Name: My Easy Greek Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 pint of grape tomatoes, halved; 1 English cucumber, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 medium-sized red onion, thinly sliced; 8 ounces of feta cheese, diced; 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, sliced; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; For the dressing:; 1/2 cup of good-quality olive oil; 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon of kosher salt

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This My Easy Greek Salad Recipe is fresh, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. It's the perfect side dish for any meal or hearty enough to enjoy on its own. The combination of ingredients and dressing makes every bite absolutely irresistible!

Did You Know?

The traditional Greek salad, called horiatiki, never contains lettuce — it is simply chunks of tomato, cucumber, onion, green pepper, and a slab of feta cheese dressed with olive oil and oregano. Adding lettuce is actually an American adaptation. The quality of the olive oil matters more in a Greek salad than in almost any other dish, since it serves as the primary dressing rather than a cooking fat.

Pro Tips

Dress right before serving to keep greens crisp. Pre-dressed salad wilts within minutes. Make sure greens are cold and completely dry. A salad spinner makes all the difference.

Storage & Meal Prep

Greek salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The vegetables may become slightly softer, and the flavors may intensify over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What vegetables are essential in a Greek salad?

Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and green bell pepper are the traditional base. Every ingredient should be fresh and cut into large, rustic chunks.

2. What cheese goes on a Greek salad?

Feta cheese is the only authentic option — a large block or thick slices placed on top, not crumbled. Use real Greek feta made from sheep's milk for the most authentic flavor.

3. Does traditional Greek salad include lettuce?

Authentic Greek salad (horiatiki) does not include lettuce. It is a chunky vegetable salad with feta. Lettuce is an American addition that many Greek families consider inauthentic.

4. What dressing goes on Greek salad?

Simple extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Traditional Greek salad uses no creamy dressing — the feta and olive oil provide all the richness needed.

5. Should I use Kalamata or black olives?

Kalamata olives are the authentic Greek choice — they are dark purple, almond-shaped, and have a rich, fruity, slightly bitter flavor that generic black olives cannot replicate.

6. How do I keep Greek salad from getting watery?

Salt the cucumber slices separately for 10 minutes and drain. Use firm tomatoes and dress the salad just before serving. Never dress it ahead of time.

7. Can I add other ingredients to Greek salad?

Capers, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, avocado, or grilled chicken are popular additions, though purists stick to the classic combination of tomato, cucumber, onion, olive, and feta.

8. What type of cucumber works best?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers have fewer seeds, thinner skin, and a crunchier texture than regular cucumbers. No peeling needed — just slice into half-moons.

9. How do I cut vegetables for Greek salad?

Cut everything into large, rustic chunks — not small dice. Thick tomato wedges, half-moon cucumber slices, and thick onion rings give the salad its characteristic hearty texture.

10. What makes a great Greek salad dressing?

High-quality extra virgin olive oil is the star. Use a 3:1 ratio of oil to red wine vinegar, plus generous dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

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