Classic Greek Salad with Black Olives
A vibrant and refreshing Classic Greek Salad featuring crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, perfect as a light meal or a healthy side.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch squares). Peel the cucumber (if desired) and slice it into half-moons or dice it. Core the tomatoes and cut them into wedges or chunky pieces. Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half-rings.
Assemble Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
Add Olives and Feta: Drain the pitted Kalamata olives and add them to the bowl. Cut the block of feta cheese into 1/2-inch cubes and gently scatter them over the vegetables.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad using large tongs or salad servers until all the vegetables and feta are lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the feta too much. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Quality Feta: Opt for a block of authentic Greek feta packed in brine, rather than pre-crumbled feta, for superior flavor and texture.
- 2Chill Your Veggies: For an extra crisp salad, ensure all your vegetables are well-chilled before assembly.
- 3Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the lettuce from wilting, always dress the Greek salad right before you plan to serve it.
- 4Red Onion Soak: If you find raw red onion too pungent, slice it thinly and soak it in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the salad. This mellows its flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, or canned tuna for a more substantial meal.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an added layer of freshness.
Bell Pepper AdditionBell Pepper Addition
Introduce sliced green bell peppers for extra crunch and a slightly sweet, vibrant flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes and olives provide lycopene and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil and Kalamata olives are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats, known to support cardiovascular health.
High in Fiber
The abundance of fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce and cucumber contributes significant dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk again before using.
