Classic Greek Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe

Greek Salad with Feta Cheese is a refreshing Mediterranean dish that highlights fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta. This classic salad is a staple in Greek cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide for its crisp texture and bold flavor. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber slices, tangy red onion, and crunchy green bell pepper creates a balanced base, while Kalamata olives and feta cheese add richness and a satisfying saltiness.

What makes this salad special is its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you can prepare a dish that’s healthy, flavorful, and versatile. Tossed in extra virgin olive oil and a touch of oregano, it delivers the authentic taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. It works beautifully as a light lunch, a side for grilled meats or seafood, or as part of a larger spread for family meals and gatherings.

Not only is this salad quick to prepare, but it’s also naturally nutritious, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy wholesome meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in minutes: No cooking required and only 15 minutes of prep time. Perfect for busy days.
• Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and calcium-rich feta cheese.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a light main course, a refreshing starter, or a side dish for grilled dishes and Mediterranean platters.
• Authentic taste: Uses traditional Greek ingredients like Kalamata olives, feta, and oregano for genuine flavor.
• Naturally balanced: A mix of crunch, creaminess, tang, and freshness makes each bite satisfying.
• Diet-friendly: Low-carb, gluten-free, and easily adaptable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare a truly flavorful Greek Salad with Feta Cheese, it’s important to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each one contributes to the balance of taste and texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

• Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Sweet and juicy, they bring freshness and color to the salad. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or regular ripe tomatoes cut into wedges will work.
• Cucumber (1 medium, sliced into half-moons): Adds crunch and a cooling taste. Use an English cucumber or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and a tender texture.
• Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Provides sharpness and a slight tang that balances the creaminess of the feta. To reduce the intensity, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
• Green bell pepper (1 medium, sliced): Offers crunch and a slightly sweet flavor. Green pepper is the traditional choice, but you can substitute with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a milder sweetness.
• Kalamata olives (1/2 cup): Salty and briny, these give the salad its authentic Greek flavor. You can leave them whole or slice them for easier bites.
• Feta cheese (4 oz, cubed or crumbled): Creamy and tangy, feta is the star of the salad. Using a block of feta cut into cubes gives a more authentic texture compared to pre-crumbled.
• Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): A must for Greek salad, it adds richness and smoothness. Go for a good-quality olive oil for the best taste.
• Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings an earthy, aromatic note that ties the dressing together. You can also sprinkle some fresh oregano for extra flavor.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavors and allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Optional add-ins: A sprinkle of capers, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Greek Salad with Feta Cheese is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to get it perfect every time:

1. Prepare the vegetables
   Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into half-moons, thinly slice the red onion, and cut the green bell pepper into thin strips. Place all the prepared vegetables in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the olives and feta
   Toss in the Kalamata olives. Then add the feta cheese, either cubed for a chunkier presentation or crumbled for a more even distribution throughout the salad.
3. Make the dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
4. Dress the salad
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables, olives, and feta. Use salad tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients without breaking up the feta too much.
5. Taste and adjust
   Sample a small bite and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more vinegar for extra tang or more oregano for depth.
6. Serve immediately
   Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. This salad tastes best when freshly made, but you can chill it briefly before serving for an extra-refreshing result.

Tips & Storage

• Use block feta cheese for the most authentic taste; it’s creamier and less crumbly.
• Chill the vegetables before making the salad for a crisp texture.
• For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Avoid sogginess: Keep dressing separate if making ahead. Add feta just before serving for best texture.

Print Recipe

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Classic Greek Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe

Author: Chef Natalia Courses: Lunch Recipe Keys: Healthy Quick Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 4

Description

This Greek Salad with Feta Cheese is a refreshing and authentic Mediterranean dish made with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a simple dressing, it’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and perfect as a side dish or light main meal. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup Kalamata olives, whole or sliced
• 4 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• ¹⁄₄ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: (A few capers, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness)

Instructions

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, thinly slice the onion, and cut the bell pepper into strips.
2. Add the prepared vegetables to a large salad bowl.
3. Toss in the Kalamata olives and top with feta cheese (cubed or crumbled).
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

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