ads

If you asked me what salad I could eat every single day and never get bored, my answer would be this Greek salad recipe — hands down! It’s so much more than a bowl of veggies; it’s a vibrant, crunchy, tangy bite of summer that never fails to make me feel like I’m lounging on a sun-drenched patio in Greece.

I still remember my first bite of a real Greek village salad (Horiatiki) on a trip to Athens. The fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with dried oregano — it was perfection. Back home, I had to figure out how to recreate that taste. Over the years, I’ve made this Greek salad so many times, it’s second nature now.

So today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true version with you! This post covers everything: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, substitutions, my best tips, delicious add-ons, and even how to store leftovers without the veggies turning soggy. Grab a cutting board — let’s make an easy, traditional Greek salad that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick & Easy: No fancy steps, just fresh chopping and tossing.
  • Crisp & Refreshing: The crunch of cucumbers and peppers with juicy tomatoes is unbeatable.
  • Naturally Healthy: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and made with simple, whole ingredients.
  • Customizable: Feel free to tweak the salad ingredients to your liking.
  • Pairs with Everything: From grilled meats to warm pita, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

If you love a bright, zesty easy Greek salad, this recipe is your new go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of fresh ingredients for this Greek salad recipe, and the better the produce, the better your salad!

Vegetables:

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or ripe vine tomatoes, cut into chunks)
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced or chopped into half-moons
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (raw onions add great bite)
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives

Cheese:

  • 4 oz feta cheese, cut into large blocks (traditional) or crumbled

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

📌 Mini-tip: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil — it makes all the difference in a traditional Greek salad!

Ingredient Substitutions

Tomatoes: Use heirloom or Roma if you can’t find good cherry tomatoes.
Olives: Swap kalamata for green olives if you prefer — or try a mix!
Onion: Soak raw onions in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite.
Vinegar: White wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice works if you don’t have red wine vinegar.
Herbs: Add fresh oregano instead of dried for an herbal boost.

How to Make Greek Salad

Here’s how to make a Greek salad step-by-step — I promise it’s so simple you’ll want to keep it on repeat!

1. Prep the veggies (5–10 min)

Wash and dry all produce. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Add everything to a large mixing bowl.

2. Add olives & cheese (1–2 min)

Toss in the pitted kalamata olives. For an authentic Greek village salad, place large blocks of feta on top instead of crumbling it.

3. Make the dressing (2 min)

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.

4. Combine & toss (1–2 min)

Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, being careful not to break up the feta too much if using blocks.

5. Serve immediately

Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with extra dried or fresh oregano if you like, and maybe a drizzle more olive oil. Serve with crusty bread to mop up all the delicious dressing!

best greek salad recipe

Expert Tips for Success

Use the best ingredients: When the recipe is this simple, quality counts. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta make all the difference.
Don’t overdress: Greek salad should be lightly dressed — too much dressing will water it down.
Slice onions thinly: No one wants a mouthful of raw onions — go as thin as you can.
Chill before serving: Let the salad sit for 15 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve fresh: Greek salad is best enjoyed the same day — it’s all about that crisp texture.

Variations & Add-Ons

  • Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
  • Make it Vegan: Just skip the feta or swap for a plant-based version.
  • Add Herbs: Toss in chopped fresh mint, parsley, or dill for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Amp Up Flavor: Add thinly sliced radishes or roasted red peppers for extra crunch.
  • Serve it Mezze-Style: Pair with hummus, tzatziki, and warm pita bread.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve this Greek salad recipe alongside grilled meats like lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, or beef kebabs.
  • Pair with a bowl of lemon rice soup for a classic Greek meal.
  • Add to a mezze platter with hummus, dolmas, and warm pita wedges.
  • For lunch, pile it into a pita pocket with grilled chicken and a dollop of tzatziki — perfection!
  • Don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:
Store leftover Greek salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, store the dressing separately if possible.

Reheating:
Greek salad is best served cold or at room temperature. No reheating needed — just give it a gentle toss before serving.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbs: 9 g
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: ~500 mg

Prep, Cook, and Total Time

Prep TimeCook TimeTotal Time
15 mins0 mins15 mins

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?

Yes! I suggest chopping the veggies and storing the dressing separately. Toss everything together just before serving for the best crunch.

What’s the difference between a Greek salad and a regular salad?

A Greek salad, or Horiatiki, is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives, and feta cheese — no lettuce needed!

Do I have to use kalamata olives?

Nope! Kalamata are traditional but feel free to use green or black olives if you prefer.

How do I keep my Greek salad from getting soggy?

Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, and store any leftovers in a tight container.

What cheese is best for Greek salad?

Authentic Greek salad uses block feta cheese, not pre-crumbled. The taste and texture are much creamier!

Conclusion

There you have it — my favorite Greek salad recipe, just like the ones you’d enjoy in a little taverna by the sea. It’s bright, crunchy, and downright refreshing, perfect for everything from quick lunches to summer BBQs.

Try this classic Greek salad, and let me know how you make it your own. Did you add extra herbs, swap the olives, or serve it with grilled chicken? Drop a comment below — I love hearing your tasty twists!

Greek Salad Recipe

Greek Salad Recipe

This Greek salad recipe is fresh, crisp, and brimming with authentic flavors. Learn how to make the perfect Greek village salad at home! It’s so much more than a bowl of veggies; it’s a vibrant, crunchy, tangy bite of summer that never fails to make me feel like I’m lounging on a sun-drenched patio in Greece.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Vegetables:
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes halved (or ripe vine tomatoes, cut into chunks)
  • 1 large cucumber sliced or chopped into half-moons
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • Cheese:
  • 4 oz feta cheese cut into large blocks (traditional) or crumbled
  • Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prep the veggies (5–10 min)
  • Wash and dry all produce. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, slice the cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Add everything to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add olives & cheese (1–2 min)
  • Toss in the pitted kalamata olives. For an authentic Greek village salad, place large blocks of feta on top instead of crumbling it.
  • Make the dressing (2 min)
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.
  • Combine & toss (1–2 min)
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, being careful not to break up the feta too much if using blocks.
  • Serve immediately
  • Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with extra dried or fresh oregano if you like, and maybe a drizzle more olive oil. Serve with crusty bread to mop up all the delicious dressing!

Notes

  • Use the best ingredients: When the recipe is this simple, quality counts. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta make all the difference.
  • Don’t overdress: Greek salad should be lightly dressed — too much dressing will water it down.
  • Slice onions thinly: No one wants a mouthful of raw onions — go as thin as you can.
  • Chill before serving: Let the salad sit for 15 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Serve fresh: Greek salad is best enjoyed the same day — it’s all about that crisp texture.
Keyword greek salad recipe, easy greek salad, traditional greek salad, greek village salad, feta cheese, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, kalamata olives, salad ingredients, salad dressing

Hi, I’m Daniel Brian – a passionate food blogger and cooking expert with a love for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. With years of experience in the kitchen and a deep appreciation for global flavors, I share tested recipes, cooking tips, and flavor-packed dishes to inspire home cooks of all levels. Whether it’s comfort food, quick weeknight dinners, or impressive dishes for guests, I’m here to help you cook with confidence and creativity. Let’s make every meal something to look forward to!

Leave A Reply
Recipe Rating