Greek Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

Fresh Greek Salad is a must-try and one of the healthiest salad recipes! It comes together fast and is loaded with cucumber, tomato, and avocado, with tangy bites of olives and feta cheese. You will fall in love with the homemade Greek salad dressing.

I could eat this salad as a stand-alone meal paired with some fluffy and crisp Focaccia Bread. Sometimes we add gyro meat or grilled chicken if serving it as a dinner salad.

Greek Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

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One of my readers, Ella Z. shared this recipe with us years ago and I’m so glad she did. Here is her story of how this Greek Salad was born is: “The person that taught us this recipe was here on a visit from Israel, we kept cooking different kinds of dishes and he said “please stop cooking for me and take me to the market” lol He bought all these ingredients and made this salad and we have never been the same since!”

Greek Salad Video Tutorial

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Greek Salad Ingredients

Greek Salad is basically a Mediterranean salad. It’s naturally gluten-free (although I’ve been known to sprinkle in some crunchy croutons) and typically combines fresh ingredients like crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, red onion, kalamata olives (or black olives), and feta cheese.

The simple lemon, olive oil, and garlic dressing make every bite memorable. This salad is a staple not only in Greece but throughout the Mediterranean region.

Greek Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2)

Pro Tip: Buy kalamata olives that are already pitted for easier salad prep. Sometimes you can even buy them pre-sliced.

Greek Salad Dressing

The Greek salad dressing is so easy and flavorful – you will want it on all of your salads! You might recognize it from some of our most popular recipes likeChicken Avocado Salad, thisCucumber Avocado Salad, or healthy Tuna Salad. The ingredients for Mediterranean dressing are so simple but each ingredient is important so be sure to use:

  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice (not from concentrate)
  • A good extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh garlic (not powder or pre-chopped garlic)
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How to Make Greek Salad

For gatherings or dinner parties, I arrange all of the salad ingredients on the platter for a beautiful presentation then add dressing and toss it all together just before serving.

  1. Prep Lettuce: Chop, rinse and spin dry lettuce and arrange over the bottom of a salad bowl.
  2. Prep Veggies: Chop and arrange the remaining ingredients (avocado, tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, onion, and cucumbers) over the salad, then sprinkle on Feta Cheese.
  3. Make the Greek Salad Dressing: shake all of the dressing ingredients together in a mason jar. Just before serving, drizzle over the salad to taste and toss to combine.
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Common Questions

What is the best feta cheese for a salad?

You can use just about any feta for this salad and it will be tasty. We prefer block-style feta cheese like the one we used for Feta Pasta. Also, look for feta made of sheep’s milk which is creamier with a lighter taste.

How to crumble feta cheese?

The fastest way is to break it up with your hands into small pieces. It literally takes seconds to crumble feta. If you want to keep your hands clean, you can cut them up with a knife or use a fork.

Can I make this a lettuce-less Greek salad?

Yes, you can omit the lettuce, but we love Greek salad with lettuce because it bulks up the salad to feed a crowd. If omitting lettuce, be sure to add more of the other fresh ingredients.

Make-Ahead Salad Tips

Whether you are assembling this Greek salad for meal prep, to-go lunches, or planning for a party, these tips will keep your green salads vibrant and fresh:

  • For crisp lettuce, rinse your romaine lettuce in cold water, then use a salad spinner to dry completely. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Prep and refrigerate most of your salad 3-5 days in advance except for tomatoes and avocados which are best added fresh.
  • Add dressing just before serving. The salt in the dressing can cause the salad to wilt.
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Our Favorite Greek Recipes

If you love fresh Mediterranean flavors, these are a must-try!

  • Baked Feta Pasta – such a versatile dish
  • Tzatziki Sauce – so good with chicken
  • Chickpea Salad – loaded with avocado and fresh dressing
  • Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad – easy and excellent
  • Baklava – a classic Greek dessert
  • Arugula Salad with Berries and balsamic glaze

Greek Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing

4.98 from 77 votes

Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Greek Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (7)

This Greek Salad is a must-try! It is one of the healthiest Mediterranean salad recipes, naturally gluten-free and full of fresh, raw veggies. You will love the healthy Greek Salad dressing. So delicious and guilt-free!

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Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6 people as a side salad

Greek Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 romaine lettuce head, chopped
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 bell pepper, (any color), chopped
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or slice heirlooms when in season)
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced into thirds
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Greek Dressing Ingredients:

Instructions

Nutrition Per Serving

203kcal Calories9g Carbs4g Protein17g Fat4g Saturated Fat16mg Cholesterol587mg Sodium355mg Potassium3g Fiber3g Sugar1065IU Vitamin A27mg Vitamin C116mg Calcium0.8mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Greek Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing

Amount per Serving

Calories

203

% Daily Value*

Fat

17

g

26

%

Saturated Fat

4

g

25

%

Cholesterol

16

mg

5

%

Potassium

355

mg

10

%

Carbohydrates

9

g

3

%

Fiber

3

g

13

%

Sugar

3

g

3

%

Protein

4

g

8

%

Vitamin A

1065

IU

21

%

Vitamin C

27

mg

33

%

Calcium

116

mg

12

%

Iron

0.8

mg

4

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Keyword: greek salad, mediterranean salad

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 203

Natasha Kravchuk

Greek Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (8)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Greek Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

Will I lose weight if I eat Greek salad everyday? ›

The combination of fiber-rich vegetables and protein-packed cheese in Greek salad helps control appetite and supports weight loss efforts. Additionally, the monounsaturated fats in olive oil promote a feeling of fullness.

