How to Make Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

If you’re searching for a refreshing, colorful, and incredibly flavorful dish, look no further than Greek Salad with Feta and Olives. This classic salad blends the perfect balance of crisp vegetables, salty olives, tangy feta cheese, and a bright lemon-oregano dressing. Whether you’re after a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something healthy to brighten your day, this Greek Salad with Feta and Olives recipe is your new go-to for fresh Mediterranean vibes anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and vibrant flavors: The combination of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and sharp feta creates a taste that bursts with freshness in every bite.
• Simple to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, this salad comes together quickly without any fuss or complicated steps.
• Versatile and customizable: You can easily tweak it with different herbs or add proteins to suit your mood or dietary needs.
• Healthy and wholesome: Packed with vegetables, healthy fats from olives and olive oil, and protein-rich feta, it’s a nourishing choice.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual meal or part of a festive spread, this Greek Salad with Feta and Olives always impresses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Salad with Feta and Olives lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each item contributes essential freshness, texture, and depth, making the salad not just healthy but truly satisfying.

• Ripe tomatoes: Choose juicy, ripe tomatoes for sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cucumber: Adds a delightful crisp crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy feta.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that lifts the whole salad.
• Kalamata olives: These add a salty, briny note that is iconic to Greek salads.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta lends a tangy, creamy richness essential to authentic flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use good quality olive oil to dress and enhance all ingredients.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens and balances the salad with a citrusy zing.
• Dried oregano: Infuses the dressing with classic Mediterranean aroma.
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper: Bring all the flavors together perfectly.

Variations for Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

One of the best things about Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is how easily it adapts to your taste or pantry staples. Feel free to experiment with these ideas and make the salad your own.

• Add bell peppers: For a pop of color and sweetness, toss in red or yellow bell peppers sliced thinly.
• Use fresh herbs: Substitute or add chopped fresh parsley, mint, or dill for extra herbal notes.
• Include chickpeas: For extra protein and texture, mix in cooked or canned chickpeas.
• Swap feta for goat cheese: For a creamier, tangier twist, use crumbled goat cheese instead of feta.
• Make it vegan: Replace feta with marinated tofu or vegan cheese and skip the anchovies if used in any dressings.

How to Make Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and slice the cucumber into thick half-moons or cubes, depending on your preference. Peel and thinly slice the red onion for just the right sharpness without overpowering the salad.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onions. Gently toss to mix the vegetables evenly and create a colorful base for your Greek Salad with Feta and Olives.

Step 3: Add Olives and Feta

Scatter Kalamata olives across the salad for salty bursts of flavor. Crumble generous amounts of feta cheese over the top—this creamy, tangy element is the heart of the salad, tying all the fresh ingredients together.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, sea salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined. This simple dressing enhances every bite with a zesty and aromatic finish.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing lightly over the salad. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated without breaking down the delicate ingredients. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice to your liking for the perfect balance.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

• Choose ripe, in-season produce: The freshest vegetables make all the difference in flavor and texture.
• Use quality feta: Authentic Greek feta is creamier and less salty than many imports, so opt for a trusted brand.
• Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let flavors mingle naturally.
• Keep ingredients chilled: A cold salad is always more refreshing, so chill vegetables before assembling.
• Don’t overdress: Start with less dressing and add gradually to avoid sogginess and overpowering flavors.

How to Serve Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Garnishes

Brighten your Greek Salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or oregano leaves. A few lemon wedges on the side not only look lovely but allow guests to add extra brightness as they please.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fresh pita bread, or seafood like shrimp and calamari. It also complements hearty Mediterranean mains such as moussaka or grilled lamb beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual bowls topped with extra whole olives and feta chunks for a rustic look, or layer it in mason jars for picnics and meals on the go. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate its appearance for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Greek Salad with Feta and Olives in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the crispness of vegetables and prevent sogginess. Consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the fresh vegetables and feta do not freeze well and will lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it will diminish the freshness and texture that make Greek Salad with Feta and Olives so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While traditional Greek Salad with Feta and Olives calls for feta, you can use goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different but delicious flavor profile.

Is Greek Salad with Feta and Olives vegan?

The classic version contains feta cheese, which is not vegan, but you can easily make a vegan version by substituting feta with vegan cheese or marinated tofu.

What is the best olive to use?

Kalamata olives are the traditional choice due to their rich, briny flavor, but black or green olives can work if Kalamatas are unavailable.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas boosts protein content, turning this salad into a more substantial meal.

How long does this salad keep fresh?

For optimal flavor and texture, eat within 1-2 days when stored properly in the fridge. The vegetables can start losing their crunch if stored longer.

Final Thoughts

Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is hands down one of the most satisfying and easiest recipes to whip up when you want something fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Its beautiful colors, crisp textures, and lively dressing bring the taste of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again for quick meals and festive gatherings alike!

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