Classic Greek Salad Recipe

There’s just something timeless and soul-satisfying about a Classic Greek Salad. This vibrant dish bursts with the crisp freshness of summer vegetables, the briny tang of Kalamata olives and feta, and the lively punch of a simple, lemony oregano dressing. It’s the kind of salad that makes you want to gather friends around the table, pour a little wine, and celebrate the joy of sharing good food. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors or just need a refreshing, quick meal, Classic Greek Salad always delivers both flavor and nostalgia in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of a Classic Greek Salad: it starts with humble, everyday ingredients, each chosen for its distinct color, crunch, or burst of flavor. These building blocks come together to create a salad that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.

• Romaine Lettuce (3 cups, chopped): The refreshing crunch forms a lovely base and helps the other flavors shine.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These sweet little gems add juiciness and a burst of summery color.
• Cucumber (1, sliced into half-moons): Cool, crisp, and subtly sweet, cucumber brings balance and crunch.
• Red Onion (½, thinly sliced): Adds the perfect sharp bite and a pop of purple color.
• Kalamata Olives (½ cup, pitted): Their briny intensity anchors the salad with true Greek flavor.
• Feta Cheese (¾ cup, crumbled): Creamy, salty, and tangy, feta is the superstar topping that ties it all together.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): This silky oil is essential for that luxurious Mediterranean finish.
• Red Wine Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens and awakens all the other flavors.
• Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon): Classic Greek aroma and an herbal touch in every forkful.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): The finishing touch that brings the whole dish into perfect harmony.

How to Make Classic Greek Salad

Step 1: Chop and Prep the Veggies

Start by washing and drying all your vegetables. Roughly chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into those signature half-moons, and thinly slice the red onion. This prep sets the stage for the fresh, vibrant crunch in every spoonful of Classic Greek Salad.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Scatter the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the veggies. At this stage, the bowl should look like an artist’s palette — colorful and inviting!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Give it a good whisk or shake until the dressing is well blended and slightly emulsified. This tangy, herbaceous dressing is truly what gives the Classic Greek Salad its signature flavor.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad. With clean hands or salad tongs, toss everything together gently so that the veggies, feta, and olives all get a lovely, even coating of the vibrant dressing. The textures and flavors will meld perfectly.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer your freshly tossed Classic Greek Salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. If you like, give it a final crack of black pepper or an extra sprinkle of feta. Serve immediately, or cover and chill for up to an hour if you want the flavors to meld a bit more.

How to Serve Classic Greek Salad

Garnishes

For that classic taverna look, garnish your Classic Greek Salad with a sprinkle of extra dried oregano, a few reserved whole olives, or even a drizzle of top-quality extra virgin olive oil. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little lemon zest or a couple of fresh oregano leaves can make the presentation really pop.

Side Dishes

Nothing goes better with Classic Greek Salad than warm, crusty bread for soaking up all that irresistible dressing. You can pair it with fluffy pita, cheesy spanakopita, or even grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to turn it into a heartier meal. The salad’s bright acidity and creamy feta play beautifully alongside almost any Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Classic Greek Salad in individual jars or small glasses for parties and picnics — it looks stunning and is so easy for guests to grab. If you’re hosting a buffet, pile the salad high on a big communal platter. Or, for a more rustic take, skip chopping the veggies and arrange larger chunks of tomato, cucumber, and feta for that straight-from-the-village feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Classic Greek Salad, simply cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 day. The flavors will continue to evolve, though the lettuce may lose some crispness. For best results, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving, if possible.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Classic Greek Salad. The fresh veggies and cheese just don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing, and you’ll lose that signature crunch and creamy feta texture that make the salad shine.

Reheating

Classic Greek Salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh and cold, so there’s no reheating required. If the salad has been chilled, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to bring out the best flavors and aromas.

FAQs

Can I make Classic Greek Salad vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegan version of Classic Greek Salad, just omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta-style alternative. The salad will still be bright, flavorful, and refreshing.

Do I have to use romaine lettuce?

Not at all. Traditional Greek salads are typically made without lettuce, using more substantial chunks of tomato, cucumber, and feta. The romaine adds extra crunch but isn’t strictly necessary — feel free to leave it out for an even more authentic experience.

How long does Classic Greek Salad last in the fridge?

Once dressed, Classic Greek Salad is best enjoyed within a day. After that, the vegetables can become soggy. If you want to prep ahead, keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Definitely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to turn Classic Greek Salad into a satisfying lunch or dinner. The salad’s base is versatile enough to handle plenty of toppings.

What’s the best way to keep the onions from being too strong?

If your red onions taste a bit too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain well. This softens their bite and makes the Classic Greek Salad’s flavor perfectly balanced.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something lively, wholesome, and endlessly customizable, treat yourself (and your family) to a Classic Greek Salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion and so easy to whip up, you’ll come back to it again and again.

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