Simple Greek Salad

If you’re searching for the ultimate refreshing dish to beat the summer heat, the Simple Greek Salad is your go-to choice. Bursting with fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a tangy olive oil dressing, this salad combines vibrant colors, lively flavors, and easy prep. It’s a perfect balance of savory and crisp, offering a light yet satisfying meal that feels like a Mediterranean breeze on a hot day. Whether for lunch, a barbecue side, or a picnic, this recipe is a summer staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and light: Every bite cools you down with crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes.
• Quick preparation: Minimal chopping and simple assembly means dinner is ready in minutes.
• Bold Mediterranean flavors: Feta cheese, olives, and oregano come together to create a taste explosion.
• Nutritious and wholesome: Loaded with veggies and healthy fats, it fuels your body while delighting your palate.
• Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Great as a side or a main course, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of a Simple Greek Salad lies in its beautiful simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering freshness, richness, and texture that works in perfect harmony.

• Ripe tomatoes: Use juicy, firm tomatoes for sweetness and acidity.
• Crisp cucumbers: Refreshing and crunchy, they add the perfect cooling touch.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness without overpowering the salad.
• Kalamata olives: Briny and bold, these give the salad authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang that makes the salad irresistible.
• Extra virgin olive oil: A quality oil ties all the ingredients together with a fruity richness.
• Fresh oregano: Adds an aromatic herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
• Red wine vinegar: Provides the perfect balance of acidity to brighten the flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors in every bite.

Variations for Simple Greek Salad

One of the delightful things about a Simple Greek Salad is how effortlessly it adapts to your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these easy tweaks.

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
• Greens upgrade: Toss in fresh spinach or arugula for a leafy twist.
• Vinegar alternatives: Swap red wine vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter citrus hit.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts to add a layer of texture.
• Dairy-free option: Replace feta with avocado or vegan cheese for a creamy, allergy-friendly salad.

How to Make Simple Greek Salad

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by washing and drying your tomatoes and cucumbers. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and slice the cucumbers into half-moons. Peel and thinly slice the red onion to keep its flavor mellow and easily blend with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Olives and Feta

Place the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into your salad bowl. These ingredients bring the signature tangy and salty Mediterranean essence to the dish, so choose high-quality feta for the best taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Gently toss together the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, and feta in a large bowl, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking the delicate feta pieces.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle fresh oregano, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss lightly once more to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising them.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully together. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the most authentic experience.

Pro Tips for Making Simple Greek Salad

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of each vegetable and cheese makes a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t overdress: Too much oil or vinegar can overwhelm the crispness of the veggies.
• Chill ingredients beforehand: Cold ingredients keep the salad refreshing under the summer sun.
• Cut veggies uniformly: Even sizes ensure every bite has a great balance of flavors and textures.
• Let the salad rest: A brief rest time allows the dressing to infuse perfectly for a deeper taste.

How to Serve Simple Greek Salad

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few capers on top to enhance color and flavor, delivering a fresh, bright touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your salad with warm pita bread, grilled lamb, or a simple lemon chicken for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that satisfies every craving.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a rustic ceramic bowl to bring a homely vibe, or stack individual servings in clear glass jars for a fun and photogenic picnic idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Simple Greek Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately if possible and add just before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the texture of fresh vegetables and feta will suffer upon thawing.

Reheating

Since it’s a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, if you want to serve it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, though feta is traditional, you can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar texture and tangy flavor.

Is Simple Greek Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! This salad contains no gluten ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative or avocado to keep the creaminess without dairy.

What’s the best way to store the salad dressing?

Store dressing separately in a small jar or container in the fridge and add it to the salad just before serving for optimum freshness.

Can I add protein to this Simple Greek Salad to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans like chickpeas can turn this salad into a hearty and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Simple Greek Salad that makes summer feel brighter and meals lighter. With few ingredients, easy prep, and a burst of fresh flavors, it’s a dish that welcomes warm weather and good company with open arms. Give it a try, customize it your way, and watch it become your favorite summer go-to.

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