If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious, this Greek Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with crisp veggies, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a total flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light meal, it comes together in just minutes—no cooking required! This is the kind of salad that proves simplicity can be incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Fuss-Free: This is one of the fastest salads to prepare—just chop, mix, and serve. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and nutritious.
Bursting with Flavor: Between the juicy tomatoes, salty olives, sharp red onion, and that creamy feta, every ingredient adds a punch of Mediterranean goodness.
Healthy and Fresh: Loaded with fresh vegetables, this salad is naturally low in calories and high in nutrients. It’s great for anyone looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile: You can enjoy this as a side, pile it onto pita bread, or even toss in some protein to turn it into a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Greek Salad so irresistible:

Tomatoes: Use ripe cherry or vine tomatoes for maximum juiciness and sweetness.
Cucumber: Adds a cool crunch that balances out the tangy elements.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and beautiful color.
Kalamata Olives: Their deep, briny flavor is essential to the classic Greek profile—don’t skip them.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled or in large chunks, this creamy, salty cheese brings everything together.
Green Bell Pepper: For extra crunch and a bit of earthy sweetness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the dressing—use a good quality one for the best flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and depth to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.
Dried Oregano: A must for that authentic Greek taste—rub it between your fingers to release more aroma.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season simply but generously to enhance the natural flavors.

Variations

Greek Salad is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few tasty ways to switch it up:

Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are excellent if you want to make it more filling.
Make It a Meal: Toss in cooked quinoa or orzo for a more substantial salad bowl.
Different Cheese: Try goat cheese or a vegan feta substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
Marinated Veggies: Let your cucumbers and onions sit in a splash of vinegar before adding them for extra zing.
Herb Boost: Add fresh parsley or mint for a bright, herby twist.

How to Make Greek Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Chop the tomatoes into wedges or halves, depending on their size. Slice the cucumber into thick half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion and cut the green bell pepper into strips.

Step 2: Combine in a Bowl

In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, and olives. Give it all a gentle toss.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated. Add the feta cheese on top—either crumbled or in large blocks, Greek-style.

Step 5: Serve

Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes if you can. This gives the flavors time to mingle beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice Onions Thinly: If your red onion is too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.
Use Room Temp Veggies: Cold veggies dull the flavors. Let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
Go for Chunky Cuts: Keep the vegetables in larger pieces for better texture and presentation—this isn’t the time for finely chopped salad.
Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually to avoid overwhelming the vegetables. You can always add more!

How to Serve

Greek Salad is versatile and goes with almost anything. Here are some great serving ideas:

As a Side Dish:

Perfect alongside grilled meats like chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, or fish. It also pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or rice dishes.

In a Wrap or Pita:

Stuff it into a warm pita with hummus or tzatziki for a refreshing lunch or light dinner.

With Bread:

Serve with warm crusty bread or pita to mop up every drop of the delicious dressing.

On a Mezze Platter:

Include it as part of a spread with dips, cheeses, olives, and flatbreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know the cucumbers may release water and soften a bit over time.

Freezing

Greek salad doesn’t freeze well. The fresh veggies will lose their texture and become mushy.

Reheating

This is a cold dish, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I make Greek Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the veggies and make the dressing up to a day ahead. Store them separately and combine right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

What kind of olives should I use?
Kalamata olives are traditional and highly recommended for their rich, briny flavor. If you’re not a fan, black olives can be used, but they won’t deliver the same punch.

Can I use bottled dressing?
You could, but the homemade version is so simple and far more flavorful. It’s just olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper—no reason not to make it fresh!

Is Greek Salad healthy?
Absolutely. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, heart-healthy fats from olive oil, and a moderate amount of protein from the feta. It’s a great choice for a wholesome, well-rounded dish.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Salad is everything a great salad should be—fresh, bold, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. Whether you’re feeding guests or just treating yourself, this is a salad worth making again and again. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with its simplicity and flavor!

Greek Salad Recipe