Delicious and Refreshing Greek Salad Recipe You Can Make at Home
I recently made this simple yet mouth-watering Greek Salad, and it turned out amazing! It’s full of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together effortlessly for a light yet satisfying meal.
Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party or just craving something healthy, this Greek salad will be the star of the show. For a refreshing change, check out our Taco Salad recipe, the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy. Let’s dive into how to make this refreshing dish!
Ingredients for the Greek Salad Recipe(Serves 6)
Here’s everything you’ll need for a truly authentic Greek salad. Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor!
- 2kg firm, ripe tomatoes, quartered – Tomatoes are the base of a Greek salad, providing juicy sweetness and freshness. Choose ripe tomatoes to get the best flavor.
- 1 large cucumber, cut into 2.5cm batons – The cucumber adds crunch and a refreshing bite. Cut them into batons for an authentic feel.
- 2 red onions, sliced – Red onions offer a mild bite and a pop of color. They add sharpness without being overpowering.
- 1 green pepper, deseeded and sliced – The green pepper brings a bit of crispness and a mild bitterness, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 125ml extra virgin olive oil – Olive oil is essential for the dressing, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar – The red wine vinegar adds tanginess and a zesty note that cuts through the richness of the olive oil.
- 300g feta cheese – Feta cheese is a must! It’s creamy, salty, and adds the perfect Greek touch.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Oregano gives a traditional earthy, herby flavor.
- 100g Kalamata olives – The olives provide a briny, umami kick that brings the salad to life.
- Salt, to taste – A little salt helps to bring out all the flavors.
Note: This recipe serves 6 people, perfect for a family meal or small gathering.
Variations of Greek Salad
While this traditional Greek salad is fantastic as is, here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Dairy-Free Option: If you want a dairy-free version, you can replace feta cheese with a plant-based alternative like vegan feta or avocado slices for that creamy texture.
- No Olives: If you’re not a fan of olives, you can omit them and add capers for a salty, tangy alternative.
- Flavor-Enhancing Add-ins: Try adding a handful of fresh basil or mint leaves for an extra aromatic boost!
If you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss out on our Tuna Salad recipe for a tasty, protein-packed option.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: None (since it’s a salad, no cooking required!)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here are the tools you’ll need to make this Greek Salad:
- Large serving bowl: To toss and serve the salad.
- Whisk: For combining the olive oil and vinegar dressing.
- Knife and chopping board: To chop the veggies and feta.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate measurement of the vinegar and oregano.
How to Make Greek Salad?
Follow these easy steps to create this fresh and healthy Greek Salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
Start by washing and preparing all the veggies. Quarter the tomatoes, slice the cucumber into 2.5cm batons, slice the red onions thinly, and cut the green pepper into slices. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large serving bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. You can adjust the amount of vinegar to your preference for a tangier dressing.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the prepared vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly in the oil and vinegar mixture. You can use a spoon or your hands to gently mix it all together.
Step 4: Add the Feta and Olives
Now it’s time to add the feta cheese! Cut the feta into four slabs and place it on top of the salad. Sprinkle half of the dried oregano over the salad and then top with the Kalamata olives.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle the remaining oregano on top of the salad for extra flavor. Serve with a fork and spoon, which is traditionally used to break up the feta and toss it through the salad before sharing it around.
Additional Tips for Making this Greek Salad Better
From my personal experience, here are a few tips to take your Greek Salad to the next level:
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The olive oil is a key ingredient in this recipe, so opt for extra virgin olive oil for a rich, flavorful dressing.
- Chill the Salad: If you have time, chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. It allows the flavors to meld together.
- Don’t Overdress: You want the veggies to shine, so drizzle the dressing sparingly and toss to coat, rather than drowning the salad in oil.
- Feta Cheese: Try to get a block of feta and crumble it yourself. It tastes much fresher than pre-crumbled feta.
How to Serve Greek Salad?
Here are a few serving suggestions to make this Greek Salad even more irresistible:
- As a Side Dish: This salad works perfectly as a side to grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or a nice fish dish.
- With Bread: Serve with warm pita or crusty bread on the side to scoop up the veggies and feta.
- For a Complete Meal: Add some protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a full meal.
Looking for more salad inspiration? You can discover delicious salad recipes here.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional facts for the Greek Salad (per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 calories
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 22g
How to Store the Greek Salad
- Refrigerating: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the salad is best eaten fresh as the vegetables release moisture.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the veggies and feta don’t freeze well and lose their texture.
- Reheating: Since this is a salad served cold, it doesn’t need to be reheated. Just serve it chilled for the best taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Greek Salad is a hit for many reasons. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:
- Fresh and Healthy: With simple ingredients, this salad is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil.
- Quick and Easy: It takes just 15 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you want a light lunch, a side dish, or a picnic salad, this recipe fits the bill.
FAQs
Can I make this Greek Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but I recommend adding the feta and dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
While feta is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with ricotta salata or even mozzarella for a different flavor and texture.
Is this Greek Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Greek Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities.
How do I make the salad spicier?
If you like spice, you can add a sliced chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad for an extra kick.
