Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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Easy Greek salad recipe with chopped veggies, feta cheese and a simple homemade dressing. Full of fresh flavor and made in less than 30 minutes!

Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • Simple and Fresh Side Salad
  • Greek Salad Ingredients
  • Greek Salad Dressing
  • Variations
  • How to Make Greek Salad
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Storing + Make Ahead
  • 5 star review
  • More Potluck Salads
  • Greek Salad Printable Recipe

Simple and Fresh Side Salad

I love to make a big Greek salad during the summer time. It’s simple, pretty and the perfect way to incorporate fresh veggies just like in my recipe for couscous salad. Plus the homemade Greek salad dressing recipe is super tasty and easy to whip up.

Authentic Greek salads include a simple dressing made with olive oil and vinegar, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, olives and feta cheese. Lots of feta cheese!

This is the perfect recipe to bring to a BBQ and was such a huge hit with the crowd. Everyone went for seconds and the bowl was empty soon after it started. You can even serve it with grilled chicken and warm pita bread or naan bread to make this a complete meal. So delicious!

Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)

Greek Salad Ingredients

Below are the base Greek salad ingredients you’ll need to get started, most of which come straight from the garden! It’s the perfect summer salad to make when you have lots of fresh veggies and herbs to use up.

  • Veggies: This dish is full of chopped cucumbers, grape tomatoes, red onion and yellow bell peppers. Make sure the vegetables are ripe to touch, fragrant to smell and have a crisp exterior. I like to use English cucumbers and grape tomatoes because they’re more crisp and firm, so they hold up well.
  • Olives: Kalamata olives or black olives will both work. I know olives are hit or miss with most people, so you can leave them out if you’re not a fan.
  • Cheese: You can’t have a Greek salad without feta cheese. And lots of it, too! I like to buy a block of feta cheese and use my hands to crumble it up. I find the blocks are more fresh and creamy than the containers of pre-crumbled feta.

Greek Salad Dressing

The homemade Greek salad dressing is an easy vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano and fresh chopped parsley. It’s bold, tangy and compliments the fresh vegetables, olives and feta cheese perfectly.

You can tweak the flavor by adding a littleItalian seasoning,Greek seasoning, lemon juice, fresh dill or Dijon mustard if you prefer.

Variations

  • Add extras. Feel free to add in extras, like chickpeas, sliced avocado, artichokes, green bell pepper slices or even sliced grilled chicken. I love this salad with my Greek chicken meatball recipe!
  • Salad dressing: Try this Italian dressing or Olive Garden dressing instead.
  • Greens. A traditional Greek salad does not include romaine lettuce (or any type of greens), but that doesn’t mean you can’t add them in! Feel free to chop up some greens and add them to the bowl before layering on all of the other ingredients, similar to a Mediterranean salad.
  • Pasta salad. Turn this into a Greek pasta salad by mixing in some cooked rotini, couscous or orzo. This would also taste delicious with cooked quinoa.

How to Make Greek Salad

Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)
  • Prepare dressing. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano and fresh chopped parsley in a small bowl or jar. Whisk until combined. Give it a taste and add more salt, pepper and herbs as needed.
  • Combine and toss. Wash and chop the veggies, then combine in a large bowl with the kalamata olives and crumbled feta. Drizzle the dressing over the top of the salad and then use tongs to toss until well coated.
  • Let chill. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. I usually let mine marinate for about an hour so that the flavors have time to marry together.

Expert Tips

  • Chop evenly. Dice the veggies into evenly sized pieces so that each bite is filled with a nice variety.
  • Olive oil. Using a high quality extra-virgin olive oil will give the salad a more rich and authentic flavor. If you can find a European olive oil, then I’d suggest using that.
  • Pitted olives. Look for kalamata olives that have the pit removed. If you can’t find pitted olives, make sure to pit them yourself before adding them in.
  • Let chill. This salad will need to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to give the flavors time to marinate together.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between a Greek and Mediterranean salad?

They have many similar ingredients and flavors, so the difference between the two will vary depending on who is making it.

