Chunky Greek Salad
A vibrant, chunky Greek salad featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and feta cheese, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish at gatherings with bold, refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved ⓘ
- 6 cucumbers, 1 inch by 1/2 inch chunks ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper, 1 inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper with a fork.
- Add grape tomatoes, cucumbers, red pepper, green onion, olives, and mint. Toss until evenly mixed.
- If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.
- Toss again before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the vegetables in the dressing for about 30 minutes before serving. If you're short on time, substitute grape tomatoes with cherry tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. For a heartier version, add chickpeas or substitute feta with vegan cheese for a plant-based option. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also enhance the salad's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chunky Greek Salad as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, or as part of a Mediterranean feast. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Feta Salad Dressing or even alongside Two-Sauce Eggplant Lasagna for a balanced meal. Add some crusty bread for a complete lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can lose some texture over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to reheat, avoid microwaving, as it’s best served cold. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Greek Salad contains roughly 2760 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 306g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2164mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and mix in the feta cheese right before serving to maintain its texture. The flavors will meld nicely, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for feta cheese, try using goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use crumbled tofu for a dairy-free option or omit it entirely for a lighter salad. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor if desired.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can also toss in some quinoa or farro for added texture and nutrition. These additions will turn the salad into a satisfying main dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).