Greek salad with feta recipe is one of my go-to summer dishes. It’s quick, fresh, and full of bold Mediterranean flavor. With just a few real ingredients and a simple vinaigrette, it comes together in minutes.
What I love most is how it celebrates the vegetables crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, red onion, briny olives, and thick cubes of creamy feta. No greens, no extras just bold, refreshing bites perfect for any meal.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Greek Salad with Feta Recipe Special
Simple, Real Ingredients
This Greek salad with feta recipe keeps things traditional no lettuce, just crisp veggies, olives, and feta. Everything is chopped for the perfect bite.
A Family Favorite
I made it once for a small get-together, and it’s been on repeat ever since. The balance of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and salty feta is unbeatable.
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Greek Salad with Feta Recipe – A Fresh & Easy Mediterranean Delight
- Total Time: 15minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy Greek salad recipe is a flavorful, refreshing summer side dish! If you make it ahead for a gathering, save a few mint leaves to add right before serving.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano, more for sprinkling
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
- 1 English cucumber, cut lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 5 ounces feta cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes*
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
- On a large platter, arrange the cucumber, green pepper, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, and olives. Drizzle with the dressing and very gently toss. Sprinkle with a few generous pinches of oregano and top with the mint leaves. Season to taste and serve.
Notes
*Feta in brine is best for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
Essential Ingredients in a Classic Greek Salad
Fresh Veggies Are the Foundation
A classic Greek salad with feta recipe starts with a medley of fresh, crunchy vegetables in their purest form. No leafy greens here just the bold textures of cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion. This base delivers clean crunch and vibrant color.
English cucumbers are best they’re seedless and refreshing. Cherry tomatoes hold their shape and sweetness. Green bell peppers add bite, and red onions bring a sharp contrast.
| Ingredient | Prep Method | Flavor Role |
|---|---|---|
| English cucumber | Seeded and sliced | Clean crunch |
| Cherry tomatoes | Halved | Juicy, slightly sweet |
| Green bell pepper | Diced into chunks | Crisp, slightly grassy |
| Red onion | Thinly sliced | Sharp, aromatic contrast |
Feta, Olives & Finishing Touches
Feta makes this salad stand out. Use block feta in brine for better texture and slice it into cubes for a traditional look.
Kalamata olives add rich, salty flavor. Whole or sliced, they round out the dish perfectly.
Top it off with fresh mint or a sprinkle of oregano. These small touches bring out the best in a classic greek salad with feta recipe no extras needed.
Looking for a side idea? Try our garlic parmesan chicken bites recipe to complete your meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Greek Salad
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Slice cucumber into half-moons. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice bell pepper, and thinly slice red onion. Uniform cuts make the salad easier to toss and eat.
Step 2: Cube the Feta
Choose feta in brine. Cut into cubes instead of crumbling it adds structure and keeps the flavor intact in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Olives
Toss in Kalamata olives for a briny contrast. Whole or sliced, they bring out the richness of the feta and balance the veggies.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
This light vinaigrette lifts the flavors in your greek salad with feta recipe without overpowering them.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Arrange the ingredients on a large serving platter, spoon the dressing over the top, and give everything a light, careful toss to combine. Garnish with mint and extra oregano right before serving.
This greek salad with feta recipe is quick, refreshing, and perfect for any summer meal.
Looking for inspiration? Try more comforting ideas in our lunch & dinner category
Greek Salad Dressing – The Secret Sauce
Every great greek salad with feta recipe needs a bold, simple dressing. This one’s made with pantry basics but packs Mediterranean flavor in every drop.
Ingredients You Need
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 minced garlic clove
- ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Whisk until smooth. The vinegar gives it zing, while oregano and garlic create a traditional Greek vibe.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Use quality olive oil
- Let it sit 5–10 minutes before serving
- Make extra it stores well for a few days
This classic vinaigrette lifts the salad without overpowering the veggies or feta.
Flavor Pairings – What Goes Well with Feta Cheese in Salad
Fresh Herbs That Pop
Feta cheese has a rich, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with herbs. Mint adds brightness, oregano brings a Greek touch, and parsley gives a fresh finish.
Sprinkle fresh herbs at the last moment to maximize their vibrant color and aromatic punch.
Easy Add-Ins to Make It a Meal
| Add-In | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | Creamy and filling |
| Capers | Salty, tangy contrast |
| Roasted Peppers | Sweetness that balances feta |
| Artichokes | Soft, earthy, Mediterranean flavor |
Each ingredient enhances your Mediterranean salad without overpowering it.
