If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, this Fresh and Simple Greek Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a colorful medley of crisp veggies, creamy feta, and briny olives, all brought together by a bright, lemony dressing that’s both light and satisfying. Perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or as a dazzling side, this salad is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again because it’s so effortlessly delicious and packed with wholesome flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most unforgettable flavors. Each component in this Fresh and Simple Greek Salad Recipe contributes not just texture and color but brings a unique freshness that makes the salad sing. From the juicy tomatoes to the salty feta, here’s what you’ll need to make this classic Greek delight.
- 2 medium Ripe Tomatoes: Diced into bite-sized pieces to add juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 large Cucumber: Peeled and diced for a cool, crisp crunch that refreshes every bite.
- 0.5 medium Red Onion: Thinly sliced to provide a sharp, slightly sweet edge without overpowering.
- 1 medium Bell Pepper: Preferably red or yellow, diced to add a burst of sweetness and cheerful color.
- 150 grams Feta Cheese: Crumbled into bite-sized pieces, offering creamy, tangy richness.
- 1 handful Kalamata Olives: Pitted and sliced, giving a wonderful salty depth and Mediterranean authenticity.
- 1 small handful Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a fragrant herbaceous touch that brightens the salad.
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The heart of the dressing, providing smooth, fruity body.
- 1 medium Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed to bring zesty acidity that awakens all the other flavors.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing and balancing the overall flavor.
- Pepper: To taste, adding subtle warmth and complexity.
How to Make Fresh and Simple Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Vegetables
Start by giving all your vegetables a good rinse under cold running water. This simple step is key for a clean, crisp salad base that lets the natural freshness shine.
Step 2: Dice the Tomatoes
Chop the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Their juicy texture will form the flavorful heart of the salad.
Step 3: Peel and Dice the Cucumber
Peel the cucumber to remove any bitterness and dice it. Add it to the bowl alongside the tomatoes for that refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft feta.
Step 4: Thinly Slice the Red Onion
Slice half a red onion very thinly to ensure it adds just the right hint of sharpness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Step 5: Dice the Bell Pepper
Choose a red or yellow bell pepper for sweetness and color, dice it evenly, and toss it into the salad bowl with the other veggies.
Step 6: Crumble the Feta Cheese
Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and gently scatter it over the salad. The creamy, salty cheese is essential to capturing the classic Greek salad flavor.
Step 7: Add Kalamata Olives
Slice pitted Kalamata olives and distribute them evenly through the salad. Their briny intensity adds a delightful contrast to the fresh vegetables.
Step 8: Sprinkle Fresh Parsley
Chop fresh parsley finely and sprinkle it over the salad for an aromatic finish that ties all the flavors together.
Step 9: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined. This simple dressing brings brightness and balances the richness of the feta.
Step 10: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the olive oil and lemon dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently so every bite gets a perfect coating of flavor without bruising the vegetables.
Step 11: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper carefully, tasting as you go to make sure the seasoning complements the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Step 12: Let It Rest
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors mingle and deepen, making each bite even more delicious.
Step 13: Serve with Style
Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra parsley or crumbled feta for a beautiful presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Fresh and Simple Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh oregano or a few capers can add a fun twist when garnishing your Fresh and Simple Greek Salad Recipe. A drizzle of more olive oil on top or a wedge of lemon on the side also elevates the look and taste, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
Side Dishes
This salad is a star alongside grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb kebabs, but it’s just as happy paired with warm pita and hummus for a meat-free meal. It also complements seafood dishes beautifully, adding a fresh, crunchy counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or arrange it over a bed of lettuce leaves for a composed look. You can also layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl to show off the vibrant colors—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the vegetables from getting soggy. The salad stays fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
Since this salad is made with fresh, crisp vegetables and cheese, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture and flavors will change upon thawing, and the salad will lose its vibrant appeal.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not necessary and will diminish the fresh, crisp qualities that make the dish so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is traditional in this Greek salad, but if you’re looking for a milder flavor, goat cheese or ricotta salata can work well. Just keep in mind that these cheeses have different textures and salt levels.
Is it okay to use canned olives?
Fresh Kalamata olives are ideal for authentic flavor, but if canned olives are all you have, be sure to rinse them to reduce excess brine and adjust the salt in the salad accordingly.
Can I add protein to make the salad more filling?
Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can turn this salad into a satisfying main course while keeping it light and healthy.
What’s the best way to dice the vegetables evenly?
Use a sharp knife and start by cutting the vegetables into uniform slices before dicing. This helps ensure even pieces that look attractive and offer a consistent texture every bite.
Can I prepare this salad a few hours before serving?
Yes, you can prepare it a couple of hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, but toss with dressing and season just before serving to maintain crispness and vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Fresh and Simple Greek Salad Recipe that makes it a staple in many kitchens around the world. Its blend of fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and bright, bold flavors is the perfect antidote to busy days or warm meals when you want to feel connected to wholesome, wholesome food. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it becomes one of your go-to recipes for a delicious, healthy, and utterly satisfying salad.
Print
Fresh and Simple Greek Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh and Simple Greek Salad is a vibrant, healthy combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, bell peppers, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives. Tossed with a bright lemon-olive oil dressing and fresh parsley, it offers a refreshing Mediterranean flavor perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper (preferably red or yellow), diced
Dairy
- 150 grams feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
Other
- 1 handful Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 small handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash Vegetables: Thoroughly wash all fresh vegetables under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Dice the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Cucumber: Peel the cucumber, dice it, and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Slice Onion: Thinly slice half of a medium red onion and add it to the mixing bowl with the other vegetables.
- Dice Bell Pepper: Dice the bell pepper into small pieces and add it to the mixture in the bowl.
- Add Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces and incorporate it into the salad mixture.
- Prepare Olives: Pit and slice the Kalamata olives, then distribute them evenly throughout the salad.
- Add Parsley: Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it evenly over the salad to add freshness and color.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well blended.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients without bruising the vegetables.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring once more to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Rest Salad: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to penetrate the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the salad in a large bowl or portion it onto individual plates, optionally garnishing with extra parsley or feta cheese for presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients such as ripe tomatoes and good-quality feta cheese.
- You can add a splash of red wine vinegar or a pinch of dried oregano to enhance the traditional Greek flavor.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adding cucumbers with seeds removed can reduce excess water content in the salad.
