🥗 Classic Greek Salad
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Salad:
• 3 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or cherry tomatoes halved)
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ green bell pepper, sliced (optional but traditional)
• ½ cup Kalamata olives
• 4 oz block feta cheese (cut into thick slices or large chunks)
Dressing:
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1–2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
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👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the veggies:
Chop tomatoes into large chunks. Slice cucumber, onion, and bell pepper.
2. Assemble the salad:
Add all vegetables and olives to a large bowl. Toss gently.
3. Make the dressing:
Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss lightly.
5. Top with feta:
Place thick slices of feta on top (traditional Greek style keeps it on top rather than mixed in). Sprinkle a little extra oregano over the feta.
6. Serve immediately with warm pita bread or grilled chicken.
One of the things I love most about making a classic Greek salad is how fresh and vibrant the ingredients taste together. When I prepare this salad, I always start with ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, which add a refreshing base to the dish. The Kalamata olives bring that signature briny flavor that instantly transports you to the Mediterranean. Adding thinly sliced red onion gives a nice bite without overpowering the other flavors, and the optional green bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and crunch, which many traditional recipes include. The real star, for me, is the feta cheese. Choosing a good quality block of feta to slice thickly rather than crumble means every bite has creamy, salty bursts of flavor. I like to sprinkle a bit more dried oregano on the cheese just before serving, as recommended. For the dressing, using extra virgin olive oil with a splash of red wine vinegar is key to balancing the salad. I always taste and adjust the amount of vinegar to keep it tangy but not sharp, and freshly cracked black pepper enhances the aroma. This salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread on the side or grilled chicken for a complete meal. It’s quick to assemble and ideal for hot summer days when you want something light but satisfying. I find the simplicity of the ingredients and the layering of textures and tastes make this classic Greek salad a timeless favorite in my kitchen.