How to Make Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Discover a fresh and easy Greek Salad with Feta and Olives recipe, perfect for a light, flavorful Mediterranean-style meal in minutes. This vibrant salad blends crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and briny olives with a lively dressing, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance. Whether as a side or a main, this salad never fails to impress with its simplicity and bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Loaded with fresh vegetables that bring vibrant colors and crisp textures.
• Versatile Mediterranean Flavor: Offers a delicious taste of Greece that complements many meals.
• Healthy and Light: Packed with veggies and healthy fats, making it a guilt-free choice.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Works wonderfully as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making a Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is simple thanks to the few, fresh, and essential ingredients that create an authentic and delightful flavor profile. Each component plays a key role in providing freshness, creaminess, crunch, or saltiness.

• Ripe Tomatoes: Use juicy, firm tomatoes to provide sweetness and vibrant color.
• Crisp Cucumbers: Peel if desired and slice thick to add refreshing crunch.
• Kalamata Olives: These briny olives bring a bold, salty bite to the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creamy, tangy richness that balances the veggies.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, sharp bite and beautiful purple hues.
• Fresh Parsley or Oregano: Adds an herbal freshness that completes the flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the dressing, giving richness and tying all flavors together.
• Fresh Lemon Juice or Red Wine Vinegar: Provides brightness and acidity.
• Dried Oregano: Sprinkled on top for authentic Greek flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing and balancing the recipe.

Variations for Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

This Greek Salad with Feta and Olives recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your preferences or dietary needs while keeping the core Mediterranean spirit.

• Add Bell Peppers: Slice red or green bell peppers for added crunch and sweetness.
• Use Vegan Feta: Substitute regular feta with plant-based feta for a dairy-free option.
• Include Fresh Mint: Add a few torn mint leaves for a refreshing herbal twist.
• Swap Olives: Try green olives instead of kalamatas for a milder flavor.
• Add Capers: A small spoonful adds another layer of briny goodness.

How to Make Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and dicing the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Peel and slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons depending on your preference. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop fresh parsley or oregano.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently toss together the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs to distribute everything evenly.

Step 3: Add the Feta Cheese

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable mix. Its creamy texture will contrast beautifully with the crisp veggies and salty olives.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking up the feta too much. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

• Use Fresh, Ripe Vegetables: The fresher your produce, the brighter the salad will taste.
• Don’t Over-Dress: Add the dressing gradually to avoid soggy veggies and overpowering the flavors.
• Let it Rest: If time allows, let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
• Choose Quality Feta: Opt for authentic Greek feta for the best texture and flavor.
• Slice Onions Thinly: Prevent a harsh bite by soaking sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes if preferred.

How to Serve Greek Salad with Feta and Olives

Garnishes

Top your salad with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or oregano, and a few whole olives or feta cubes for an inviting presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, pita bread with hummus, or a simple bowl of tzatziki for a full Mediterranean spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Greek Salad with Feta and Olives in individual bowls garnished with lemon wedges or layer it in mason jars for easy, portable lunch options bursting with flavor and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness, as the cucumbers and tomatoes can release juice over time.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended as the texture of fresh vegetables and feta will degrade significantly after thawing.

Reheating

Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised to preserve the crispness and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

While feta’s tangy and crumbly texture is key to this salad, you can substitute with queso fresco or halloumi for variation, but the classic flavor will change.

Is Greek Salad with Feta and Olives suitable for vegans?

Traditional recipes include feta cheese, which is dairy-based, but you can use vegan feta alternatives to make it completely plant-based.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

It’s best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; after that, ingredients like cucumbers and tomatoes start to soften.

Can I add protein to make this a full meal?

Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tuna can turn this delightful salad into a satisfying main dish.

What dressing ingredients work best?

Extra virgin olive oil balanced with fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar and seasoned with dried oregano, salt, and pepper creates an authentic Greek dressing.

Final Thoughts

Greek Salad with Feta and Olives is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug on a plate. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavors that brighten any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a side, or a starter, this salad is always a winner. Give it a try and bring a little sunshine to your table!

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