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Classic Greek Salad

Classic Greek Salad is a simple and fresh Mediterranean dish, featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta. This traditional recipe is dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and garnished with oregano, making it a flavorful addition to any meal. Serve it as a side or light main dish with warm pita bread.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
Classic Greek Salad
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Classic Greek Salad | Myhomemaderecipe.com

The Classic Greek Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish that brings together Mediterranean flavors in every bite. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta, it’s perfect as a light main course or a side dish for any meal.

INGREDIENTS

  • Ripe tomatoes: 4, chopped into wedges, bringing juicy sweetness to the salad.
  • Cucumber: 1, peeled and sliced into half-moons for a refreshing crunch.
  • Red onion: 1, thinly sliced, adding a sharp, tangy flavor.
  • Green bell pepper: 1, sliced into rings for extra color and flavor.
  • Kalamata olives: 1/2 cup, pitted, providing a briny, savory taste.
  • Feta cheese: 8 oz block, cut into thick slices or crumbled for creamy richness.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup, for dressing and enhancing Mediterranean flavors.
  • Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon, adds a hint of acidity to balance the salad.
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon, to bring in an earthy, aromatic flavor.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning and flavor balance.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomato wedges, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, green bell pepper rings, and pitted Kalamata olives.
Step 2: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad mixture. Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Add the Feta
Place the thick slices of feta cheese on top of the salad. If preferred, crumble the feta cheese over the salad instead.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients, being careful not to break the feta slices if using whole.
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors, either as a refreshing side dish or a light main course with warm pita bread.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve the salad immediately after tossing for the freshest flavor and best texture.
  • Pair it with warm pita bread or crusty bread for a light meal, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.
  • If storing, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but add the dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Helpful Notes

  • For an authentic touch, use a block of feta rather than crumbled feta to achieve the traditional Greek salad look.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of oregano and olives based on your preference for a milder or more intense flavor.
  • Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more, especially if you enjoy a tangier dressing.

Tips from Well-known Chefs

  • Chef Michael Psilakis recommends using high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor in Greek salads.
  • Chef Jamie Oliver suggests lightly massaging the onions with a bit of salt to mellow their sharpness before adding to the salad.
  • Chef Ina Garten advises using ripe, in-season tomatoes to ensure they contribute their natural sweetness to the dish.

Greek Salad

A Classic Greek Salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, topped with oregano and a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings (1 salad)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped into wedges.
02 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into half-moons.
03 1 red onion, thinly sliced.
04 1 green bell pepper, sliced into rings.
05 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted.
06 8 oz block of feta cheese, cut into thick slices or crumbled.
07 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil.
08 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar.
09 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
10 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, green bell pepper rings, and Kalamata olives.

Step 02

Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.

Step 03

Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 04

Place the slices of feta cheese on top of the salad. If preferred, crumble the feta over the salad.

Step 05

Gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients, being careful not to break the feta slices if using whole.

Step 06

Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main course with warm pita bread.

Notes

  1. Prep Time: 15 minutes.
  2. Total Time: 15 minutes.
  3. Servings: 4.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~