Looking for a salad that’s quick to make, satisfying, and refreshingly crisp? The Simple Greek Salad is a time-honored classic that never fails. With juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta tossed in a vibrant dressing, this dish captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet. It’s no wonder that searches for “authentic Greek salad,” “Mediterranean keto salads,” and “no-lettuce salad ideas” consistently rank high across the US, Canada, and the UK. With just 10 ingredients and 15 minutes, you’ll have a salad that’s perfect as a side or a light main.
Ingredients List
This salad comes together with simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s the full list with easy swaps:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cucumber (English) | 1 large | Sliced into rounds or half-moons | Regular cucumber (peeled & seeded) |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1½ cups | Halved | Roma or heirloom tomatoes, chopped |
| Red onion | ½ medium | Thinly sliced | Shallot for a milder taste |
| Kalamata olives | ½ cup | Pitted | Black olives or green olives |
| Feta cheese | ½ cup | Crumbled or block-style | Vegan feta or cubed mozzarella |
| Green bell pepper | 1 small | Thinly sliced | Red or yellow bell pepper |
| Olive oil (extra virgin) | 3 tbsp | Rich, flavorful base of the dressing | Avocado oil |
| Red wine vinegar | 1 tbsp | Adds tang and brightness | Lemon juice or white wine vinegar |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Earthy herbal flavor | Italian seasoning |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Brings everything together | Herb salt or lemon pepper |
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time (optional): 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
This salad is one of the fastest to assemble—no cooking, no fuss, and no compromise on flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Vegetables
Wash and dry all vegetables. Slice cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper. Halve the olives if desired.
2. Combine in a Bowl
Add all chopped veggies to a large mixing bowl along with olives and feta cheese.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir well to emulsify.
4. Toss and Let Rest
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately as a side dish or add protein to turn it into a full meal.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
This salad is naturally low-carb, high in healthy fats from olive oil, and packed with antioxidants from fresh vegetables.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan feta made from almonds or tofu.
- Low-Sodium: Rinse olives and feta or use reduced-sodium versions.
- Add Grains: Turn it into a grain salad by adding cooked farro, bulgur, or quinoa.
- Boost Protein: Add grilled tofu, chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- With Pita and Hummus: Round out a Mediterranean spread.
- As a BBQ Side: Great alongside grilled skewers or plant-based burgers.
- Over Greens: Serve atop a bed of romaine, arugula, or kale.
- Topped with Tuna or Beans: For a more filling, protein-rich lunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing the Salad: Start with half the dressing and add more to taste.
- Using Poor Quality Oil or Vinegar: The flavor hinges on these ingredients—use the best you can afford.
- Not Letting It Sit: A few minutes of marination enhances the flavor greatly.
- Soggy Storage: Keep veggies and dressing separate until serving for leftovers.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store Undressed Salad: Keep chopped veggies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate Dressing Separately: Keeps for up to 1 week. Shake before use.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make individual jars or containers with veggies layered and dressing on the side.
Conclusion
This Simple Greek Salad delivers on every level—crunch, creaminess, acidity, and fresh herbal notes. It’s versatile, foolproof, and endlessly adaptable, making it one of the most valuable salad recipes to master. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping lunch, or just craving a veggie boost, this Mediterranean staple never goes out of style. Try it, love it, and subscribe for more globally-inspired easy eats.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, but store the dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Q: Is Greek salad supposed to have lettuce?
Traditional Greek salads do not contain lettuce—just tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onions, and feta.
Q: Can I use bottled dressing?
You can, but a fresh homemade version elevates the flavor dramatically.
Q: What makes this salad “Greek”?
The classic combination of feta, olives, oregano, and olive oil is rooted in Greek culinary tradition.
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