This greek salad with feta recipe is flexible great as a side, or bulked up for a light lunch.
Serving Suggestions for Your Greek Salad
A Dish That Fits Any Table
This greek salad with feta recipe dish works well as a lunch, light dinner, or party side. Since it doesn’t use greens, it holds up beautifully even after sitting out for a while—making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
Its crisp texture and bold flavor pair effortlessly with both hot and cold dishes.
Best Pairings for a Balanced Plate
| What to Serve With | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|
| Grilled chicken or shrimp | Adds clean protein and depth |
| Pita bread or sourdough slices | Perfect for scooping and texture |
| Roasted vegetables | Warm, hearty balance |
| Lemon-herb pasta | Light and complementary flavors |
This greek salad with feta recipe adds brightness to any plate and works just as well on a summer picnic table as it does beside your favorite grilled main.
Looking for inspiration? Try our avocado mayo recipe as a creamy addition to your meal.
Customization Tips for Dietary Needs
Vegan-Friendly Adjustments
To make a Greek salad with feta recipe vegan, skip the cheese. Add chickpeas, cubed avocado, or marinated tofu to maintain texture and protein. Capers or olives provide a salty, briny kick.
Dairy-Free Options
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based feta alternative or sprinkle in nutritional yeast for a similar savory note. Many non-dairy cheese options now mimic the crumbly texture and tang of traditional feta.
Lower-Carb Swaps
This greek salad with feta recipe is already low in carbs, but for stricter low-carb or keto needs, reduce tomatoes and skip chickpeas. Focus on cucumber, bell pepper, and olives to keep it crisp and satisfying.
Whether you’re eating plant-based, dairy-free, or cutting carbs, this Mediterranean salad adapts with just a few simple changes.
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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Can You Make It in Advance?
Yes this greek salad with feta recipe is ideal for meal prep. Since it’s made without greens, it holds up well for hours (or even overnight) without getting soggy. Just store the veggies and cheese separately from the dressing if you want maximum freshness at serving time.
How Long Does It Last?
After mixing, store any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days for the best freshness. The flavors even improve slightly as they marinate but the texture of the tomatoes and cucumber may soften after day two.
Tips to Keep It Fresh
- Use cherry tomatoes they release less water than larger varieties
- Seed your cucumbers to avoid extra moisture
- Store in airtight containers to preserve texture
- Add fresh herbs just before serving
Even if you’re not serving your greek salad with feta recipe right away, a few prep tips will keep it crisp and delicious longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Right Feta
Always choose feta in brine. Pre-crumbled cheese dries out and lacks flavor.
Overdressing
Too much dressing makes the salad soggy. Start light, toss, and add more if needed.
Ignoring Herbs
A pinch of oregano or fresh mint adds that classic Greek finish. Don’t skip it.
Forgetting to Seed Cucumbers
Unseeded cucumbers release extra water, softening the veggies too quickly.
Uneven Chopping
Cut everything into similar sizes. It makes each bite more balanced.
Avoid these small missteps to get the most out of your greek salad with feta recipe every time.
Discover great ideas like creamy coconut shrimp recipe for more Mediterranean meals.
Conclusion
Simple, colorful, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this greek salad with feta recipe is more than just a side dish it’s a go-to for any occasion. With crisp veggies, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing, every bite is a perfect balance of freshness and bold taste.
Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, prepping it for lunch, or customizing it for dietary needs, this salad is endlessly flexible. It’s proof that with the right ingredients, the simplest recipes are often the most memorable.
Looking for inspiration? Try our lemon mascarpone cake recipe as a refreshing finish to your Mediterranean meal.
FAQs About Greek Salad with Feta Recipe
How to make a Greek salad with feta cheese?
Start by chopping cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, and red onion. Add Kalamata olives and cubed feta cheese. Toss everything gently with a simple dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and oregano. Garnish with fresh mint or dried herbs before serving.
What is in a traditional Greek salad?
A traditional Greek salad with feta recipe—or Horiatiki—includes cucumber, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta. It’s dressed with olive oil and oregano, with no lettuce involved. It’s known for bold flavor and fresh ingredients.
What goes well with feta cheese in a salad?
Feta pairs well with olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chickpeas, capers, and fresh herbs like mint or oregano. These ingredients balance feta’s saltiness with sweetness, acidity, and crunch.
What are the ingredients in feta salad?
A classic feta salad includes cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, and feta cheese. Some variations add chickpeas, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. The base is often dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
This greek salad with feta recipe combines all of these elements into a fresh, flavorful dish you can enjoy any time of year.