Greek Salad with Feta Cheese, Olives, and Cucumbers

A true classic in Mediterranean cuisine, the Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salad) is a vibrant, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that beautifully captures the essence of Greece. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, sharp red onions, creamy feta cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this salad is simplicity at its finest.

It’s one of those dishes that celebrates freshness and balance — a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The salty brininess of feta and olives complements the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, while the cucumber adds a satisfying crunch. Tossed together with a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, every bite bursts with Mediterranean sunshine.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s effortless, colorful, and deliciously wholesome. It reminds me of summer — breezy, fresh, and full of life. The combination of crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and tangy dressing is incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy.

What I especially adore is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even turn it into a full meal with some grilled chicken or pita bread. It’s also a fantastic dish for entertaining — elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for everyday meals.

Plus, it’s healthy — full of vitamins, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil — proof that nourishing food can be utterly delicious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

The Greek Salad is a must-try for anyone who appreciates bold, fresh, and natural flavors.
Here’s why:

• Healthy & Nourishing – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
• Balanced & Flavorful – Each ingredient shines without overpowering the others.
• Quick to Make – No cooking required; perfect for busy days.
• Versatile – Works as a main dish, appetizer, or side for grilled meats.
• Visually Stunning – Its vibrant colors make it as beautiful as it is tasty.

It’s the ultimate Mediterranean salad — light yet satisfying, rustic yet refined.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
• Course: Salad / Side Dish
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional but traditional)
• ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted or whole, as preferred)
• ½ cup feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
2. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons (peel them if preferred).
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes (or chop larger tomatoes into bite-sized chunks).
4. Thinly slice the red onion and bell pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.
2. Gently toss the vegetables together to mix evenly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Garnish

1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
2. Add the feta cheese cubes or crumbles on top — do not overmix to keep the cheese intact.
3. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the salad fresh for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

This salad can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a side dish: Perfect alongside grilled meats, seafood, or kebabs.
• As a light main course: Serve with warm pita bread or add some quinoa for a heartier version.
• With appetizers: Pair with hummus, tzatziki, or dolmas for a full Mediterranean spread.
• For picnics or lunches: Great as a refreshing, make-ahead meal.

Serve it chilled or at room temperature, ideally right after assembling for the freshest taste.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, firm tomatoes: They add sweetness and juiciness without turning mushy.
• Chill the ingredients: For extra refreshment, refrigerate veggies before assembling.
• Use high-quality feta: Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk gives authentic flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Toss gently to prevent the feta from crumbling too much.
• Add dressing just before serving: Keeps the veggies crisp.

Recipe Variations

1. Protein-Packed Version:
   Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a full meal.
2. Grain Bowl Style:
   Mix the salad with cooked quinoa, bulgur, or couscous for a heartier option.
3. Vegan Greek Salad:
   Omit feta or use vegan feta cheese made from tofu or cashews.
4. Greek Pasta Salad:
   Add cooked pasta (like rotini or penne) for a picnic-ready twist.
5. Herb Lovers’ Version:
   Add fresh mint, dill, or basil for an aromatic flavor boost.
6. Avocado Greek Salad:
   Toss in diced avocado for a creamy touch that complements the tangy dressing.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  (Note: It’s best when freshly made — the veggies may release water over time.)
• Freezing:
  Not recommended — the cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their texture.
• Make-Ahead Tip:
  Chop the veggies and prepare the dressing separately. Combine just before serving to keep it crisp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Small whisk or jar (for mixing dressing)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Salad tongs or spoon for tossing

Conclusion

The Greek Salad with Feta Cheese, Olives, and Cucumbers is a timeless dish that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean eating — simple, fresh, and full of flavor. With every bite, you get the satisfying crunch of cucumber, the sweetness of tomato, the tang of feta, and the earthiness of olive oil and oregano.

It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and endlessly versatile — whether as a side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing dinner option. If you’re looking for a salad that’s as healthy as it is delicious, this Greek classic deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.