Authentic Greek Salad
I spent 2 weeks in Greece in the summer of 2019 and had a Greek salad every day. Their Greek salad was always so bright and fresh and delicious every single time. As soon as I got back, I started making them the authentic way… not the way they are served here on a bed of romaine lettuce.
So what makes a Greek Salad truly authentic? It's all about simplicity, quality ingredients, and tradition. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect Greek Salad, just like the ones you’d find in Greece!
What Makes an Authentic Greek Salad?
The beauty of an authentic Greek Salad lies in its simplicity. It’s made with a few basic, fresh ingredients that come together to create a deliciously satisfying dish. While variations of the Greek Salad exist around the world, the traditional version doesn’t include lettuce, avocado, or any fancy dressings. Instead, it focuses on the core ingredients that are native to Greece and the Mediterranean.
Here’s a rundown of what goes into an authentic Greek Salad:
Key Ingredients:
Tomatoes: The heart of the salad! Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. In Greece, they often use vine-ripened or heirloom varieties for the best flavor.
Cucumbers: Crispy, cool, and refreshing. You don’t need to peel them, but it’s important to slice them in thick half-moons or rounds.
Sweet Peppers: Thinly sliced sweet peppers add a sweet, crisp crunch.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced, it adds just the right amount of bite and flavor. Don’t skimp on this ingredient—its sharpness pairs perfectly with the creamy feta and olives.
Kalamata Olives: These dark, briny olives are a must. They give the salad a savory depth that balances out the freshness of the vegetables.
Feta Cheese: A big block of creamy, salty feta is key! It’s not crumbled or grated—just a thick slice on top. The feta should ideally be made from sheep’s milk for that rich, authentic taste.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of the highest quality olive oil you can find. Greek olive oil is rich, fruity, and enhances the flavors of every ingredient.
Oregano: Fresh or dried oregano is the finishing touch. It brings a beautiful herbal fragrance that makes this salad truly special.
Red Wine Vinegar: A dash of this tangy vinegar brightens everything up and balances the oil.
And that’s it! No lettuce, no heavy dressings, just pure, unadulterated Mediterranean goodness.
How to Assemble the Perfect Greek Salad
Making an authentic Greek Salad is all about letting the ingredients shine. Here’s how to put it all together:
Ingredients:
2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 cucumber, sliced into thick half-moons
1 sweet pepper
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
200g block of feta cheese (or more, if you love feta!)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
A pinch of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Veggies: Start by cutting the tomatoes into wedges and slicing the cucumber into thick half-moons. Thinly slice the pepper and red onion.
Layer the Salad: In a large bowl, arrange the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Add the Kalamata olives, scattering them throughout.
Top with Feta: Place a generous slice (or two!) of feta cheese right on top of the veggies. Don't crumble it! The whole block of feta adds to the authentic Greek experience.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil generously over the salad, followed by a splash of red wine vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. The oil and vinegar will combine with the natural juices from the veggies, creating a perfect dressing.
Toss and Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss (if you’d like) or leave it as is for that beautiful, rustic look. The feta will start to soften and mix with the other ingredients, adding a creamy richness to every bite.
Why the Greek Salad is So Special
This isn’t just any salad—it’s a reflection of Greek culture and the land itself. The ingredients in an authentic Greek Salad are grown in Greece’s sun-soaked soil and benefit from the country’s warm, Mediterranean climate. The bold flavors of the olives, the tangy feta, and the zesty olive oil all come together in perfect harmony, creating a salad that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
What’s even better is that the Greek Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be a light lunch, a side dish to complement grilled meats, or even a refreshing starter before a bigger meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels both hearty and light at the same time—perfect for any occasion.
A Taste of Greece in Every Bite
When you make an authentic Greek Salad, you're not just preparing a meal. You're sharing in a culinary tradition that’s been passed down through generations. With each bite, you’re experiencing the essence of Greece itself: simplicity, quality, and a deep appreciation for fresh, local ingredients.
So, whether you're making it as part of a Mediterranean feast or enjoying it on a hot summer day, this Greek Salad will transport you straight to the heart of Greece. It’s fresh, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.
Authentic Greek Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced into thick half-moons
- 1 sweet pepper
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 200g block of feta cheese (or more, if you love feta!)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- A pinch of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Start by cutting the tomatoes into wedges and slicing the cucumber into thick half-moons. Thinly slice the pepper and red onion.
- Layer the Salad: In a large bowl, arrange the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Add the Kalamata olives, scattering them throughout.
- Top with Feta: Place a generous slice (or two!) of feta cheese right on top of the veggies. Don't crumble it! The whole block of feta adds to the authentic Greek experience.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil generously over the salad, followed by a splash of red wine vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. The oil and vinegar will combine with the natural juices from the veggies, creating a perfect dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss (if you’d like) or leave it as is for that beautiful, rustic look. The feta will start to soften and mix with the other ingredients, adding a creamy richness to every bite.
