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My Greek Salad is So Good!
Fun fact: Greek salad in America usually comes with a big pile of lettuce, but traditional Greek salad doesn’t use any at all!! Just tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and a block of feta on top simple and super fresh. I make this Greek salad when I want something light and easy to throw together, especially on days when I don’t feel like cooking or dealing with a bunch of greens.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Greek Salad Ingredients
- Tomatoes: Vine-ripened tomatoes are a staple in authentic Greek salad.
- Cucumber: English cucumber is best because they are nearly seedless and have the least amount of moisture. You can also use Persian cucumbers. If your cucumbers have large seeds, consider scooping them out first so the salad doesn’t become too watery.
- Red onions: I don’t recommend using any other kind if you’re going for a traditional Greek salad.
- Green bell pepper: Feel free to use red, yellow, or orange if you prefer. Get my tips for how to cut bell peppers.
- Feta cheese: Skip the crumbles and go for a block of Greek feta cheese made with sheep’s milk.
- Kalamata olives: Make sure you get pitted kalamata olives.
- Greek Vinaigrette Dressing: A blend of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
How to Make a Greek Salad
Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 ripe tomatoes chopped
- 1 English cucumber peeled chopped
- ½ small red onion chopped
- ½ green pepper chopped
- 4 ounces kalamata olives
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese cut into cubes
For the Dressing
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers and olives in a large serving bowl. Stir to combine.
- Mix the ingredients of the salad dressing together in a small bowl and drizzle over the salad ingredients. Add the feta cheese on top.
- Lightly toss to combine, being careful not to over-mix or break up the feta cheese too much.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Use feta cheese from Greece. Look for authentic Greek feta and not dry feta crumbles. Greek feta will typically be a block sealed in its own brine. You should be able to find it at the deli counter.
- Use fresh ingredients. Use the ripest tomatoes, firm cucumber, and bell pepper.
- Chop the veggies into similar sizes. It’s easier to combine a salad that is more uniformly cut and it also creates a visually appealing salad. Plus, it’s easier to eat.
- Toss salad gently to avoid bruising the ingredients. To avoid crushing the delicate feta cheese, toss the salad without them, then add them to the salad. Or just drizzle the vinaigrette on top of the salad.
Serving Ideas
A classic Greek salad is a great appetizer or serve it as an accompaniment to any main dish. It works great with meat, fish, chicken, and veggie dishes. It’s perfect to take on picnics or to serve as part of a cookout. Try it with:
Yumma always knows what I am craving! This salad was delicious & filling!
Yay, I love to hear that!!
Feta cheese isn’t a favorite here, so I’m wondering what cheese might be a good substitute? Thank you!
I would think that goat’s cheese would work well
This is quick and easy salad but best of all it’s delicious!!! The dressing makes the salad love this recipe
Thank you so much! The dressing is definitely key!
I made this salad as a side dish for a potluck dinner with our new neighbors who made Vegetarian Indian Rice. It was a perfect perfect pairing. Thank you Yumna.
You’re so welcome! I’m so glad to hear it!
I love all your recipes!! I’m Greek and honestly, you are the only non-Greek that makes a real authentic Greek salad!!! Thank you for making the real deal!! You’re awesome Yumna😊
Thank you so much!! You’re so welcome!
Is probably the first time that someone refers to Greek Salad, and is actually a Greek Salad. Congrats, that’s exactly the way we prepare this dish (I’m Greek lol) . A small comment -we almost never use cherry tomatoes in this salad (unless we have no access to any other). Btw I love your recipes. They are always simple, close to the original dish and delicious.
Aww I’m really glad to hear it! Do you use regular tomatoes or no tomatoes at all? I actually created this recipe during the early pandemic days and I remember thinking I need regular tomatoes and didn’t want to go to the store! haha
We use regular tomatoes. Basic ingredients for Greek salad is Tomato-Cucumber-Feta-Onion-Olive oil. All the others is about personal taste. I do love green pepers and oregano. Some others love capers, and red smoked peppers in little pieces. Since the oil in a well-prepared Greek salad is enough, but also due to the tomato juices, the plate remains a quantity of oil and juices. This amount is received with the help of bread, which is dipped by the accomplices and is commonly called papara or ladobouki. This practice is not considered in accordance with the “good manners”, but it is very common in Greece …….lol !!!!
Nothing beats classic and simple salad as your Greek salad. I make all your no-lettuce salads. Healthy and refreshing.Thanks
I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you!!