Some Mediterranean salads use green olives instead of kalamata, while others include chickpeas or chopped lettuce. When making my favorite Mediterranean salad recipe, I like to use a creamy balsamic dressing instead of Greek dressing.

Does Greek salad contain lettuce?

The traditional recipe does not contain lettuce or any variety of greens for that matter. It’s made with a simple mix of chopped vegetables, olives and feta cheese.

You can absolutely add in some chopped greens to bulk it up a little more, similar to this delicious Greek salad with chicken recipe.

What pairs well with Greek salad for serving?

You can serve as both a main dish or a side dish. When serving as an entrée, I like to add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.

If serving as a side, it tastes delicious accompanied with Greek chicken kabobs, Greek chicken burgers with tzatziki sauce, or this easy Greek sheet pan chicken.

Storing + Make Ahead

This recipe will keep in the fridge for about 3 days if sealed in an airtight container. You can also make it ahead of time if you prefer, although I’d recommend only preparing it 1 day in advance so that the vegetables stay crisp and fresh. On the day of serving, you can add in a little more dressing to give it more moisture if needed.

5 star review

This is everything a gourmet salad should be, and then some! Made a great lunch and will be perfect as a side dish for dinner tonight, too!

– Sara
Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

Need more summertime salads? This caprese salad and corn and tomato salad are two more favorites!

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Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (10)

Greek Salad

5 from 10 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

Easy Greek salad recipe with chopped veggies, feta cheese and a simple homemade dressing. Full of fresh flavor and made in less than 30 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

Dressing:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar , or balsamic vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley , more to taste
  • S&P, to taste

Salad:

  • 1 English cucumber , quartered
  • ½ pint grape tomatoes , halved
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ½ yellow bell pepper , chopped
  • ½ cup kalamata or black olives , sliced in half
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  • Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, oregano and parsley in a small bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

  • Combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, olives and feta in a medium-sized bowl. Then pour the dressing over the top and toss until combined.

  • Add more feta and parsley as desired. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Extras to add in: Feel free to add in 1/2 cup chickpeas, sliced avocado or grilled chicken for extra protein.

Storing: Will keep in the fridge for up 3 days if stored in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 610IU | Vitamin C: 27.3mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Greek

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Categorized as: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Mediterranean, Nut-Free, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Vegetarian

Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (11)

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

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Add a comment

9 comments

    • Diana
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (16)

    I loved this tasty salad! It was perfect for my next BBQ.

    • Reply
    • Taryn
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (17)

    Great flavors! The dressing was delicious. I will definitely make this again.

    • Reply
    • wilhelmina
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (18)

    I am always on the lookout for great salads for hot summer days. This is a winner! SO flavorful and delicious!

    • Reply
    • Beth
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (19)

    Salad are my most favorite thing to eat! Greek salads, like this one, I could eat for breakfast! Don’t judge me as I probably will!

    • Reply
    • Allyson Zea
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (20)

    Greek salad is my favorite salad! I love all the flavors in this and feta cheese is my absolute favorite!

    • Reply
    • Sara Welch
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (21)

    This is everything a gourmet salad should be, and then some! Made a great lunch and will be perfect as a side dish for dinner tonight, too!

    • Reply
    • Beth Pierce
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (22)

    Loved all the flavors in this easy dish! Had it for lunch today and it was just what I was looking for-delicious!

    • Reply
    • Katerina @ diethood .com
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (23)

    Such a delicious salad! I love the flavors!

    • Reply
    • Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    • Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (24)

    This couldn’t look any more perfect!

    • Reply
Easy Greek Salad Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

FAQs

Is Greek salad good for your heart? ›

Heart Health

The Mediterranean diet, of which Greek salad is a quintessential part, is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. The healthy fats in olive oil, along with the antioxidants from the vegetables, contribute to lower cholesterol levels and better cardiovascular health.

