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    Home » Salads

    Greek Salad

    Published: Aug 9, 2022 · by Nico

    Jump to Recipe

    Greek salad is a simple, tasty, and refreshing dish made with ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy red onions, crisp bell peppers, and savory and creamy feta cheese.

    Dressed with extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano, it's one of the most popular summer salads in the world.

    Authentic Greek Salad as served in Greece
    Authentic Greek Salad as served in Greece.
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar Recipes
    • Storage
    • Questions
    • More fresh veggie recipes
    • Recipe

    Check out our Best Salad Recipes

    Greek salad with feta, mint, and oregano
    Greek Salad with American Greek Salad dressing.

    Greek salad - Horiatiki in Greek, meaning peasant salad - is one of the most popular salads in the world.

    In this blog post, we'll first show you how to make an authentic traditional Greek salad recipe as they make it in Greece.

    Then we'll make one more suitable for western produce, which unfortunately might not always be as tasty as sun-kissed greek produce.

    In either case, Greek salad is a refreshing recipe whose flavor relies 100% on the quality of the ingredients.

    Sun-kissed ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, crunchy green bell peppers, crisp and tangy red onion, meaty Kalamata olives, and good quality extra virgin olive oil are essential.

    That's why we consider Greek salad a summer salad. It tastes best when it's hot outside, and these ingredients are at their peak.

    If you ever went to Greece for the holidays, you'd be surprised to learn that traditional Greek salad has no dressing.

    Just a generous sprinkle of dried oregano, plenty of fruity and flavorful extra virgin olive oil, and a whole block of Greek Feta cheese on top.

    I took the following picture of a Greek salad on a trip to Greece in 2013. There was no vinegar, dressing, lemon juice, or Romaine lettuce among this greek salad ingredients. Just plenty of olive oil, dried oregano, and fresh veggies from their garden.

    However, don't worry if your veggies don't taste as good as the greeks; we'll show you a quick and tasty Greek salad dressing that will make your salad a success.

    authentic Greek salad recipe made in Greece
    I took this photo of a Greek salad in Greece on the island of Milos in 2013.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Greek salad

    Tomatoes

    Ripe, meaty, and juicy tomatoes, cut into wedges or big chunks. Try to get your tomatoes from a farmer's market if you have one nearby. Most common are red heirloom tomatoes and red beefsteak tomatoes, but any red medium-sized to large tomato will do.

    Alternatively, you can use smaller tomatoes, such as cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, although that's not common in Greece.

    Cucumbers

    The cucumber in a greek salad is peeled, cut in half, then chopped into bite-size pieces. You can use garden cucumber, English cucumber, or Persian cucumber.

    Green Bell Peppers

    Green bell peppers should be fresh, hard to the touch, and crisp.

    Red Onion

    Red onion must be fresh and hard to the touch too. Try not to use old and soggy red onion.

    Kalamata Olives

    You can use pitted Kalamata olives or whole Kalamata olives. You can substitute pitted black olives for Kalamata.

    Dried Oregano

    Oregano should be rigorously dried, never fresh in a Greek salad recipe.

    Olive Oil

    We recommend a good quality extra virgin olive oil because that's what you would get in Greece.

    Good extra virgin olive oil doesn't require other ingredients to taste good. It has a round, fruity, and mildly nutty flavor that's all you need in this Greek salad.

    Salt

    Sea salt would be best.

    Feta Cheese

    There are a lot of Feta cheese options on the market these days. If you don't eat dairy, there are several dairy-free Feta-like substitutes you can choose from.

    If you eat dairy, we recommend using a block of Feta imported from Greece.

    Authentic Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk.

    While in some countries, the "Feta" name is protected by law - meaning that if you buy a cheese labeled "Feta," you are going to get "real Feta" - in the US, that's not the case.

    If you don't pay attention, you will not get Feta, but more of a white salty salad cheese called Feta (which might taste good, but it's not Feta).

