Greek Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Greek Salad featuring crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with briny olives and a simple dressing. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, it suits warm weather gatherings and healthy eating plans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the lettuce into small pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced cucumber, cut tomatoes, green pepper strips, sliced onion or chopped scallions, chopped celery, sliced radishes, and finely chopped parsley.
- Pour enough dressing over the vegetables to lightly coat each piece.
- Garnish with crumbled Feta cheese, olives, and optional anchovies.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. If you want a heartier salad, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken. You can substitute the Feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it for a vegan version. For dressing, a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano works well. This salad is also excellent as a side for Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Greek salad chilled as a refreshing starter or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a topping for Mediterranean flatbreads. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Garden Quiche or Green Bean, Potato And Leek Salad for a delightful lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Greek salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the crispness of the vegetables, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. Avoid reheating, as the salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Salad contains roughly 186 calories, with 9g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1126mg per serving (49% 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 Greek salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just mix them together and add the dressing right before serving for optimal freshness.
What dressing should I use for Greek salad?
A classic Greek salad dressing is made of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also use a store-bought Mediterranean dressing for convenience.
Can I add protein to my Greek salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can enhance the salad's protein content. Adding these ingredients makes it a more filling meal option.
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).