Simply Kind Meals

This easy Greek salad is a fresh, colorful Mediterranean recipe made with juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, crisp vegetables, and a simple homemade dressing.

When tomato season arrives, this easy Greek salad recipe is one of my favorite salads to make. I love using juicy tomatoes from my garden because they make such a difference in flavor. The green bell peppers from my garden are another little detail I really enjoy adding – they are crisp, fresh, and so much better when they are picked at their best.

I use creamy feta, big Kalamata olives, crunchy cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion to create a simple salad that feels fresh but still satisfying. The homemade Greek salad dressing comes together in just a few minutes with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and oregano.

If you enjoy fresh tomato and feta based salads as much as I do, you may also like my tomato cucumber feta salad, tomato cucumber mozzarella basil salad, and beet feta salad. They are all easy options when you want something fresh and colorful.

How to make Easy Greek Salad

Making this easy Greek salad recipe is wonderfully simple. With fresh vegetables, creamy feta, Kalamata olives, and a quick homemade dressing, you can have a flavorful Mediterranean salad ready in just a few minutes.

• Prepare the fresh vegetables – I chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and dice the cucumber. I chop the green bell pepper and I thinly slice the red onion. I add everything to a large salad bowl along with the Kalamata olives.

• Make the Greek salad dressing – In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. I whisk until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.

• Combine the salad – I pour the homemade dressing over the vegetables and I gently toss everything together. I start with most of the dressing and I add more according to taste.

• Add the feta and fresh herbs – I place the creamy feta on top of the salad rather than mixing it in too much. I sprinkle the feta with oregano and I finish with fresh basil for a beautiful, fresh presentation.

• Serve and enjoy – I serve the Greek salad immediately or let it chill for a short time before serving. I love enjoying it fresh while the tomatoes are juicy and the vegetables are still crisp.

Why you will love this Easy Greek Salad Recipe

I really like recipes that don’t require much work but still look beautiful on the table. This healthy Greek salad is exactly that.

• Fresh and colorful – Tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, feta, and olives create a beautiful combination.

• Easy to make – I can have this salad ready in about 15 minutes without cooking anything.

• Homemade dressing – I love making the dressing myself because I can adjust the vinegar, garlic, and seasoning to my taste.

• Mediterranean-inspired – The combination of olive oil, feta, Kalamata olives, oregano, and fresh vegetables gives this salad its classic Mediterranean character.

• Perfect for summer – I especially enjoy serving it when garden tomatoes and peppers are at their freshest.

Easy Greek Salad Recipe Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple ingredients. I recommend using the freshest vegetables you can find because they make the biggest difference in a salad this simple.

• Tomatoes – I use three large, juicy tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces.

• Cucumber – One medium cucumber adds a refreshing crunch.

• Green bell pepper – Half of a large pepper gives the salad a crisp texture and mild sweetness.

• Red onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds a little bite.

• Feta cheese – I use about 100 grams of creamy feta.

• Kalamata olives – Big Kalamata olives add a rich, salty Mediterranean flavor.

• Oregano and basil – Oregano goes over the feta, while basil adds a fresh finishing touch.

What makes this Recipe Healthy

I love that this salad is packed with simple whole-food ingredients and plenty of fresh vegetables.

• Lots of vegetables – Tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of freshness.

• Healthy fats – Olive oil and Kalamata olives provide flavorful unsaturated fats. Read more about nutritional facts and benefits of Kalamata olives in the following Healthline article.

• Feta for protein – Feta adds protein and calcium while giving the salad its creamy, salty flavor.

• No complicated ingredients – I keep the dressing simple, with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Dijon, and oregano.

• Mediterranean-inspired – This combination makes an easy healthy Greek salad that works beautifully as part of a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information

The following is an estimate per serving, assuming the salad makes 4 servings:

• Calories: ~ 260
• Protein: ~ 6 g
• Carbohydrates: ~ 13 g
• Fat: ~ 22 g
• Fiber: ~ 4 g
• Sugar: ~ 7 g

Tips for Best Results

A few small details can make a simple salad taste even better. These are the things I usually pay attention to when I make it:

• Use ripe tomatoes – I always recommend using the juiciest, ripest tomatoes available. During tomato season, garden tomatoes are my favorite choice.

