If you’re craving a vibrant, refreshing, and utterly satisfying salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, then the Fresh Greek Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe is made just for you. This classic dish marries juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, salty kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed together with an herby, garlicky dressing that’s impossible to resist. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of freshness and simplicity on a plate, perfect for any season and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe truly shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the bright tang of red wine vinegar to the bold punch of oregano.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes bring juicy bursts of flavor and vibrant color.
- Hot House Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richer elements.
- Red Onion, sliced: Provides a mild sharpness that lifts the entire salad.
- Kalamata Olives: Their briny depth is essential for that authentic Greek touch.
- Feta Cheese, block cut into squares: Creamy, tangy, and salty—this is the star dairy ingredient.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The best quality here makes all the difference in the dressing’s richness.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that ties all flavors together.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings aromatic warmth and a subtle bite.
- Oregano: This classic Mediterranean herb offers earthy, slightly bitter notes.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the ingredients perfectly.
- Pepper: Adds a touch of spice to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Fresh Greek Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Produce
Start by washing all your fresh ingredients thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice your red onion. Taking the time to prep your produce properly will ensure every bite offers the best texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. The beauty of this dressing is in its simplicity; it’s fresh and zesty and will elevate all the fresh ingredients it touches.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and Kalamata olives with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the tomatoes; a gentle hand preserves their juicy texture.
Step 4: Add the Feta Cheese
Finally, crown the salad with beautiful, block-cut squares of feta cheese. The creamy and salty feta perfectly contrasts the crisp vegetables and olives.
How to Serve Fresh Greek Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of dried oregano on top can add extra fragrance and enhance the Mediterranean vibe of your salad.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or even a warm pita bread served alongside. It also makes a fantastic light lunch on its own, especially when you want something healthy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the components deconstructed on a platter to let guests build their own salads, or present the salad on a bed of leafy greens like arugula for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the feta separate if possible to maintain its texture. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed sooner.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended because ingredients like tomatoes and cucumber will lose their crispness and freshness upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad served cold, reheating is unnecessary. Instead, just give the salad a gentle toss before serving if any liquids have settled at the bottom.
FAQs
Can I use regular black olives instead of Kalamata olives?
While regular black olives can work in a pinch, Kalamata olives provide a distinctive briny richness that defines the Fresh Greek Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe’s authentic flavor.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use lemon juice or white wine vinegar; both will offer acidity but with slight variations in flavor.
Is it necessary to cut feta cheese into blocks?
Cutting feta into cubes helps it retain texture and adds a pleasing contrast to the salad. Crumbled feta can be used but may blend too much into the dressing.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Adding bell peppers or radishes can bring new flavors and colors, but keep in mind it will be a variation from the classic Fresh Greek Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe.
How do I make the salad less salty?
Rinse the Kalamata olives before adding them to reduce their saltiness, and adjust the added salt accordingly when mixing the dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Greek Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe is a timeless favorite for a reason. It’s vibrant, fresh, and incredibly easy to prepare, bringing a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen with every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do—it truly never fails to delight.
Print
Fresh Greek Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Greek Salad featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a vibrant dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano. This refreshing salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb. Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
- 1 Hot House Cucumber
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Cheese
- 5 ounces Feta Cheese, block cut into squares
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cucumber thoroughly. Slice the hot house cucumber into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry or grape tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and set aside with the Kalamata olives.
- Make the dressing. Mince the garlic cloves finely. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Toss the salad. In a large salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese squares. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve fresh. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve immediately as a refreshing side or light main dish.
Notes
- For added texture, consider adding sliced bell peppers or radishes.
- Use block feta cheese for the best texture; avoid pre-crumbled versions.
- Adjust salt carefully as the feta and olives already contain salt.
- Serve immediately to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.
