Classic Greek Feta Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this incredibly fresh and satisfying Greek Salad Recipe with Feta. Perfect as a light meal, a flavorful side dish, or an impressive contribution to any gathering, this salad truly shines during the summer months when garden tomatoes are at their peak. For year-round enjoyment, simply opt for sweet and juicy cherry or grape tomatoes to ensure the best taste.

A classic and refreshing Mediterranean salad like this is an essential addition to any culinary repertoire. Its harmonious blend of crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a bright, zesty homemade Greek dressing makes it a consistent crowd-pleaser. Best of all, preparing this delightful dish is surprisingly simple, allowing you to bring authentic Mediterranean goodness to your table with minimal effort.

Why This Greek Salad Recipe Stands Out

There are countless reasons why this particular Greek Salad recipe should become your new favorite. It’s more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a celebration of freshness, simplicity, and incredible flavor that caters to both everyday meals and special occasions.

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed for ease. With straightforward chopping and a simple whisked dressing, you can have a gourmet-tasting salad on your table in under 20 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, healthy option.
• Celebrates Garden Freshness: If you have a summer garden brimming with ripe, juicy tomatoes, this salad is the absolute best way to showcase their natural sweetness and vibrant color. The freshness of homegrown produce truly elevates the entire dish, creating an unparalleled flavor profile.
• Highly Customizable: While the core ingredients are fantastic, this salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add or omit vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. For instance, my husband prefers his without artichoke hearts, proving that personalization is key! Consider adding Kalamata olives for an extra briny punch or thinly sliced red onion for a delicate bite.
• Versatile Pairing: This Greek salad is a perfect companion to a wide array of main courses. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, such as Chicken Feta Kabobs, providing a light and refreshing contrast. It’s also fantastic with roasted lamb, a simple steak, or even as a standalone light lunch. For a truly authentic Greek feast, serve it alongside homemade classic baklava for dessert.
• Nutrient-Rich and Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil, this salad embodies the principles of the Mediterranean diet. It’s a delicious way to boost your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced and healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

Key Ingredients for an Authentic and Delicious Greek Salad

The beauty of a Greek salad lies in the quality and freshness of its simple ingredients. Choosing the best produce and cheese will make all the difference in the final taste and texture of your salad. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Crisp Iceberg Lettuce: While traditional Greek salads often forgo lettuce, this recipe embraces it for added crunch and volume. Look for a dense, firm head of iceberg lettuce, and chop it into bite-sized cubes. Alternatively, romaine lettuce can offer a similar crisp texture.
• Ripe Garden Tomatoes: These are the star of the show! In summer, choose juicy, sun-ripened garden tomatoes, chopping them and removing seeds if desired for a less watery salad. During the off-season, sweet grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half, provide the most flavor and a delightful burst of juiciness.
• Crunchy English Cucumber: English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin, minimal seeds, and slightly sweeter flavor. Cube them for the best texture. If available, mini Persian cucumbers are an excellent alternative, offering a similar crunch and delicate taste.
• Tender Artichoke Hearts: Use a 14-ounce can or jar of artichoke hearts, thoroughly drained and cut in half. Artichokes add a wonderful tanginess and tender bite that complements the other vegetables perfectly.
• Sweet Red Bell Pepper: A vibrant red bell pepper, cut into crisp cubes, adds a touch of sweetness, a beautiful pop of color, and essential crunch to the salad.
• Authentic Feta Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for a block of high-quality feta cheese, preferably from sheep’s or goat’s milk. Crumbling or cubing it yourself allows for a creamier, more authentic taste compared to pre-crumbled varieties, which can sometimes be dry and less flavorful.

For the Zesty Homemade Greek Dressing:

The dressing is the heart of any good salad, and this simple Greek vinaigrette brings all the flavors together beautifully.

• Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation of any Mediterranean dressing. Invest in a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Quality Red Wine Vinegar: A good red wine vinegar provides the essential tang. Avoid inexpensive, harsh varieties; a quality vinegar will have a smoother, more nuanced acidity.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: This is non-negotiable! Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and adds an irreplaceable zing. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of flavor.
• Balancing Act: Salt, Sugar, and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A touch of salt enhances all the flavors, a small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon, and freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of warmth and aroma. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Greek Salad

Creating this flavorful Greek salad is incredibly straightforward. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant and delicious dish ready to impress. While some might argue that French feta makes this a less “authentic” chopped Greek Salad, this recipe prioritizes ease, lightness, and incredible flavor, especially perfect for those warm summer days when your garden is overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes. I could honestly enjoy this Greek salad every single day!

1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
2. Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture. This gradual addition and constant whisking will help the dressing emulsify, creating a smooth, slightly thickened vinaigrette that clings beautifully to the salad ingredients. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Chop the Vegetables and Feta: Prepare all your vegetables as described in the ingredients list: cube the iceberg lettuce, chop the ripe tomatoes, cube the English cucumber, drain and halve the artichoke hearts, cube the red bell pepper, and cube (or crumble) the block of feta cheese.
4. Layer the Base: Place the chopped iceberg lettuce evenly on the bottom of a large serving bowl. This forms a crisp base for the colorful array of vegetables.
5. Arrange the Freshness: Artfully arrange the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, artichoke hearts, red bell pepper, and feta cheese over the bed of lettuce. This layering creates a visually appealing salad.
6. Toss and Serve Immediately: Just before serving, generously drizzle the prepared Greek dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables.

Expert Tips for the Best Greek Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding Greek salad relies heavily on attention to detail and selecting high-quality components. Since the ingredients are relatively minimal, each one plays a crucial role in the overall flavor profile of this chopped Greek salad.