What are the ingredients of a Greek salad? ›

A traditional Greek salad consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. This classic combination is delicious, so I stick to it, just adding a handful of mint leaves for a fresh finishing touch.

Why is a Greek salad so high in calories? ›

Greek salad: While a Greek salad has a lot of “healthy” ingredients, the additions give it its flavor and appeal. Feta, stuffed grape leaves and olives can add hundreds of extra calories and grams of fat. This salad may start with a 300-calorie base, but just the olive oil in the dressing racks up 200 calories.

How do you keep Greek salad from getting soggy? ›

Place a folded paper towel in the bottom of your meal prep container to keep greens from getting soggy. Sprinkle Greek herbs over the top for extra Mediterranean flavor. Be sure to keep the dressing separate from the salad until you're ready to eat it. You can use these disposable containers or this reusable container.

What happens if I eat salad every day for a month? ›

"Eating salads on a daily basis as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may support gradual weight loss over time," says Karnatz. "This is because leafy greens are low in calories and high in volume and fiber, which will keep you satisfied for longer," she adds.

Is it okay to eat Greek salad every day? ›

Conclusion. Greek salad is much more than a simple dish; it's a powerhouse of nutrients, offering myriad health benefits ranging from improved heart health to weight management. By making it a regular part of your diet, you can enjoy these benefits while indulging in one of the Mediterranean's most beloved dishes.

Why is Greek salad so healthy? ›

The bulk of a Greek salad is made up of the leafy greens, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers. These are low-calorie and nutrient-dense foods to include in your daily diet. Salad greens provide you with a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron.

What is the difference between a Greek and Mediterranean salad? ›

The primary difference lies in the use of specific ingredients. While both salads incorporate fresh vegetables and olive oil, Greek salad is characterized by the addition of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, giving it a uniquely Greek flavour.

How long can you keep Greek salad in the fridge? ›

How to store leftover Greek salad. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 days. If you plan on making Greek salad ahead, keep in mind the vinaigrette will have a very light pickling effect on the veggies.

What is the healthiest salad you can eat? ›

10 Nutrient-Dense Salad Recipes
  • Low-Carb Asian Chopped Salad.
  • Spicy Shrimp, Avocado, and Arugula Salad.
  • Tofu and Kale Salad.
  • Pear, Grape, and Feta Salad.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Salad.
  • Blood Orange and Quinoa Kale Salad.
  • Golden Beet and Pomegranate Salad.
  • Roasted Chickpea and Kale Salad.
Jul 20, 2021

Is a salad better than a burger? ›

A good burger gives you plenty of energy, protein and a lot of fibre; all of these help you feel satiated. Salads do contain a lot of vegetables that carry vitamins, minerals, and fibre. But the problem is they often lack overall energy and protein.

What is an interesting fact about Greek Salad? ›

Its name in Greek is “Horiatiki” => Village salad, but Greek villages are not its birthplace. The story has it that our national salad was invented by restaurant owners in Athens who wanted to charge customers more during the rise of tourism in Greece.

How do restaurants make salads so crisp? ›

The Keys to Crisp Lettuce

Lettuce actually needs a good amount of airflow, in addition to a bit of moisture (but not too much!), in order to stay crisp. That's why restaurants store their lettuce in special perforated bins that allow for air circulation while it's held in the fridge.

Does Greek salad go bad? ›

Greek salad can stay last 4 days in fridge. In a separate bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.

Why is my Greek salad bitter? ›

CD Kitchen explains that subpar vinegars can create bitter, harsh vinaigrettes. Adding too much vinegar (or lemon juice) can also muck up the acid-to-oil ratio, creating a dressing that's simply too strong for the greens. If this happens, add a pinch of baking soda to quell the bitterness (via Wonder How-To).

Are Greek salads good for weight loss? ›

Because this low calorie greek salad is so low in calories and fat, only containing nutrients and healthy fats that are beneficial to your heart, you can feel free to make it a few times per week, and help yourself to seconds.

Can I eat salad all day and lose weight? ›

Eating salad can help with weight loss

To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat. Fruits and vegetables typically contain more fiber and water than more processed, high-calorie foods. This means that you can eat more fruits and vegetables while staying on a low-calorie diet.

How much weight can I lose if I eat a salad a day? ›

However, if you replace one regular meal per day of about 600 calories with a tall glass of water and a salad that features vegetables, chicken and a light dressing, you can cut 300 calories daily and post monthly weight loss of about 2.5 pounds.

Will I lose weight if I eat salads for 30 days? ›

Whether you will lose weight or not by eating salads for 30 days is dependent on what's in your salads and how much you eat. As with any other diet, if you don't create a calorie deficit, you won't lose weight (7).

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