This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Greek Salad is a refreshing summer recipe made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta. Tossed in a homemade dressing, it’s easy to make and perfect for warm-weather meals.
For more summer salad recipes, try my Caprese Salad and Avocado Salad.
I love how quick and easy this Greek salad is to make. It takes just 10 minutes and uses simple ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s light, refreshing, and a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables in the summer.
I make the vinaigrette from scratch with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a few seasonings, and it brings everything together so well. Whether I’m serving it as a side or adding protein to make it a meal, this salad always hits the spot.
What is in a traditional Greek salad?
A traditional Greek salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. It usually has no lettuce and is tossed with olive oil, oregano, and sometimes red wine vinegar.
My recipe keeps it classic but adds lemon juice and garlic to the vinaigrette. You can also adjust the amount of feta or skip the olives if you prefer.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness. Removing the seeds helps keep the salad from getting too watery.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they’re a key part of the salad’s flavour and texture. Seed them for best results.
- Red Onion: Brings sharpness and a bit of bite. Slice thinly so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Kalamata Olives: Salty and briny, they give the salad its signature Greek taste. You can leave them out if preferred.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it balances the veggies and adds richness. Crumble it over the top just before serving.
Greek Salad Dressing
- Olive Oil: Forms the base of the vinaigrette. Use a good quality oil for the best flavour.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and depth to the dressing. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the vinaigrette with a fresh citrus kick. It complements the vinegar well.
- Garlic: Adds bold, savoury flavour to the dressing. One clove goes a long way.
- Oregano: A classic herb in Greek cooking. It gives the dressing that traditional Mediterranean taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance all the other flavours. Season to taste.
How to Make Greek Salad
Make the Dressing
I start by making the vinaigrette so the flavours have time to come together. In a small bowl, I whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sometimes I mix in a little crumbled feta for extra creaminess, but that’s totally optional.
Prep the Vegetables
Next, I slice the cucumber and tomatoes, making sure to remove the seeds so the salad doesn’t get soggy. Then I thinly slice the red onion and add everything to a large serving bowl. If I’m using olives, I toss those in too.
Assemble Your Greek Salad
Right before serving, I give the vinaigrette another quick stir since it tends to settle. Then I pour it over the veggies and gently toss everything together until it’s well coated. Finally, I top the salad with crumbled feta and serve it right away while it’s fresh and crisp.
Recipe Tips
- Remove the seeds from cucumbers and tomatoes. This helps prevent the salad from becoming watery, especially if you plan to store leftovers.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Since this salad is so simple, the flavour really depends on the freshness of your veggies and olive oil.
- Mix the vinaigrette just before using. The ingredients will settle as it sits, so give it a good stir before pouring it over the salad.
- Customize the feta and olives to your taste. Add more or less feta depending on preference, and feel free to skip the olives if they’re not your favourite.
- Serve immediately for best texture. Greek salad is at its best right after mixing, when the vegetables are crisp and the dressing is freshly tossed.
What to Serve with Greek Salad
- Greek Chicken Gyros. Serve your Greek salad alongside juicy marinated chicken wrapped in soft pita with homemade tzatziki for a full meal.
- Marinated Greek-Style Chicken. This flavourful grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh veggies and tangy vinaigrette in the salad.
- Greek Fries. Crispy, herby fries are a fun and satisfying side that complements the lightness of the salad.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the Feta. If you’re not a fan of feta, try another cheese like goat cheese or leave it out entirely. The salad will still be flavourful with the fresh veggies and vinaigrette.
- Add Protein. Turn this into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp on top.
- Serve Over Lettuce. For a heartier salad, serve it on a bed of romaine or mixed greens.
- Make it a Greek Pasta Salad. Cook your favourite pasta, let it cool, and toss it with the Greek salad ingredients for a fun twist. Chill before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover Greek salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the vinaigrette separate and toss just before serving to avoid soggy vegetables. If already dressed, the salad is still good the next day but may release extra liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Traditional Greek salad doesn’t include any lettuce. It’s made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese tossed in a simple dressing.
Feta cheese is the classic and most commonly used cheese in Greek salad. It adds a salty, creamy flavour that pairs well with the fresh vegetables and tangy vinaigrette.
Yes, you can make it up to 3 days ahead. Just whisk or shake it well before using, as the ingredients will separate.
More Salad Recipes
If you try this Greek Salad recipe, we’d greatly appreciate if you leave us a star ★ rating, as well as some feedback in the comment section below if you found this blog post helpful and tasty!
Also, please use the hashtag #theseasonedskillet on social media for a chance to be featured, and don’t forget to keep up with TSS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest!
Lastly, sign up to our Friday weekly newsletter for the latest TSS updates, blog posts and recipes straight to your inbox.
Oh, and share, share, share with your family and friends!
Easy Greek Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Large Serving Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Greek Salad
- 1 Cucumber seeded, and sliced
- 2 Tomatoes seeded, and sliced
- 1 small Red Onion sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata Olives
- ¼ cup Feta Cheese crumbled
- ½ tsp Salt more to taste
Greek Salad Dressing
- 4 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar see notes sections
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice see notes sections
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Salt more to taste – if using vinaigrette below omit
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Feta Cheese crumbled more to taste, optional
Instructions
- To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and feta cheese (optional), in a small mixing bowl; set aside (see notes sections).
- Chop and slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives (optional), assemble in a large serving bowl.
- Pour vinaigrette dressing on top, and gently toss to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese, and serve immediately!
