If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean freshness, this Classic Greek Salad recipe is perfect for you. It’s a vibrant mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives, all tied together with creamy feta and a zesty dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is a refreshing taste of Greece that you can enjoy anytime.
Steps
- Prepare the cucumber by cutting it lengthwise, removing the seeds, and slicing it into ¼-inch thick pieces. Chop the green bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Cut the feta cheese into ½-inch cubes and thinly slice the red onion. Gather the pitted Kalamata olives and fresh mint leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- On a large serving platter, arrange the cucumber, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, and olives.
- Drizzle the dressing over the arranged ingredients and gently toss them together. Sprinkle with extra oregano and top with fresh mint leaves.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference and serve the salad as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, seeded and sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 5 ounces feta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ? cup thinly sliced red onion
- ? cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ? cup fresh mint leaves
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed for a traditional Greek salad?
- A classic Greek salad includes sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, with mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
- How do you prepare the vegetables for the Greek salad?
- Cut the cucumber into thin half-moons, chop the green bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion thinly. Aim to have similar-sized pieces for a balanced bite.
- What is included in the Greek salad dressing?
- The dressing consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper for a bright, tangy taste.
- Can this Greek salad be made in advance?
- Yes, it’s perfect for preparing ahead since it doesn’t contain tender greens. Add fresh mint leaves just before serving to maintain their flavor.
- How can I modify this salad for a vegan diet?
- To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese and replace it with 3/4 cup cooked chickpeas and 1 tablespoon of capers.
Tips
- To prevent your salad from becoming watery, opt for cherry tomatoes instead of larger ones, as they release less liquid. Additionally, remove the seeds from the cucumber before slicing.
- For a well-balanced salad with a variety of flavors in every bite, cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces: 1-inch squares for bell peppers, ½-inch cubes for feta, thin half-moons for cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- If preparing the salad in advance, reserve a few fresh mint leaves and add them just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor.
- To transform this Greek salad into a vegan-friendly option, omit the feta cheese and replace it with ¾ cup cooked chickpeas and 1 tablespoon capers.
Equipment
- Whisk – For mixing the salad dressing.
- Salad Bowl or Platter – A large dish to arrange and serve the salad.
- Chef’s Knife – A quality knife for chopping vegetables and feta cheese.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy board for preparing the ingredients.
- Garlic Press – If you prefer not to mince garlic by hand.
- Salad Spinner – Useful if you want to wash and dry the mint leaves thoroughly.