Is it OK to eat Greek salad everyday? ›

Conclusion. Greek salad is much more than a simple dish; it's a powerhouse of nutrients, offering myriad health benefits ranging from improved heart health to weight management. By making it a regular part of your diet, you can enjoy these benefits while indulging in one of the Mediterranean's most beloved dishes.

What is a traditional Greek salad made of? ›

A traditional Greek salad consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. This classic combination is delicious, so I stick to it, just adding a handful of mint leaves for a fresh finishing touch.

Can heart patients eat mayonnaise? ›

Contrary to this, unsaturated fats, as seen in spreads like mayonnaise, increase good cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk.

Can heart patients eat salads? ›

Get plenty of fruits and vegetables.

You can use fresh spinach as a salad or quickly sauté with garlic and onions. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Dried, fresh, frozen, or low sodium canned fruits and veggies all work.

What is the healthiest salad you can eat? ›

10 Nutrient-Dense Salad Recipes
  • Low-Carb Asian Chopped Salad.
  • Spicy Shrimp, Avocado, and Arugula Salad.
  • Tofu and Kale Salad.
  • Pear, Grape, and Feta Salad.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Salad.
  • Blood Orange and Quinoa Kale Salad.
  • Golden Beet and Pomegranate Salad.
  • Roasted Chickpea and Kale Salad.
Jul 20, 2021

Are Greek salads good for weight loss? ›

Benefits That Greek Salad Recipe Offers

The onions used in this recipe are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins C, B, and potassium, which makes it the right option to add to the diet for weight loss.

How long can Greek salad last in the fridge? ›

In a large bowl toss together cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, chickpeas, olives, red onion and parsley. Greek salad can stay last 4 days in fridge.

What is a Zeus salad? ›

Zeus Salad. Spring mix, bellpeppers, feta, pita chips, kalamata olives, artichokes and tomatoes.

What does Greek salad dressing contain? ›

This basic homemade Greek dressing or sauce is made up of a few key ingredients: lemon juice and olive oil, with garlic and dried oregano, whisked together until emulsified. The basic ratio to make ladolemono is 1:3--one part lemon juice to three part excellent extra virgin olive oil.

Why is a Greek salad so high in calories? ›

Greek salad: While a Greek salad has a lot of “healthy” ingredients, the additions give it its flavor and appeal. Feta, stuffed grape leaves and olives can add hundreds of extra calories and grams of fat. This salad may start with a 300-calorie base, but just the olive oil in the dressing racks up 200 calories.

How do restaurants get their salads so crisp? ›

Lettuce actually needs a good amount of airflow, in addition to a bit of moisture (but not too much!), in order to stay crisp. That's why restaurants store their lettuce in special perforated bins that allow for air circulation while it's held in the fridge.

Why is Greek salad so good? ›

“The Greek salad contains the red tomato, rich in lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C; the green cucumber with flavonoids, carotenoids, folic acid and vitamins B and K; and the onion, which belongs in the white/brown family of vegetables, is a good source of vitamin C and phenolic compounds.

Why is my Greek salad bitter? ›

CD Kitchen explains that subpar vinegars can create bitter, harsh vinaigrettes. Adding too much vinegar (or lemon juice) can also muck up the acid-to-oil ratio, creating a dressing that's simply too strong for the greens. If this happens, add a pinch of baking soda to quell the bitterness (via Wonder How-To).

Is Greek salad bad for high cholesterol? ›

The most common dressings for a Greek salad are olive oil or vinaigrette. While these dressings are high in fat, much of it is beneficial unsaturated fat, which might reduce your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol, and might also help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Is Greek food heart healthy? ›

The classic Greek diet is also packed with loads of fresh vegetables, which have been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep your appetite in ...

Is Greek food good for blood pressure? ›

More-recent studies linked the Mediterranean diet with lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Today, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy eating plans that American nutrition experts recommend.

Does Greek salad have a lot of sodium? ›

The favorite choice for the term "Greek Salad" is 1 cup of Greek Salad which has about 400 mg of sodium. The amount of sodium for a variety of types and serving sizes of Greek Salad is shown below.

References

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