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This bright and refreshing Greek Salad bursts with fresh flavor from juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta. I make this salad every time I want something quick but special that reminds me of Greek summers yet comes together in minutes using simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
My kids started loving salad after I first served Greek salad at a family picnic. Now it is my go-to for hot weather lunches and we all get excited when fresh tomatoes are in season.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: forms a crunchy base with a clean mild flavor look for crisp unblemished leaves
- Tomatoes: add juiciness and summery sweetness use ripe yet firm tomatoes for the best results
- English or Persian cucumber: for a refreshing crunch select firm cucumbers without soft spots
- Red onion: gives sharpness and color slice it thin so it does not overpower
- Green bell pepper: brings grassy crisp notes pick shiny peppers that feel heavy for their size
- Kalamata olives: add a briny burst traditional and much more flavorful than canned black olives
- Feta cheese: provides rich creaminess and tang use block feta and crumble by hand if possible
- Greek salad dressing: ties it all together with zest pick a good quality olive oil and real vinegar base homemade makes a difference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce:
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Rinse with cool water and spin dry very well. Lay the crisp leaves in the bottom of a large salad bowl for a fresh base that will hold the toppings well.
- Add the Other Veggies:
- Layer on chopped tomatoes cucumber slices thin strips of red onion and strips of green bell pepper. Add kalamata olives spaced around the bowl. Crumble the feta cheese evenly over everything for that perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
- Toss with Dressing:
- Just before serving drizzle your Greek salad dressing generously over the top. Gently toss the salad so the dressing lightly coats all ingredients without bruising the vegetables or breaking down the lettuce. Serve right away for the best crunch.
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I especially love using big chunks of creamy feta because it melts just a little when the salad is freshly tossed. My eldest always tries to sneak extra olives so now I double them so everyone gets their share. This salad is often at the center of our summer gatherings and brings back memories of family trips to the islands.
Storage Tips
To keep Greek salad tasting fresh always store it undressed in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Add the dressing only right before eating to keep everything crisp. Leftovers without dressing will stay fresh for two to three days. If you have already added dressing expect the texture to soften by the next day but the flavors deepen nicely.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have romaine lettuce iceberg is a crisp alternative. You can swap kalamata olives with good black olives if necessary though the flavor will be less intense. For the cheese goat cheese offers a nice tang if feta is unavailable. For an extra pop use a mix of heirloom tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Greek salad is filling enough to serve on its own as a light lunch or dinner. For extra heartiness add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Serve alongside warm pita bread or as a topping in a pita wrap. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb and also complements simple dishes like roasted potatoes.
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A Little Greek Salad History
Greek salad or horiatiki is a classic in homes and tavernas across Greece especially from spring through early fall. Traditionally it includes no lettuce just tomatoes cucumbers onions olives and feta plus olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano. The addition of lettuce is more common outside Greece and makes the salad extra crunchy and light.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What vegetables are included in a traditional Greek salad?
Traditional Greek salads feature tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, green bell pepper, and often omit lettuce. Olives and feta add signature flavor.
- → Can I add protein to make this salad more filling?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas pair well, transforming the salad into a hearty meal.
- → Should the salad be dressed in advance?
It's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and prevent sogginess.
- → Is feta cheese essential, or can I substitute?
Feta cheese gives authentic flavor, but you can try goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
- → How long will leftover salad keep in the refrigerator?
Without dressing, leftovers stay fresh for up to two days. Add dressing at serving time for the best texture.
- → What type of dressing works best for this salad?
A simple olive oil-based vinaigrette enhanced with oregano and lemon juice brings out the classic Mediterranean taste.