This authentic Greek salad recipe brings together crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and bold Mediterranean flavors in just 15 minutes.
After making this traditional horiatiki countless times for my family gatherings, I’ve perfected the balance of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing.
The combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny Kalamata olives creates the perfect summer side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or stands alone as a light meal.
Essential Greek Salad Ingredients
The beauty of a traditional Greek salad lies in its simplicity. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Fresh vegetables: English cucumber, green bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese: Authentic Greek feta in brine works best
- Kalamata olives: These dark, meaty olives add authentic Mediterranean flavor
- Red onion: Provides sharp, crisp bite when thinly sliced
- Fresh mint: Elevates the salad with aromatic freshness
Making the Perfect Greek Dressing
A classic Greek salad dressing requires just five pantry staples. Here’s what makes it special:
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use high-quality oil as the base
- Red wine vinegar: Adds the necessary tangy acidity
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic provides aromatic depth
- Dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb
- Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds subtle heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this Mediterranean masterpiece is surprisingly easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the vegetables: Seed and slice the cucumber into half-moons, chop the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and halve the cherry tomatoes
- Cut the cheese: Cube the feta into 1/2-inch pieces instead of crumbling for better texture
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl
- Assemble the salad: Arrange all ingredients on a large platter
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and garnish with fresh mint leaves
Pro Tips for the Best Results
After years of making this recipe for potlucks and family dinners, these tricks ensure perfection every time:
- Choose the right tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes release less water than large tomatoes, keeping your salad crisp
- Seed your cucumber: This prevents the salad from becoming watery
- Cut ingredients uniformly: Similar-sized pieces ensure every bite has the perfect mix
- Don’t overdress: Start with less dressing and add more as needed
- Let it rest: Allow 10 minutes for flavors to meld before serving
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This robust salad holds up beautifully for gatherings. Here’s how to prep it properly:
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare up to 4 hours in advance
- Save the mint: Add fresh mint leaves right before serving to prevent wilting
- Store properly: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
- Refresh before serving: Add a splash of olive oil if needed
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This versatile Mediterranean salad complements many dishes perfectly:
- Perfect pairings: Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or seafood
- Vegetarian main: Add chickpeas or white beans for protein
- Color variations: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers
- Herb alternatives: Try fresh oregano or parsley instead of mint
- Vegan option: Skip the feta and add capers with extra olives
Nutritional Benefits
This healthy salad packs impressive nutritional value in every serving:
- Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil and olives provide beneficial monounsaturated fats
- Antioxidant-rich vegetables: Tomatoes and peppers offer vitamins A and C
- Calcium source: Feta cheese contributes essential minerals
- Low-carb friendly: Perfect for Mediterranean diet followers
- Hydrating ingredients: Cucumbers and tomatoes boost daily water intake
Why This Recipe Works
Having served this at countless summer barbecues, I’ve learned what makes a Greek salad truly exceptional. The key lies in using peak-season vegetables and not overwhelming them with too many ingredients.
My grandmother always said that good Greek food lets each ingredient shine, and this salad proves that philosophy perfectly.
The combination of creamy feta, briny olives, and crisp vegetables creates textural contrast in every bite. The simple dressing enhances rather than masks the natural flavors, while fresh mint adds an unexpected aromatic finish that guests always ask about.
This authentic Greek salad recipe has become my go-to summer side dish because it’s both foolproof for beginners and satisfying for experienced cooks.
Whether you’re hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner party or need a quick healthy lunch, this colorful salad delivers fresh flavors that transport you straight to the Greek islands.
Fresh Greek Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and several grinds of black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut the English cucumber lengthwise, remove seeds, and slice into 1/4-inch thick half-moons. Chop the green bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Prepare cheese and aromatics: Cut the feta cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Thinly slice the red onion. Set aside the pitted Kalamata olives and fresh mint leaves.
- Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter, arrange the cucumber slices, green pepper pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, feta cubes, red onion slices, and Kalamata olives in an attractive pattern.
- Dress and finish: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Very gently toss to coat all ingredients. Sprinkle with additional oregano and top with fresh mint leaves.
- Rest and serve: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.