Classic Greek Salad 🧀 | Fresh & Healthy

 

🥗 Classic Greek Salad 🧀 | Fresh, Healthy & Bursting with Mediterranean Flavor

When it comes to dishes that are simple, fresh, and satisfying, few recipes can match the timeless appeal of a Classic Greek Salad. With crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zingy vinaigrette, this salad is a celebration of the Mediterranean at its finest.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, light lunch, or part of a summer spread, this salad is proof that fresh ingredients and a few thoughtful touches can create magic on your plate.

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🇬🇷 A Taste of Greece on Your Table

Known as Horiatiki Salata in Greece, this salad is as authentic as it gets. No lettuce, no croutons — just bold, honest ingredients that speak for themselves. It’s traditionally served family-style, often as part of a mezze platter or alongside grilled meats and warm pita.

The best part? It’s ready in 10 minutes or less and never goes out of style.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh Veggies:

• 🥒 1 cucumber, sliced or chopped

• 🍅 3–4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks

• 🧅 ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 🌶️ 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

Mediterranean Staples:

• 🫒 ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted

• 🧀 1 block of feta cheese, sliced or crumbled

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1–2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness

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🥄 How to Make It

1. Prep the vegetables: Chop, slice, or wedge the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and pepper.

2. Assemble: In a large bowl or platter, arrange the veggies. Scatter olives throughout.

3. Top with feta: Add thick slices or crumbles of feta right on top.

4. Drizzle the dressing: Mix olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Shake or whisk until combined, then pour generously over the salad.

5. Serve immediately: Finish with an extra sprinkle of oregano or a light squeeze of lemon.

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💡 Tips for the Best Greek Salad

• Use high-quality olive oil – it's the star of the dressing!

• Don't skimp on the feta – authentic Greek feta made from sheep's milk is creamier and more flavorful.

• Let it marinate – If time allows, let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

• Serve with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up the dressing.

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🧺 Perfect for Any Occasion

Greek Salad is:

• ✅ Naturally gluten-free

• ✅ Vegetarian-friendly

• ✅ Packed with nutrients

• ✅ Light, yet filling

It’s a go-to for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side to grilled chicken, lamb, or seafood.

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🌀 Make It Your Own

Want to mix things up? Try these tasty variations:

• Add avocado for a creamy twist

• Toss in chickpeas or quinoa for added protein

• Use heirloom tomatoes for color and depth

• Sprinkle with fresh mint or basil for a herbaceous upgrade

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✨ Final Thoughts

The Classic Greek Salad is a masterclass in balance — salty and fresh, crunchy and creamy, simple yet sophisticated. It's proof that a handful of good ingredients can go a long way.

Whether you’re eating it as a side, a main dish, or straight from the bowl at midnight (no judgment!), this salad will always hit the spot.