Best Ever Greek Salad

This Mediterranean Greek salad is bursting with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. With crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, it’s the perfect dish for a summer meal or potluck.

If you are looking for a quick and light side dish that everyone will love, make this healthy Greek Salad recipe. I make it for every potluck during the summer and everyone raves about it. This Mediterranean salad tastes amazing with fresh juicy tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden. It’s so light and refreshing. I grew up with Mediterranean cuisine in Bulgaria and we used to eat this salad every single day in the summer – lunch and dinner! It incorporates simple, seasonal ingredients, much like the Bulgarian Shopska Salad and the Italian Caprese Salad, but it’s packed with amazing flavor.

What Is Greek Salad (Horiatiki)?

Greek salad or Horiatiki salad (also spelled Khoriatiki) is a popular salad in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s a well-known classic salad which is common not only in Greece but also in the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, it is made with tomatoes, red bell pepper, sliced cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, olives, and sometimes chickpeas, typically seasoned with a simple dressing – salt, oregano, olive oil, and vinegar.

Greek Salad Recipe Ingredients

You need a handful of ingredients to make this easy salad recipe.

• Vegetables: Ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red or green bell pepper. Optionally, you could also add minced garlic clove.
• Small red onion – Because red onions can be quite sharp in flavor, some people recommend soaking them in vinegar or lemon juice for several minutes before adding them to the salad. I like their taste the way they are but if you prefer you can soak them first.
• Black olives (with pits removed) – This salad wouldn’t be Greek without the olives. While most Greek salads call for Kalamata olives, you can also use black olives if that is your preference.
• Feta cheese – You can choose any brand of feta cheese you prefer. I also like to use Bulgarian feta cheese because I find it’s creamier and tastier.
• Salad dressing: olive oil, vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and a teaspoon of dried oregano

How To Make The Best Greek Salad

1. Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, olives and parsley to a large bowl and toss gently to combine.
2. Combine the salt, black pepper, olive oil, vinegar, and oregano in a small jar. Whisk salad dressing ingredients.
3. Pour the Greek salad dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Add the cubed feta cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

There are several variations and substitutions you can make for a Greek salad:

1. Cheese: Instead of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese, mozzarella, or even grated Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
2. Greens: You can add some greens like romaine lettuce, mixed greens, spinach, kale, or arugula for added nutrients and flavor.
3. Vegetables: Besides the classic ingredients, you can also add or substitute with artichoke hearts, or roasted vegetables like eggplant and zucchini. If you don’t have large tomatoes, you can use cherry or grape tomatoes.
4. Proteins: To make it a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. You can also include canned chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian protein option.
5. Dressing: While Greek dressing is typically made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and parsley, you can experiment with different dressings such as balsamic vinaigrette, tahini dressing, or a citrus-based dressing for a unique twist.
6. Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, basil, or mint can enhance the flavor of your Greek salad. Sprinkle them on top or mix them into the dressing for a burst of freshness.

By incorporating these variations and substitutions, you can customize your salad to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs while still enjoying its vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This easy Mediterranean salad goes wonderfully with a crusty bread along roasted or grilled chicken, lamb, beef, and even with baked salmon. You can even serve it as a main course if you add grilled chicken or salmon on top, or as a side dish to the recipes below:

Storing and Make Ahead

You can store the undressed chopped salad covered in the fridge for about 2 days. It will keep in the refrigerator for about a day if it’s a fully dressed salad.

You can make this salad a day or two in advance but don’t add the dressing until you are ready to serve it. Store the chopped salad ingredients and the dressing separately in the refrigerator.

Recipe FAQs

More Easy Side Salads

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