• Prioritize Ingredient Quality: This is perhaps the most important tip. Because this salad features fresh, whole ingredients, their quality directly impacts the taste. Opt for the freshest vegetables and a premium feta cheese.
• Seasonal Tomato Wisdom: PRO-Tip: Winter grocery store tomatoes can often be disappointing and flavorless. For the best results during the off-season, always choose sweet cherry or grape tomatoes. Their concentrated flavor will far surpass any large, pale winter tomato.
• Choose Superior Feta: Avoid the convenience of pre-crumbled feta in plastic containers. These often contain anti-caking agents and lack the rich, briny flavor of traditional feta. Instead, purchase a block of your favorite Greek or French feta (preferably made from sheep’s or goat’s milk) and cube or crumble it yourself just before serving. This allows you to control the texture and ensures a higher quality cheese experience.
• Cucumber Choice Matters: For a less watery and sweeter salad, use an English cucumber. They have smaller seeds, a thinner, less bitter skin, and a delightfully mild flavor. Mini Persian cucumbers are another excellent choice, offering a similar crisp texture and delicate taste.
• Invest in Good Red Wine Vinegar: PRO-Tip: The quality of your red wine vinegar significantly impacts the dressing. Inexpensive grocery store brands can often be harsher and less balanced in flavor. Seek out a good quality red wine vinegar for a smoother, more complex dressing.
• Master the Emulsification: PRO-Tip: To achieve a perfectly smooth and stable Greek salad dressing, whisk all the ingredients together first, EXCEPT for the olive oil. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a thin stream while continuously whisking vigorously. This process helps to emulsify the dressing, meaning it binds the oil and vinegar together into a cohesive, satiny mixture that won’t separate as easily and will coat your salad beautifully.
• The Origin Story: This specific recipe comes from my dear friend, Linda, who is of Lebanese descent. While it might lean slightly towards Middle Eastern influences with its chopped style, it shares many common elements with classic Greek salads, making it a delicious and refreshing choice, even if not strictly the most traditional Greek salad you’ll encounter.
• Serve Immediately: To prevent the lettuce and other vegetables from becoming soggy, always dress and toss the salad just before serving. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine right before mealtime.

Health Benefits of a Mediterranean-Inspired Greek Salad

This Greek salad is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy, aligning perfectly with the principles of the renowned Mediterranean diet. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more wholesome, nutrient-dense foods into your diet:

• Rich in Vegetables: Packed with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and artichoke hearts, this salad provides a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and overall well-being.
• Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is rich in monounsaturated fats. These fats are known to be beneficial for heart health, helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: The vibrant array of vegetables, especially tomatoes and bell peppers, are loaded with antioxidants like lycopene and Vitamin C, which help protect your cells from damage.
• Lean Protein and Calcium: Feta cheese, while flavorful, also provides a good source of protein and calcium, important for bone health and muscle function.
• Low in Processed Ingredients: By making your dressing from scratch, you avoid unhealthy additives, excessive sodium, and refined sugars often found in store-bought dressings, ensuring a truly clean and nourishing meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Salad

Here are some common questions you might have about making and enjoying Greek salad:

• What makes a Greek salad “Greek”?
  A truly authentic Greek salad (known as Horiatiki) typically features tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a large slice of feta cheese, dressed simply with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Our recipe is a “chopped” American-style Greek salad, incorporating lettuce and sometimes other vegetables, but it maintains the core flavors and spirit.
• Is Greek salad healthy?
  Absolutely! Loaded with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from feta, it’s a very nutritious option. It’s a staple of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits.
• Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?
  You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately a day in advance. Store the chopped vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the dressing in a separate jar. Assemble and toss the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
• What pairs well with Greek salad?
  Greek salad is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic with grilled meats (chicken, lamb, steak), fish, kebabs, gyros, or even alongside pasta dishes. It also makes a wonderful light lunch on its own or topped with grilled shrimp or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Can I add protein to make it a main course?
  Yes! To transform this side dish into a hearty main, consider adding grilled chicken breast, seared salmon, shrimp, or even a handful of cooked chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian option.

You May Also Love These Salad Recipes:

If you enjoyed this fresh and flavorful Greek salad, you’re sure to love these other vibrant and healthy salad recipes:

• Watermelon Feta Salad
• Mediterranean Chopped Salad
• Guacamole Salad
• Greek Farro Salad
• Corn Tomato and Basil Salad
• Explore more of the Best Salad Recipes

The Recipe:

Classic Greek Salad with Feta Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes

Total Time
20 minutes

Yield
4 servings

A healthy, refreshing, and incredibly tasty Greek salad packed with crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a bright homemade vinaigrette!

Ingredients

• ½ head of iceberg lettuce, chopped into cubes (or a full head if desired for a larger salad)
• 1-2 ripe garden tomatoes, chopped (remove seeds if preferred); or 1 pint cherry/grape tomatoes, halved, if off-season
• ½ English cucumber, cubed
• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and each cut in half
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes
• ½ cup high-quality Feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• Optional Additions: ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

For the Zesty Greek Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons good quality red wine vinegar
• 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt, sugar, and black pepper until completely combined.
2. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. Set aside.
3. Layer the chopped iceberg lettuce on the bottom of your chosen serving bowl.
4. Arrange the prepared vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, artichoke hearts, red bell pepper) and feta cheese evenly over the lettuce. If using, add the sliced red onion and Kalamata olives now.
5. Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness.

Notes

Slowly adding the olive oil to the other dressing ingredients while whisking continuously allows the dressing to emulsify. This process helps mixtures that typically don’t combine smoothly to become thick, homogeneous, and satiny, ensuring your dressing clings beautifully to the salad.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 248Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 571mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 8gSugar: 7gProtein: 5g

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