This Classic Greek Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and delicious dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Packed with crunchy vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, it’s a perfect side dish or light meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing brings everything together, making this salad a go-to for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delightful salad with ingredients in both USA and European metrics.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1, diced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup (150 grams), halved
- Red onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
- Mixed olives (black and green): 1 cup (150 grams)
- Feta cheese: 1 cup (150 grams), cut into cubes
- Bell pepper (optional): 1, diced
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Red wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables: Start by dicing the cucumber, halving the cherry tomatoes, thinly slicing the red onion, and chopping the bell pepper if you’re using it. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Add the Olives and Feta
- Add the Olives and Feta: Add the mixed olives and the cubed feta cheese to the bowl with the vegetables. The combination of these ingredients creates the classic flavors of a traditional Greek salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, keeping in mind that feta and olives add a natural saltiness to the salad.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
- Combine Everything: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the vegetables, olives, and feta are well coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with Fresh Parsley: If desired, sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and additional freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and bold flavors. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a stand-alone dish.
Tips for the Best Greek Salad
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality olive oil and fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Authentic Greek feta and kalamata olives add a traditional touch.
- Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead of time. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
- Customization: Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like capers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra variety.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g
Conclusion
This Classic Greek Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a light olive oil dressing makes it a refreshing choice for a healthy side or light main dish. Quick to prepare and full of Mediterranean goodness, this salad is sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy the fresh, bold flavors and delightful crunch of this easy-to-make Greek salad!