• Choose good feta – Creamy feta makes the salad feel much more satisfying. I prefer keeping the feta in larger pieces rather than crumbling it too finely.

• Use good Kalamata olives – I really like using large Kalamata olives because they bring a deeper, richer flavor to every bite.

• Don’t overdress it – I like to start with most of the dressing and add more if needed. This keeps the vegetables fresh and crisp.

Ingredient Variations

This healthy and easy Greek salad recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have available.

• Add fresh herbs – I sometimes add extra basil, parsley, or fresh oregano for even more flavor.

• Add avocado – For a creamier salad, diced avocado works beautifully.

• Add chickpeas – Chickpeas can turn this side salad into a more filling vegetarian lunch.

• Use different tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes can all work well.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• I recommend enjoying this salad fresh, especially when using very juicy tomatoes. The vegetables can release liquid as they sit, so the texture is best shortly after preparation.

• For meal prep, I like to chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately from the dressing and feta. The dressing can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated.

• When ready to serve, combine the vegetables with the dressing, add the feta and olives, and finish with oregano and basil.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this Greek salad as a light lunch, but it also makes an easy side dish for dinner. The fresh vegetables and tangy dressing pair especially well with grilled or baked proteins.

For a cozy Mediterranean-inspired dinner, I like serving it alongside creamy garlic chicken breast, ground beef stuffed zucchini, or baked salmon with sesame seeds.

It also pairs beautifully with baked tilapia or ground beef stuffed peppers. I especially enjoy having a generous bowl of this salad next to a warm main dish because the crisp vegetables balance richer flavors so nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a few questions before making this easy Greek salad recipe, here are some simple answers to help you get the best results.

What is a traditional Greek salad made of?

A traditional Greek salad typically includes ripe tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. It is usually dressed with olive oil and oregano, with vinegar or lemon sometimes added for acidity.

Is Greek salad healthy?

Yes, Greek salad can be a healthy and nutritious choice. This easy Greek salad recipe is made with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and olive oil, providing fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and some protein.

Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, I recommend preparing the vegetables and dressing separately. Combine everything shortly before serving so the tomatoes and cucumber stay fresh and crisp.

What kind of feta is best for Greek salad?

I prefer creamy feta for this recipe because it adds a rich, slightly salty flavor and a wonderful texture. Feta made from sheep’s milk or a sheep-and-goat milk blend can also work beautifully.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?

Absolutely. Cherry or grape tomatoes are a great substitute for large tomatoes. I recommend choosing ripe, flavorful tomatoes because they are one of the main ingredients in this simple salad.

What olives are best for Greek salad?

Kalamata olives are my favorite choice for this easy Greek salad recipe. Their rich, slightly fruity and salty flavor pairs especially well with feta, tomatoes, cucumber, and the homemade dressing.

How long does homemade Greek salad dressing last?

Homemade Greek salad dressing can generally be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. Shake or whisk it well before using, especially if the olive oil has separated.

Can Greek salad be a main dish?

Yes. While traditional Greek salad is often served as a side dish, I like making it more filling by adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or another source of protein. It makes a refreshing and easy lunch.

Final Note

This easy Greek salad recipe is one of those simple recipes I keep coming back to, especially when my garden is full of ripe tomatoes and green peppers. I love how a few fresh ingredients can create something so colorful, flavorful, and satisfying.

If you’re looking for more fresh salad recipes with feta, I also recommend trying my persimmon kale salad, blackberry arugula feta salad, arugula blueberry feta salad, and watermelon feta salad. I enjoy having recipes like these on hand for easy lunches, summer dinners, and simple sides.

Fresh, colorful, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this easy Greek salad recipe is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated.