artichoke hearts for variation
• For a dairy-free version, substitute feta with a plant-based alternative or simply omit

How to Make The Best Greek Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until well combined.
3. Let the dressing sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash and dry all produce thoroughly.
2. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cut tomatoes into wedges or large chunks.
4. Slice the cucumber into matchsticks or half-moons.
5. Thinly slice the red onion.
6. If using bell pepper, remove seeds and slice into thin strips.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Add the black olives.
3. Crumble the feta cheese over the top.
4. Just before serving, drizzle with the prepared dressing and gently toss to combine.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. For presentation, you can reserve some feta cheese and olives to sprinkle on top.
2. Add a final drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
3. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Best The Best Greek Salad

• Use room temperature tomatoes: Never refrigerate tomatoes for this salad as cold temperatures diminish their flavor.
• Soak red onions: To tame their bite, soak sliced red onions in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
• Authentic ingredients matter: For the most authentic The Best Greek Salad, use Greek olive oil, Kalamata olives, and block feta packed in brine (not the pre-crumbled type).
• Dress it right: The secret to The Best Greek Salad is dressing it just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
• Salt timing: Add salt to tomatoes just before serving to prevent them from releasing too much liquid and making the salad watery.
• Chunky cuts: For traditional Greek village salad, cut vegetables into larger chunks rather than small pieces.
• Block feta technique: Instead of crumbling, try placing a large slab of feta on top of the salad for a more authentic presentation.

Best Ways to Serve The Best Greek Salad

The Best Greek Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• As a light main course with fresh crusty bread on the side
• Alongside grilled meats like lamb, chicken, or fish
• With warm pita bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean meal
• Paired with a traditional gyro plate for a complete Greek dining experience
• As part of a mezze spread with dolmas, tzatziki, and other small plates
• In a wrap with grilled chicken for a portable lunch option
• For a complete Mediterranean feast, serve with our Homemade Hummus and Traditional Greek Tzatziki

For a dinner party, consider setting up a Greek salad bar with all the components separated, allowing guests to build their own ideal version.

Nutritional Information for The Best Greek Salad

This vegetarian Greek salad meal prep favorite is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 30g (primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil)
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g (naturally occurring)
• Sodium: 790mg

This Mediterranean diet Greek salad is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and calcium. The olive oil provides beneficial antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, making this a nutritious choice that supports overall wellness.

Storage & Leftovers

For the best results with your The Best Greek Salad:

• Dressed salad: Consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture.
• Undressed components: Store vegetables and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Pre-prep strategy: For meal prep, prepare and store all components separately, assembling just before eating.
• Dressing storage: The dressing will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.

Note: If you’ve already dressed the entire salad, the vegetables will soften over time, but leftovers can still make a delicious addition to sandwiches or wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Greek Salad

What makes an authentic Greek salad different from other salads?

An authentic The Best Greek Salad (also called “Horiatiki” or village salad) traditionally contains no lettuce and features chunky vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions, along with Kalamata olives and a large piece of feta cheese on top. It’s dressed simply with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.

Should Greek salad have lettuce?

Traditional village-style The Best Greek Salad does not include lettuce. However, American adaptations often include romaine or other lettuce varieties. Both versions can be delicious, though purists prefer the authentic no-lettuce version.

What’s the best type of feta cheese for Greek salad?

For The Best Greek Salad with feta cheese, choose Greek feta made from sheep’s milk or a sheep and goat milk combination. Look for block feta stored in brine rather than pre-crumbled varieties, as it has superior flavor and texture. Bulgarian or French feta can also work well as alternatives.

Can I make Greek salad ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare all components of The Best Greek Salad up to 24 hours in advance, but store them separately and assemble just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and ensures the best texture and flavor for your guests.

Conclusion

The Best Greek Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re following the traditional Greek village style or adapting it with your own twist, this Mediterranean classic delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of crisp vegetables, briny olives, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs creates a perfectly balanced dish that works as an impressive side or satisfying main course.

What makes this recipe stand the test of time is its versatility and the way it highlights quality ingredients. By following the tips and techniques shared here, you’ll be able to recreate an authentic taste of Greece in your own kitchen, any day of the week.

Have you tried making The Best Greek Salad at home? Share your experience in the comments below! Did you add any special ingredients or serve it with a particular main dish? We’d love to hear your variations and serving suggestions.

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