The Classic Greek Salad is an iconic dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With its crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, this refreshing salad brings a taste of Greece to your table. It’s not just a side dish – it’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a light lunch, or alongside grilled meats, the Classic Greek Salad is a timeless recipe that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
To create this vibrant dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced: Cucumber provides the crisp, hydrating base of the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and flavor.
- 1/2 red onion, sliced: Red onion gives the salad a subtle sharpness, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives: These dark purple olives are rich and salty, contributing a briny depth.
- 1/4 cup green olives: The green olives provide a milder, slightly tart flavor that complements the Kalamata.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed: Feta cheese is essential in a Classic Greek Salad, offering its signature tangy and creamy bite.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that enhances the salad’s flavors.
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano: Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that ties everything together with its earthy aroma.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season the salad to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is essential for dressing the salad and adding richness.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: This vinegar adds acidity, which brightens and enhances the salad’s flavors.
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables:
Begin by slicing your vegetables. Cut the cucumbers into even slices, ensuring they are thin enough to complement the other ingredients without overwhelming the texture. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes, which will release their sweet juices into the salad. Slice the red onion thinly for a sharper bite that doesn’t overpower. Cube the feta cheese into bite-sized chunks. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and green olives. These ingredients form the colorful, flavorful foundation of your Classic Greek Salad. Then, add the cubed feta cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the salad. The cheese will not only provide a rich flavor but also contribute a creamy texture to contrast with the crunch of the vegetables. - Season and Dress:
Now it’s time to season the salad. Sprinkle dried oregano and freshly chopped parsley over the top of the salad. The oregano infuses the dish with its traditional Mediterranean flavor, while the parsley adds a refreshing brightness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the olives and feta already provide a good amount of saltiness. Drizzle the salad generously with olive oil, which coats the vegetables and enhances the flavors. Finally, add the red wine vinegar, which adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the oil and feta. - Toss and Serve:
Gently toss the salad to ensure that all the ingredients are well-combined and coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the integrity of the feta cheese cubes. Serve your Classic Greek Salad immediately for the freshest and most vibrant flavor. Pair it with grilled meats, pita bread, or simply enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and nutritious meal.
Serving Suggestions
The Classic Greek Salad is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It makes a perfect side dish to grilled chicken, lamb, or fish, balancing the rich flavors of these proteins with its fresh and light ingredients. You can also serve it as a light lunch, paired with warm pita bread or a simple soup. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp directly to the salad, turning it into a satisfying main course. If you’re hosting a Mediterranean-inspired dinner party, the Classic Greek Salad can be a great starter, setting the tone for the meal to come.
Helpful Tips
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, consider incorporating sliced bell peppers or radishes. The crunch will enhance the overall eating experience, and the bell peppers will also add sweetness and color to the salad.
- Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of Kalamata or green olives, feel free to swap them out for other varieties like black olives or even capers. Additionally, if you don’t have feta cheese on hand, goat cheese can be a suitable substitute, offering a similar tangy flavor.
- Make-Ahead: While the Classic Greek Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables.
- Herb Variations: You can also experiment with different herbs. Fresh mint or dill would work beautifully in this salad, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
Nutritional Information
The Classic Greek Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving is rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 18g (primarily from heart-healthy olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg (depending on the saltiness of the olives and feta)
This salad is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those following a variety of dietary lifestyles.
Time
The Classic Greek Salad is incredibly quick and easy to make. From start to finish, it takes no more than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, flavorful dish to impress guests. Here’s a breakdown of the time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Assembling Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
In just 15 minutes, you can bring the vibrant and bold flavors of Greece to your table with this Classic Greek Salad. It’s a dish that perfectly balances simplicity with flavor, making it a staple for any Mediterranean-inspired meal. Enjoy the fresh, zesty taste of the Classic Greek Salad, and transport your taste buds to the sunny coasts of Greece!
Recipe Card
Classic Greek Salad
Ingredients
- – **2 cups cucumber sliced**: Cucumber provides the crisp, hydrating base of the salad.
- – **1 cup cherry tomatoes halved**: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and flavor.
- – **1/2 red onion sliced**: Red onion gives the salad a subtle sharpness, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- – **1/4 cup Kalamata olives**: These dark purple olives are rich and salty contributing a briny depth.
- – **1/4 cup green olives**: The green olives provide a milder slightly tart flavor that complements the Kalamata.
- – **1/2 cup feta cheese cubed**: Feta cheese is essential in a **Classic Greek Salad**, offering its signature tangy and creamy bite.
- – **1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped**: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that enhances the salad’s flavors.
- – **1/4 tsp dried oregano**: Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that ties everything together with its earthy aroma.
- – **Salt and pepper to taste**: Season the salad to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors.
- – **2 tbsp olive oil**: Extra virgin olive oil is essential for dressing the salad and adding richness.
- – **1 tbsp red wine vinegar**: This vinegar adds acidity which brightens and enhances the salad’s flavors.
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables:
- Begin by slicing your vegetables. Cut the cucumbers into even slices, ensuring they are thin enough to complement the other ingredients without overwhelming the texture. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes, which will release their sweet juices into the salad. Slice the red onion thinly for a sharper bite that doesn’t overpower. Cube the feta cheese into bite-sized chunks.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and green olives. These ingredients form the colorful, flavorful foundation of your **Classic Greek Salad**. Then, add the cubed feta cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the salad. The cheese will not only provide a rich flavor but also contribute a creamy texture to contrast with the crunch of the vegetables.
Season and Dress:
- Now it’s time to season the salad. Sprinkle dried oregano and freshly chopped parsley over the top of the salad. The oregano infuses the dish with its traditional Mediterranean flavor, while the parsley adds a refreshing brightness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the olives and feta already provide a good amount of saltiness. Drizzle the salad generously with olive oil, which coats the vegetables and enhances the flavors. Finally, add the red wine vinegar, which adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the oil and feta.
Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the salad to ensure that all the ingredients are well-combined and coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the integrity of the feta cheese cubes. Serve your **Classic Greek Salad** immediately for the freshest and most vibrant flavor. Pair it with grilled meats, pita bread, or simply enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and nutritious meal.