This bright, crunchy salad comes together in minutes and celebrates classic Mediterranean flavors. Tossed with tangy red apple vinegar, lemon, and olive oil, this Best Greek Salad Recipe is perfect for weeknights or a light weekend lunch. For a protein boost try the easy Greek salad with chicken for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Best Greek Salad Recipe
- Fresh, vibrant flavors from cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and lemon.
- Ready in about 10 minutes for fast weeknight cooking.
- Great for meal prep and holds up as a leftover side.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Simple pantry ingredients; no special grocery trip needed.
Ingredients Needed
- Veggies:
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Cheese & Olives:
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Dressing:
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Spices & Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, add red apple vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Whisk the dressing mixture briefly to combine the vinegar, lemon, mustard, garlic, and spices.
- Gradually add olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir to combine until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve immediately or chill 15–20 minutes to meld flavors.
Serving Suggestions Best Greek Salad Recipe
- Serve alongside grilled lamb or fish for a Mediterranean dinner.
- Spoon over mixed greens or quinoa for a heartier bowl.
- Offer crusty bread or pita on the side to soak up the dressing.
- Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein; see this Greek chicken with lemon and feta for inspiration.
- Pair with a light white wine or iced tea for a refreshing combo.
Tips for Success Best Greek Salad Recipe
- Dice vegetables uniformly for balanced bites in every forkful.
- Make the dressing just before serving to keep veggies crisp.
- If prepping ahead, store dressing separately and toss just before serving.
- Crumble feta with your hands for rustic texture and even distribution.
- Adjust lemon and vinegar to taste for brighter or milder acidity.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for more protein.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced pepperoncini.
- Dairy-free option: omit feta and add toasted pine nuts for richness.
- Swap green bell pepper for thinly sliced cucumber ribbons or roasted peppers.
Greek Salad
This bright, crunchy salad celebrates classic Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or light weekend lunches.
Ingredients
Veggies
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese & Olives
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/3 cup red apple vinegar
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Spices & Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt plus additional to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper plus additional to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a separate small bowl, add red apple vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Whisk the dressing mixture briefly to combine the vinegar, lemon, mustard, garlic, and spices.
- Gradually add olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir to combine until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
Dice vegetables uniformly for balanced bites. Make the dressing just before serving to keep veggies crisp. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead, and toss just before serving. Crumble feta with your hands for rustic texture.