Description
The Perfect Greek Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, red onion, and green bell pepper, all tossed with creamy feta cheese and a simple homemade dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano. This classic Mediterranean salad delivers bold flavors and bright colors, making it the perfect side to grilled meats, fish, or warm pita bread, while also serving as a light, wholesome standalone meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 4 large tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 5 oz feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, optional
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables and Olives: Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives to a large salad bowl, ensuring even distribution of the fresh ingredients.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified; add Dijon mustard if using for extra tang and creaminess.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat all pieces lightly, ensuring the flavors meld without bruising the vegetables.
- Add Feta Cheese: Carefully add the feta cheese to the salad and mix gently to keep the cheese cubes or crumbles intact, preserving their creamy texture and appearance.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley and a little extra oregano on top for a burst of color and enhanced Mediterranean aroma.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to allow the dressing to infuse the vegetables and for flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Present the salad immediately alongside warm pita bread or your favorite Greek-inspired main dishes for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and feta cheese packed in brine to get the most authentic and vibrant flavors.
- Traditional Greek salad is typically made without lettuce, emphasizing the freshness of the core vegetables and olives.
- Cutting vegetables into larger chunks creates a rustic and hearty presentation true to Greek tradition.
- Instead of tossing the feta vigorously into the salad, add it on top gently to keep the pieces intact and visually appealing.
- For an extra flavor boost, drizzle a little additional olive oil and sprinkle oregano just before serving.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
