Authentic Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing Recipe

Greek salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. This recipe features crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a light meal on its own.

Nothing beats the simplicity of a classic Greek salad, especially when made with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or simply craving a healthy side dish, this recipe is the ideal choice. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives creates a delightful flavor profile.

Once you try this homemade dressing, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. It’s easy to whip up and adds the perfect finishing touch to your salad.

The Vibrancy of Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and this Greek salad exemplifies that perfectly. The combination of diced tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, and colorful bell peppers creates a visual feast that is both inviting and appetizing.

Each component of the salad contributes to a delightful texture and taste. Ripe tomatoes provide juiciness, while cucumbers add a satisfying crunch. Red onions bring a slight sharpness, and bell peppers contribute sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that celebrate the Mediterranean essence.

Ingredient Highlights

At the heart of this salad are the classic Mediterranean ingredients that enhance its authenticity. Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese offer distinct briny and creamy notes, elevating the overall taste profile.

The olives add a touch of saltiness, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the vegetables. Feta cheese, with its crumbly texture, complements the salad in both flavor and creaminess. Drizzling with extra virgin olive oil brings richness, making the salad not just nutritious but also satisfying.

Homemade Dressing

The dressing for this Greek salad is simple yet effective. A mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano creates a zesty dressing that perfectly coats the ingredients.

Mixing the dressing in a separate bowl allows the flavors to meld beautifully before being added to the salad. This ensures that each bite is infused with a touch of the dressing’s vibrant taste, enhancing the overall experience.

Presentation Matters

Serving this salad in a rustic bowl adds to its charm. The colorful ingredients look stunning against the backdrop of natural materials, emphasizing the freshness of the dish.

To complete the presentation, surrounding the bowl with fresh herbs not only enhances the visual appeal but also invites diners to enjoy an aromatic experience. This attention to detail transforms a simple salad into an impressive centerpiece for any meal.

Perfect Pairings

This Greek salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Whether served alongside grilled meats, fish, or as part of a mezze platter, it complements an array of flavors.

It can stand alone as a light meal or be enjoyed as a refreshing side dish, making it suitable for any occasion. The vibrant flavors and textures make it a delightful addition to summer barbecues or casual dinners with friends.

Health Benefits

Not only is this salad delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Packed with fresh vegetables, it provides essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for overall well-being.

Olives and olive oil contain healthy fats that contribute to heart health, while feta cheese offers protein and calcium. This combination makes for a nutritious dish that can be part of a balanced diet, allowing you to enjoy great taste without compromise.

The Perfect Greek Salad Recipe

This Greek salad is crisp and refreshing, featuring a medley of garden-fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a homemade dressing, it bursts with flavor, leaving your taste buds satisfied and craving more.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper.
2. Add Olives and Feta: Gently toss in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 220kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 14g