Greek Salad
Crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers tossed with tangy Kalamata olives and feta cheese. This refreshing, lighter American-style Greek salad is dressed in a simple, zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
TIPMaking the dressing first allows the flavors to meld together while you prepare the salad ingredients. - 2
Step 2
TIPFor a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad. - 3
Step 3
- 4
Step 4
TIPAvoid dressing the salad until you are ready to serve to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a block of feta cheese packed in brine and crumble it yourself.
- 2Don't dress the salad until just before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
- 3You can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and shake well before using.
- 4Rinse the sliced red onion under cold water for a minute to mellow out its sharp bite.
- 5For a more authentic Greek (Horiatiki) salad, omit the lettuce and use larger chunks of tomato and cucumber.
- 6To reduce sodium further, you can rinse the Kalamata olives before adding them to the salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or some grilled chicken breast strips to make it a more substantial meal.
veganVegan
Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use milder black olives instead of Kalamata and serve the dressing on the side for dipping.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought, low-sodium Greek vinaigrette to save time on making the dressing from scratch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive oil are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and polyphenols, which help protect your cells from damage.
High in Fiber
The abundance of fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce and cucumber provides dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help you feel full.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health.
Hydrating
Cucumbers and tomatoes have high water content, which can contribute to your daily hydration needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of Greek Salad is very healthy. It's packed with fresh vegetables, providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The dressing uses heart-healthy olive oil, and the amounts of feta and olives are moderated to keep sodium and saturated fat low.