    So, if you want to eat authentic Greek Feta, make sure the cheese you are about to purchase is produced in Greece, from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk.

    American Greek Salad Dressing (optional)

    American Greek Salad
    Greek-inspired salad with American Greek Salad dressing and fresh basil leaves.

    If simple olive oil and dried oregano don't cut it for you, we've developed a simple Greek Salad Dressing you can drizzle on your Greek salad.

    We think it tastes delicious; however, it is not an authentic Greek Salad Dressing recipe; there's no such thing in Greece. We made it not to alter the salad's flavor but to boost it, so go ahead and drizzle on.

    To make it, you'll need olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, maple syrup, Dijon mustard or American mustard, dried oregano, and garlic powder.

    The red wine vinegar adds acidity, which boosts the flavor of the veggies. The mustard emulsifies the dressing, keeping the ingredients together and helping the dressing stick to the veggies. Finally, the maple syrup adds a tiny touch of sweetness that is often missing in store-bought tomatoes.

    We recommend this dressing if your tomatoes are not the tastiest.

    Instructions

    Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

    Cut the tomatoes in half, remove their stem, then slice them into wedges.

    Peel the cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it into bite-size half moons.

    Cut the green bell pepper into four pieces lengthwise, remove its stem, seeds, and white flesh, then slice it.

    Cut the red onion in half, peel it, and thinly slice it.

    Tip: I noticed that at least in the places I visited in Greece, tomatoes are cut in large chunks, larger than bite-size. Feel free to cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces if you prefer.

    tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green pepper chopped on a cutting board

    Arrange chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell pepper onto a plate or serving platter.

    Add Kalamata olives, a sprinkle of dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.

    veggies arranged on a plate

    Place a block of Feta on top of the veggies, sprinkle with more dried oregano, and drizzle with more olive oil.

    authentic Greek salad with a block of feta on top

    American Greek Salad

    To a small jar, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard.

    Close and shake the jar until the ingredients are combined.

    Tip: If you don't have a jar, you can whisk the ingredients in a small bowl.

    Making dressing in a jar

    Cut tomatoes into wedges or cherry tomatoes in half. Slice the cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper. Gently dice the Feta into ½ inch cubes.

    Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives onto a serving platter or a large bowl. Top with feta cubes, drizzle with the Greek salad dressing and toss.

    Optionally, garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves.

    International Greek Salad with chopped feta

    Serving Suggestions

    Greek salad is served mainly as a quick, nutritious, and refreshing lunch on hot summer days.

    However, pair this recipe with a creamy-dreamy hummus, eggplant dip, avocado spread, and some warm pita bread, and you've got yourself a delicious and healthy dinner.

    You can make smaller portions with diced Feta and serve it as a starter alongside other delicious Mediterranean bites. Try it with bruschetta, crostini, olive tapenade, zucchini frittata, tomato confit, and many more.

    We put together a round-up post with our favorite starter recipes for you to check out.

    Finally, you can serve Greek salad as a tasty side dish alongside one of our many easy plant-based dinners.

    Similar Recipes

    Italian Panzanella Salad

    panzanella salad with lettuce

    Panzanella is an Italian bread salad with simple summer vegetables and leftover stale bread soaked in water.

    It's unsurprisingly similar to a greek salad, as both Mediterranean countries heavily rely on fresh tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and herbs for their summer meals.

    Check out our Italian Panzanella salad recipe

    Watermelon Salad with Feta

    watermelon feta salad with mint and pistachios

    This greek-inspired watermelon salad with Feta substitutes watermelon cubes for the tomatoes. It's a delicious salad that we absolutely love.

    If you have never had it, you are in for a treat, and we can't wait to hear what you think.

    Check out our watermelon salad recipe.

    Cucumber tomato salad

    Cucumber tomato salad in a bowl

    Cucumber tomato salad is similar to Greek salad, minus the Feta and bell pepper, but with some fresh herbs.

    Enjoy this crunchy and easy recipe during scorching hot summer days. You can add some protein and upgrade it to a quick, healthy main.

