Greek Salad with Lemon-Oregano Dressing

Looking for a light, refreshing, and flavorful dinner idea? The Classic Greek Salad Recipe is the perfect choice! Packed with fresh vegetables and topped with a tangy lemon-oregano dressing, it’s an ideal option for a healthy meal or side dish. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, stuffing it into pita bread, or enjoying it on its own, this Classic Greek Salad is a versatile favorite that will surely impress your family and friends.

This Greek Salad recipe is a great way to incorporate Mediterranean ingredients into your diet. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and salty Kalamata olives brings out the best of the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits.

Ingredients for Classic Greek Salad

To make the perfect Classic Greek Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cucumbers, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or in blocks
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make the Perfect Classic Greek Salad

The process of making a Classic Greek Salad is straightforward and doesn’t require much time at all. Here’s how you can do it:

1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. These ingredients form the base of your salad, each adding a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. The key to a good dressing is balance. The acidity from the lemon pairs beautifully with the earthy oregano, and the olive oil adds richness.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Make sure all the vegetables and cheese are nicely dressed, as this helps to marry the flavors together.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and extra freshness to the dish. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Greek Salad Recipe

There are several reasons why this Classic Greek Salad Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes:

• Quick and Simple: The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. You can make it in under 10 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Delicious: This salad is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients. It’s low in calories, but high in vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
• Customizable: While the classic version is perfect as-is, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. If you prefer a vegan option, simply swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing option for a party, this Classic Greek Salad fits any meal. It’s especially great for warm weather meals, as it’s light yet satisfying.

Health Benefits of the Classic Greek Salad Recipe

The Classic Greek Salad isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly nutritious too. Let’s break down some of the key health benefits of this recipe:

• Rich in Vitamins: The fresh vegetables in this salad, particularly the cucumbers and tomatoes, are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Vitamin C is essential for boosting immunity, while potassium helps maintain proper heart and muscle function.
• Good for the Heart: Olive oil, one of the core ingredients of Greek cuisine, is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Olive oil has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.
• High in Antioxidants: Both the oregano and the Kalamata olives used in this salad are high in antioxidants, which help protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being.
• Supports Bone Health: Feta cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein, which are both vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. The calcium in feta works together with vitamin D (which you can get from exposure to sunlight or supplements) to improve bone density.
• Aids Digestion: The high fiber content of cucumbers and tomatoes supports a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, reduces the risk of digestive disorders, and can even aid in weight management by promoting satiety.

Tips for Serving the Classic Greek Salad

Here are some tips for making sure your Classic Greek Salad turns out perfectly every time:

1. Add Protein: To turn this salad into a full meal, consider adding a protein source. Grilled chicken, lamb, shrimp, or even chickpeas can enhance the salad’s nutritional value and make it more filling.
2. Make the Dressing in Advance: The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together, giving the dressing a deeper, more robust taste.
3. Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have feta cheese or prefer a different type, you can use other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata. However, feta’s briny, tangy flavor is what makes the Greek Salad so distinct.
4. Add Extra Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs can take your salad to the next level. You can add fresh basil, mint, or dill to the mix for an extra burst of flavor. These herbs complement the Mediterranean flavors in the salad and add more layers of freshness.

How to Serve the Classic Greek Salad

This Classic Greek Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• As a Main Dish: If you’re looking for a light, healthy meal, this salad is filling enough to be a standalone dish. Add protein like grilled chicken, seafood, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with your favorite Mediterranean dishes, such as grilled meats, pita bread, or falafel. It also pairs well with hummus and tzatziki for a delicious Mediterranean feast.
• Perfect for Picnics: Greek salad is the perfect dish for outdoor dining. It’s easy to prepare, travel-friendly, and can be served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of your Classic Greek Salad, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers and tomatoes may lose their crispness after being stored. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to preserve the freshness of the vegetables.

Greek Salad Variations

While the Classic Greek Salad is delicious on its own, you can try several variations to keep the dish fresh and exciting:

• Add Avocado: For a creamy twist, add sliced avocado to the salad. Avocados are full of healthy fats and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any salad.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: If you prefer a warm version of Greek Salad, consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. This variation adds extra depth of flavor and makes the salad feel more substantial.
• Greek Salad with Quinoa: For a grain-based option, add cooked quinoa to your Greek Salad. This will increase the protein content and make it even more filling. It’s a great option if you want to turn the salad into a hearty, one-bowl meal.

Greek Salad as a Pre-Meal Starter

This salad also works wonderfully as a pre-meal starter. Serving a light appetizer like this before a heavier Mediterranean meal, such as grilled lamb or chicken, will stimulate the appetite without overwhelming the senses.

Conclusion

The Classic Greek Salad Recipe is not only fresh and delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare. It combines a variety of vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients in one simple dish. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this Greek Salad will bring the sunny Mediterranean flavors right to your table.

Give it a try, and enjoy the fresh, tangy, and satisfying taste of this timeless dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just enjoying a simple meal at home, this Classic Greek Salad Recipe will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

Try this recipe, it’s a special recipe.

To add more flavour to your table, try our other Greek-inspired recipes like Greek Grilled Chicken or Tzatziki Sauce. Find out more here.