Homemade Greek Salad – Fresh and Easy Summer Recipe
Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the sunny days than with a fresh Greek salad? Colorful, refreshing, and perfect for sharing with friends or neighbors, this simple yet delicious recipe brings together everything we love. Prepare your knives and bowls—this Greek salad will soon be your favorite, whether for a light dinner or a barbecue with friends.
Ingredients for a Delicious Greek Salad (4-6 people)
Here’s everything you need to prepare this summery dish. Ingredients are listed with their quantities and prep steps to simplify your cooking experience.
Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds or diagonally (unpeeled)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes (cut into medium pieces)
Toppings:
- 150g Kalamata olives, some halved, others left whole, with a bit of juice to enhance flavor
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled or cut into cubes, depending on preference
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon or 2 tbsp vinegar
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, preferably of high quality
- 1 tsp dried oregano, or fresh if available
- Ground black pepper, to taste (no extra salt due to the feta and olives)
Prepare Your Utensils
Making this recipe is a breeze, especially when you’re well-equipped. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A cutting board.
- Colorful knives to organize your ingredients (green for green vegetables, red for tomatoes, white for feta).
- Two bowls: one large for mixing the veggies, and a smaller one for the dressing.
- A spoon for mixing and a handy citrus press.
Step 1: Preparing the Dressing
Every good salad starts with a perfect dressing. For this Greek salad, follow these simple steps:
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze it to extract the juice. Alternatively, you can use red wine vinegar or opt for a lemon-vinegar mix.
- Add the oregano and pepper to the lemon juice (or vinegar). Stir well.
- Gradually pour in the olive oil, following the ratio of 1 part acidity to 3 parts oil.
- Mix vigorously or use a shaker to emulsify. Keep it chilled while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 2: Preparing the Green Vegetables
Green Bell Pepper:
- Cut the bell pepper in half, remove the seeds and membranes.
- Slice it into thin strips and place it in a large bowl.
Cucumber:
- Without peeling, slice the cucumber into rounds or diagonally for a more aesthetic touch.
- Add the cucumber slices to the bowl. Don’t worry about draining—it adds a refreshing moisture to the salad.
Step 3: Preparing the Red Vegetables
Red Onion:
- Peel and slice the onion into thin rings or half-rings.
- Add them to the bowl, but be cautious not to overload as their flavor can be strong.
Tomatoes:
- Remove the stem and cut the tomatoes into medium-sized chunks.
- Add them to the bowl, making sure to keep their juices.
Step 4: Adding the Toppings
Olives:
- Scatter the Kalamata olives evenly throughout the salad for a nice visual touch. If you love their salty flavor, you can add a tablespoon of the olive brine to the mix.
Feta:
- Cut the feta cheese into cubes or crumble it lightly into chunks. Gently scatter the feta over the salad to avoid breaking it down too much.
Step 5: Mixing and Serving
- Take the dressing from the fridge and pour it evenly over the salad.
- Use a large spoon or even your hands (clean, of course) to gently toss the salad. Use a “turn and fold” motion to coat everything without crushing the ingredients.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
- For the final touch, sprinkle a little extra oregano on top or drizzle with an extra bit of olive oil.
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
To expand your summer menu, consider these delightful options:
- Homemade Caesar Salad: Recipe, Tips, and Secrets for a Perfect Result
A classic salad with a homemade twist, perfect for warm days. - Tunisian Shakshuka – Easy and Flavorful Homemade Recipe with Eggs A Mediterranean dish rich in flavors, ideal for brunch or a light dinner.
- Easy Homemade Ketchup – Quick and Delicious Recipe to Make at Home Complement your dishes with this homemade condiment, free from additives.
Tips and Ingredient Substitutions
- Colored Peppers: If you can’t find green bell peppers, feel free to use yellow or red peppers for a milder sweetness.
- Cheese: If feta isn’t available, try ricotta salata or fresh goat cheese as alternatives.
- Olives: No Kalamata olives? Use regular black olives or green olives instead.
Tips for Perfecting Your Salad
- Slice the vegetables evenly for a visually appealing result and better flavor distribution.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Don’t salt the salad before tasting—feta and olives are already quite salty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I prepare the salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare the vegetables in advance, but keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy ingredients.
- What kind of olive oil should I use? Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich, authentic taste.
- Can I add protein to this salad? Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a complete meal.
Suggested Recipes
Looking for more delicious dishes? Here are some suggestions:
- Homemade Eggs Benedict – Quick and Easy Brunch Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes A brunch classic, easily prepared at home.
- Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole – Easy and Comforting Recipe
A hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for cooler evenings. - Homemade Hollandaise Sauce: A Quick and Easy Recipe!
A classic sauce to accompany your vegetables or fish.
Wrapping Up This Greek Salad Recipe
Refreshing, colorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, this Greek salad is the perfect summer dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or want to impress guests at a dinner, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try, play around with the ingredients, and savor every bite.
Bon appétit, and see you soon for another summery recipe!
Greek Salad: The Best Summer Recipe
Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the sunny days than with a fresh Greek salad? Colorful, refreshing, and perfect for sharing with friends or neighbors, this simple yet delicious recipe brings together everything we love. Prepare your knives and bowls—this Greek salad will soon be your favorite, whether for a light dinner or a barbecue with friends.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 1 green bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 1 cucumber sliced into rounds or diagonally (unpeeled)
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes cut into medium pieces
Toppings:
- 150 g Kalamata olives some halved, others left whole, with a bit of juice to enhance flavor
- 200 g feta cheese crumbled or cut into cubes, depending on preference
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon or 2 tbsp vinegar
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil preferably of high quality
- 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh if available
- Ground black pepper to taste (no extra salt due to the feta and olives)
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Mix lemon juice (or vinegar), oregano, and pepper. Add olive oil, stirring to emulsify.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and tomatoes. Combine in a large bowl.
- Add Toppings: Scatter olives and feta over the veggies.
- Dress and Mix: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Tips and Ingredient Substitutions
- Colored Peppers: If you can’t find green bell peppers, feel free to use yellow or red peppers for a milder sweetness.
- Cheese: If feta isn’t available, try ricotta salata or fresh goat cheese as alternatives.
- Olives: No Kalamata olives? Use regular black olives or green olives instead.
Tips for Perfecting Your Salad
- Slice the vegetables evenly for a visually appealing result and better flavor distribution.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Don’t salt the salad before tasting—feta and olives are already quite salty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I prepare the salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare the vegetables in advance, but keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy ingredients.
- What kind of olive oil should I use? Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich, authentic taste.
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