Greek Salad with Feta & Olives Recipe
If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious, this Greek Salad with Feta & Olives is going to become your new go-to. Bursting with colorful cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onions, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, every bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy, salty, and bright flavors. It’s light enough for a healthy lunch yet elegant enough to impress at any dinner table, making it a timeless Mediterranean favorite you’ll love serving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Salad with Feta & Olives recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out each other’s best qualities. Every component is essential, from crunchy cucumber that adds refreshing texture to the olives which give a delightful salty punch.
- Cucumber: Choose a firm, fresh cucumber for that satisfying crunch and mild flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes to provide sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness that enhances the salad’s depth.
- Olives: Kalamata olives are classic, offering tangy, briny notes that anchor the dish.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled, providing creaminess and a salty bite that every Greek Salad with Feta & Olives needs.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to drizzle and bring everything together luxuriously.
- Dried oregano: Sprinkled in for that unmistakable Mediterranean herb aroma.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten and balance the flavors with a zesty kick.
How to Make Greek Salad with Feta & Olives
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by washing and drying your cucumber and cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Then, chop the cucumber into bite-sized chunks—it’s best to keep the skin on for extra color and texture. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juicy sweetness, and thinly slice the red onion so its flavor blends smoothly without overpowering.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and dried oregano. This simple dressing highlights the natural flavors of the veggies while adding a fragrant, tangy finish to the salad.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Place the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives in a large salad bowl. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the ingredients. This step is where the vibrant ingredients start to meld into one irresistible salad.
Step 4: Add the Feta
Finally, crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy, salty feta is the crowning glory of this Greek Salad with Feta & Olives and adds a luxurious texture contrast to every bite.
How to Serve Greek Salad with Feta & Olives
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, sprinkle a few fresh mint or parsley leaves on top. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also elevate the dish beautifully. These small garnishes add freshness and make the salad look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. It also complements warm pita bread or crusty baguette slices when served as a light lunch or appetizer. The Greek Salad with Feta & Olives brings balance to any plate with its refreshing, zesty character.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering the salad in individual glass jars for a charming picnic or a portable lunch option. You can also serve the salad on a large platter, arranging the vegetables in colorful sections before topping with feta and olives for a dramatic, eye-catching effect that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Greek Salad with Feta & Olives is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the salad crisp, it’s a good idea to store the dressing separately and toss before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh vegetables and feta cheese tend to lose their texture and creamy quality once thawed. For the best experience, prepare fresh servings as needed.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply toss the salad again to redistribute any dressing and enjoy it as fresh as the first serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is traditional and adds a signature tangy brininess, you can substitute with cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata for a creamy texture, but it will alter the classic flavor profile of Greek Salad with Feta & Olives.
What kind of olives work best for this salad?
Kalamata olives are the classic choice because of their rich, fruity taste and deep color. However, you can experiment with other black or green olives if you prefer a milder or different flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
The salad is nearly vegan aside from the feta cheese. For a vegan version, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative that mimics its salty tang.
How long does it take to make this salad?
This Greek Salad with Feta & Olives takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect quick and healthy option for any meal.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Adding sliced bell peppers or radishes can add extra crunch and color, but keep the core ingredients intact to preserve the authentic taste of this classic salad.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a well-made Greek Salad with Feta & Olives that brightens up any table and mood alike. Its harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, bold feta, and tangy olives creates a refreshing dish that feels both luxurious and nourishing. I hope you give this delightful salad a try soon and enjoy it as much as I do—it’s a simple pleasure that never goes out of style!