    Check out our cucumber tomato salad recipe.

    Storage

    Greek salad is best consumed right after you make it. The veggies will get watery, release their juices, and lose freshness and crunch as they sit in the fridge.

    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

    Questions

    What are the ingredients for a Greek salad?

    The ingredients in traditional Greek salad are tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and dried oregano.

    In some regions in Greece, capers are added, especially on some Greek islands.

    Does Greek salad contain lettuce?

    No, traditional Greek salad does not contain lettuce.

    What is the dressing made of in a Traditional Greek salad?

    There is no "dressing" in a traditional greek salad. Instead, the salad is seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and dried oregano.

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    If you love vibrant meals packed with fresh veggies, check out our most loved recipes with raw ingredients:

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    Recipe

    Authentic Greek Salad as served in Greece

    Greek Salad

    Author: Nico
    Greek salad is a simple, tasty, and refreshing dish made with ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy red onions, crisp bell peppers, and savory and creamy feta cheese.
    Dressed with extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano, it's one of the most popular summer salads in the world.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course salad
    Cuisine American, Greek, Mediterranean
    Servings 2 people
    Calories 451 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD

    • 2 medium to large tomatoes (just over ½ pound or about 300 grams)
    • 1 large cucumber
    • 1 small red onion
    • 1 small green bell pepper
    • 20 Kalamata olives
    • 1 block (7oz or 200g) Feta cheese (we used dairy-free feta)
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 1 pinch salt

    AMERICAN GREEK SALAD DRESSING

    • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon mustard
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD

    • Cut the tomatoes in half, remove their stem, then slice them into wedges.
      Peel the cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it into bite-size half moons.
      Cut the green bell pepper into four pieces lengthwise, remove its stem, seeds, and white flesh, then slice it.
      Cut the red onion in half, peel it, and thinly slice it.
      tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green pepper chopped on a cutting board
    • Arrange chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and bell pepper onto a plate or serving platter.
      Add Kalamata olives, a sprinkle of dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
      veggies arranged on a plate
    • Place a block of Feta on top of the veggies, sprinkle with more dried oregano, and drizzle with more olive oil.
      authentic Greek salad with a block of feta on top

    AMERICAN GREEK SALAD

    • To a small jar, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard.
      Close and shake the jar until the ingredients are combined.
      Making dressing in a jar
    • Cut tomatoes into wedges. Slice the cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper. Gently dice the Feta into ½ inch cubes (1.3cm).
      Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives onto a serving platter. Top with feta cubes, drizzle with the Greek salad dressing and toss.
      Optionally, garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves.
      Greek salad with feta, mint, and oregano

    Notes

    Nutrition information is for one large portion of Greek salad out of two with traditional seasoning and dairy-based Feta cheese. 

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Greek Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 451 Calories from Fat 270
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 30g46%
    Saturated Fat 10g63%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 13g
    Cholesterol 54mg18%
    Potassium 778mg22%
    Carbohydrates 26g9%
    Dietary Fiber 6g25%
    Sugar 14g16%
    Protein 25g50%
    Vitamin A 1691IU34%
    Vitamin B6 0.4mg20%
    Vitamin C 77mg93%
    Vitamin E 4mg27%
    Vitamin K 48µg46%
    Calcium 97mg10%
    Folate 65µg16%
    Iron 2mg11%
    Manganese 1mg50%
    Magnesium 54mg14%
    Zinc 1mg7%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?We are not much on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Leave us a comment below instead, it would mean the world to us 🙂

    If you liked this Greek salad, you might also like:

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Yolanda

      August 26, 2022 at 6:31 am

      5 stars
      Love it! 😍 I’m going to make it. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Nico

        August 26, 2022 at 6:40 am

        I'm very happy to hear, Yolanda! Thanks for your message. Cheers, Nico

        Reply
    2. Regina

      August 25, 2022 at 2:35 am

      What happened to the anchovies, and the green stuffed leave

      Reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

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