Greek Salad(Makes 6 To 8 Servings)
A vibrant Greek salad featuring fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and olives, dressed in olive oil and vinegar—perfect for light, flavorful meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 cucumber, sliced ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, cut in wedges
- 1 green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup red radish halves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed Feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Greek-style olives ⓘ
- 3/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Tear the lettuce into pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add chopped green onions, sliced cucumber, tomato wedges, diced green bell pepper, radish halves, minced parsley, cubed feta cheese, and olives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding some toasted chickpeas or replacing iceberg lettuce with romaine. If you can't find Feta cheese, a crumbly goat cheese can serve as a substitute. To enhance flavor, try using freshly squeezed lemon juice in place of vinegar. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can also elevate the dish, making it a delightful addition to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or served alongside a hearty main like Eggplant With Tomato Sauce. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light pasta dish. For a complete meal, consider adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Greek salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. If you plan to reheat any components, heat them gently in a pan, but enjoy the salad cold for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Salad(Makes 6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 236 calories, with 9g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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 ingredients a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. As a shortcut, use pre-chopped veggies from the store for a quick assembly.
What types of olives work best in Greek salad?
Kalamata olives are the traditional choice for Greek salad, offering a rich flavor. However, you can also use green olives or a mix of both for a different taste. Just ensure they are pitted for easy eating.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Greek salad by adding ingredients like artichoke hearts, bell peppers in different colors, or even some avocado for creaminess. Just keep in mind that additional ingredients may alter the classic flavor profile.
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).