Name: Amazing Fresh Greek Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cucumber, chopped; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

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Get ready for a taste of sunshine! This Fresh Greek Salad is my go-to for a burst of pure refreshment. It’s the perfect light meal on a warm day, or a fantastic sidekick to any main dish. I remember my grandmother making salads like this, using the freshest ingredients she could find. That love for simple, vibrant flavors stayed with me, and it’s what I aim to share with you here at Gourmet Gusto.

It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can create such a satisfying dish. This recipe truly embodies that! It’s my little piece of Italy, brought right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Greek Salad

You’ll adore this salad because it’s:

Super quick to make.
Packed with bright, lively flavors.
Full of wholesome, good-for-you ingredients.
Incredibly versatile – great as a main or side!

It’s the epitome of fresh and simple goodness.

About the Creator: Lina Kohn’s Culinary Passion

I’m Lina Kohn, and food is my lifelong love. My Italian roots run deep, and my earliest memories are in my grandmother’s kitchen. That’s where my passion for cooking was truly born. She showed me how simple, fresh ingredients could create pure magic. Now, I share those cherished recipes and my own culinary adventures on Gourmet Gusto. My goal is to bring authentic Italian flavors and family memories into your home.

Fresh Greek Salad Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to salad success! For this lovely Fresh Greek Salad, you’ll need:

1 English cucumber, unpeeled, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces. I find the English ones have fewer seeds.
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized chunks. Roma tomatoes work well too.
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced. If you find raw onion a bit strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes.
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped into similar sizes as the tomatoes.
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted. These briny beauties are a must!
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. Look for good quality Greek feta for that authentic tang.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. This is for our dressing.
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. It adds a lovely sharpness.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. The classic Greek herb!
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

It’s a simple list, but oh, the flavors they bring!

Ingredient Clarity and Quality

Choosing quality ingredients truly makes a difference here. For the dressing, a good extra virgin olive oil is key; its fruity notes really shine through. And for the feta, I always reach for Greek feta if I can find it. Its creamy texture and salty punch are unmatched. Using fresh, crisp vegetables ensures your salad has that delightful crunch. It’s all about letting the natural goodness of each component speak for itself.

How to Prepare the Perfect Fresh Greek Salad

Making this salad is a joy! It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. Just follow these easy steps.

First, grab a large bowl. Add your chopped cucumber, tomatoes, sliced red onion, and green bell pepper. Toss in those pitted Kalamata olives. These colorful veggies are the heart of our salad.

Next, let’s make the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Whisk it well until it’s nicely combined. This makes sure the flavors meld perfectly.

Now, pour this delicious dressing over all the fresh vegetables in the big bowl. Gently toss everything together. You want to coat every piece without crushing the ingredients. It’s a delicate dance!

Finally, sprinkle that lovely crumbled feta cheese right over the top. Add a pinch of salt and a grind of fresh pepper. Give it one last gentle toss, or just let the feta sit on top. Serve your beautiful salad right away. Enjoy!

Crafting the Zesty Dressing

The dressing is where the magic happens. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add the dried oregano. Whisk it all together briskly. You want the oil and vinegar to emulsify, creating a cohesive dressing. This ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned. It’s simple, but so important for flavor!

Assembling Your Fresh Greek Salad

Now for the fun part: putting it all together! Pour that zesty dressing over your chopped veggies and olives. Use a large spoon or your hands to gently toss everything. Be careful not to overmix or mash the ingredients. You want to keep those beautiful shapes. Add the feta cheese last. This keeps it from getting too mushy. A final sprinkle of salt and pepper finishes it off.

Tips for the Freshest Greek Salad

Want to make your salad even better? Here are a few tricks I use.

Chop your veggies to a similar size. This makes every bite balanced. Don’t toss the salad too hard! Gentle mixing keeps the ingredients from getting bruised. This helps maintain that lovely crisp texture. If you like a milder onion flavor, remember to soak your red onion slices. A quick soak in cold water makes them less sharp. Adjust the amount of onion to your liking too. It’s your salad, after all!

Variations for Your Fresh Greek Salad

This salad is wonderful as is, but it’s also a great base for creativity! For a more filling meal, I often add grilled chicken or shrimp. It transforms it into a complete dish. You could also add some mini mozzarella balls or even some creamy avocado. Sometimes I’ll toss in some artichoke hearts for an extra zing. Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley or mint too. It’s all about making it your own!

Serving and Storing Your Fresh Greek Salad

For the absolute best flavor and texture, serve this Fresh Greek Salad immediately after preparing it. This ensures all the vegetables are crisp and the dressing is perfectly coating everything. It’s truly at its peak when freshly tossed!

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the feta separate if possible. The salad will still be good for about a day, though the vegetables might soften a bit. Unfortunately, reheating isn’t recommended as it will wilt the fresh ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Greek Salad

Got questions about this delicious Fresh Greek Salad? I’m happy to help!

Q: Can I make this Fresh Greek Salad ahead of time?

A: You can prep the vegetables ahead and store them separately. Combine and dress the salad just before serving for maximum freshness. This keeps everything crisp!

Q: What are the best vegetables to add to a Greek salad?

A: Besides the ones in this recipe, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncini, and even some chopped romaine lettuce are fantastic additions. They add extra color and crunch.

Q: How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

A: The key is to dress it right before you eat it. Also, make sure your vegetables are dry after washing. Gently toss, don’t overmix. Storing dressing separately prevents sogginess.

Q: Can I add protein to this Mediterranean Salad?

A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make this a heartier meal. It’s a wonderful way to boost the protein content.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Fresh Greek Salad

Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in each serving of this yummy Fresh Greek Salad:

Calories: 150
Fat: 12g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 8g

Remember, these numbers are estimates. They can change a bit depending on the brands you use and the exact size of your veggies!

Share Your Fresh Greek Salad Experience

I truly hope you love making and eating this Fresh Greek Salad as much as I do! Have you tried it yet? I’d be thrilled to hear about your culinary adventure. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special twists? Perhaps you snapped a photo? Tag us on social media – we’d love to see your beautiful creations!

Amazing Fresh Greek Salad Recipe

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and refreshing Greek salad bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cucumber, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and olives in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano.
Pour dressing over the salad ingredients.
Gently toss to combine.
Sprinkle feta cheese over the top.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.