Greek salad with Kalamata olives and feta cheese is the perfect salad when it’s too hot to cook. It’s light, super easy to make, and loaded with delicious Mediterranean flavors. This easy summer salad recipe uses just a few fresh ingredients (cucumber, tomato, onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives) that are drizzled with a tasty olive oil and vinaigrette dressing, with a total prep time of less than 5 minutes.
Simple, quick to make, and super healthy, this recipe makes a large salad that is ideal for sharing as a side between 4 people or as a tasty vegetarian-friendly main meal for 2. Of course, you can easily increase the portions if you’re having a BBQ or party and need to share it with more.
Looking for more great salad ideas?
Check out this Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese recipe here.
Table of contents:
How to Make Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives and Feta Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber, chopped into half moons.
- 3 on-vine tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/2 red onion, sliced fine
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the salad dressing
- ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)
Equipment needed
- 1 large salad bowl or serving plate
- 1 sharp knife
- Chopping board
- 1 small bowl or jar (for mixing the salad dressing)
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the salad
- Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion and add to a large bowl.
Step 2 – Prepare salad dressing
- Add the salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl or jar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix until ingredients are combined.
Step 3 – Garnish and serve
- Garnish your salad with the olives and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and serve.
Greek salad
Greek Salad, or “Horiatiki,” is more than just a side dish or salad; it’s a celebration of vibrant Mediterranean flavors that come together in a harmonious blend. Originating from the rustic villages of Greece, this classic dish has captivated foodies worldwide.
In different parts of Greece, you might find slight variations in the ingredients of a Greek salad. For example, in Hydra Island, cucumbers are peeled, while in other regions, they are left unpeeled. We’ve gone with unpeeled because there are loads of nutrients in the skin, it adds crunch, and saves time so a win-win-win!
Select High-Quality Ingredients
First things first. As a fairly simple salad with minimal ingredients, the focus is on the fresh produce. Here’s what to look for:
- Tomatoes: The Base
Look for vine-ripened, juicy tomatoes. They serve as the foundation for your Greek Salad, imparting both taste and texture.
- Cucumbers: The Crunch
Opt for English cucumbers. Their thin skin and minimal seeds make them the perfect addition.
- Red Onions: The Zest
Select red onions that are firm and bright in color. They add a vibrant tint and a sharp bite to balance the other elements.
- Olives: The Soul
Kalamata olives have a dark color and rich, fruity flavor and bring an extra layer of complexity. Use pitted olives if possible, they’re much easier to eat, especially in recipes like salads.
- Feta Cheese: The Crown
Choose block feta from Greece, if possible. This provides that creamy yet crumbly texture, infused with a tangy, salty kick.
The Importance of Seasoning
- Olive Oil
A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is essential. It serves as the base for your dressing, adding a robust, fruity undertone.
- Oregano
Dried oregano offers a peppery, slightly bitter taste, essential for achieving the authentic Greek flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but we recommend fresh lemon juice for its vibrant flavor.
How long does Greek Salad last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, though it’s best when consumed fresh.
Can I add lettuce?
Traditional Greek Salad does not include lettuce, but you can add it if you like. You can never have too many greens and it works perfectly well with all the other ingredients.
Nutrition facts
| Serving size: 150g | |
| Servings: 4 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 209 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 16.8g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat 4.6g | 23% |
| Cholesterol 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium 369mg | 16% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13.4g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 10% |
| Total Sugars 7.1g | |
| Protein 5g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 129mg | 10% |
| Iron 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium 466mg | 10% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Classic Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives and Feta Cheese (Easy 5-Minute Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 large salad bowl or serving plate
- 1 sharp knife
- Chopping board
- 1 small bowl or jar (for mixing the salad dressing)
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber chopped into half moons.
- 3 on-vine tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1/2 red onion sliced fine
- 1/2 cup black olives pitted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the salad dressing
- ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar
- ½ lemon juiced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the salad
- Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion and add to a large bowl.1 large English cucumber, 3 on-vine tomatoes, 1/2 red onion
Step 2 – Prepare salad dressing
- Add the salad dressing ingredients to a small bowl or jar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix until ingredients are combined.½ teaspoon red wine vinegar, ½ lemon, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, Salt and cracked black pepper
Step 3 – Garnish and serve
- Garnish your salad with the olives and crumbled feta cheese.1/2 cup black olives, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and serve.
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