Greek salad
Experience the Mediterranean with our authentic Greek salad recipe. It is vibrant, fresh, and full of flavour. Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, tangy white cheese, and plump, juicy black kalamata olives are brought together with a light, sweet-tangy dressing and a hint of mint. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side, it captures the essence of a sunny Greek island in every bite.
Ingredients
|
250 g
Ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes
|
|
|---|---|
|
½
Cucumber
|
|
|
½
Red onion
|
|
|
1
Green pepper
|
|
|
70 g
Black olives
|
|
|
1 handful
Fresh mint
|
Dressing
|
3 tbsp
Olive oil
|
|
|---|---|
|
2 tbsp
White wine vinegar
|
|
|
2 tsp
Honey
|
|
|
1 tsp
Dijon mustard
|
|
|
½
Lemon, juice
|
|
|
1 tsp
Dried oregano
|
|
|
Salt
|
|
|
Freshly ground black pepper
|
Instructions
Salad
Dressing
Assembling
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Greek salad relies on simplicity, so the quality of each ingredient really shows. Choose sweet, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a fresh, crisp pepper. Fresh mint should be bright and fragrant, not limp or bruised. When everything is at its best, the salad tastes clean, lively, and naturally balanced.
The way you cut the vegetables has a big impact on how the salad feels and tastes. Aim for similar-sized pieces so no single ingredient dominates a bite. Even cuts help the dressing coat everything evenly and create a more balanced mix of textures, making each mouthful feel harmonious rather than uneven.
Black olives add depth and saltiness, but they should complement the salad rather than overpower it. Choose olives that are mildly brined and not overly sharp or bitter, for example, kalamata olives. A mildly brined type of olive helps keep the flavour balanced and allows the freshness of the vegetables, herbs, and dressing to remain at the centre of the salad.
FAQ: Questions about Greek salad
Whether you are a seasoned cook or new to Greek salad, this FAQ helps you get a fresh, vibrant result every time.
What is in a Greek salad?
Greek salad, or horiatiki, is a classic Mediterranean salad with fresh, uncooked vegetables, such as juicy tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and onion. It is mixed with white cheese and olives, and dressed with olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and oregano. In our recipe, we add fresh mint for an extra aromatic touch. This salad focuses on high-quality, seasonal ingredients and does not include lettuce, staying true to its Greek origins.
How do I fix a watery Greek salad?
To keep your salad crisp, scoop out the seeds from the cucumber and make sure all vegetables are thoroughly drained and patted dry after washing. Dice the cheese carefully, ensuring it is drained if stored in brine. Add the dressing only just before serving and toss gently. These steps prevent excess moisture and keep your Greek salad fresh and flavourful.
How do I store leftover Greek salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of preparation. Keep vegetables and dressing separate to maintain crispness, or leave the dressing on for a lightly marinated style, but consume within 3-4 days. Add fresh mint just before serving to preserve its colour and flavour.
Can I prepare Greek salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables up to 2 days in advance and keep them in airtight containers with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Make and store the dressing separately for 3-5 days. Add cheese, olives, and chopped mint only before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
158 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 3.4 g |
| Protein | 4.1 % | 1.6 g |
| Fat | 70.7 % | 12.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25.2 % | 9.8 g |
You may also like
Make a traditional Greek salad with white cheese and olives
Our classic Greek salad recipe brings the bright, sunny flavours of the Greek islands straight to your plate. Sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tender green pepper create a refreshing, colourful base, while briny black olives and tangy white cheese add depth and character. The final and most refreshing touch is the fresh mint that lifts the salad with an aromatic, cooling note.
Tossed with a fresh dressing made from olive oil, white wine vinegar, and honey
The Greek salad dressing gently coats the vegetables, providing a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Olive oil gives a smooth, fruity richness, while white wine vinegar brings a subtle acidity. Honey adds a delicate sweetness, and oregano, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice provide herbal, zesty, and nuanced layers. Together, the dressing elevates every ingredient, making the salad lively, fragrant, and harmonious.
A fresh and colourful side to go with your favourite mains
An authentic Greek salad is colourful and visually stunning, ideal for casual lunches, picnics, or as a side dish to a Mediterranean feast. Crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs create a refreshing contrast that complements grilled meats, seafood, or simple breads. The vibrant colours and bold yet balanced flavours make the salad a show-stopping addition to any table, inviting everyone to enjoy the fresh, sun-soaked taste of Greece.
For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal all made with easy recipes, pair your Greek salad with mains such as our classic Greek spanakopita, seared chilli tuna, savoury dukkah chicken, or Greek chicken traybake. A cheesy garlic bread or a white cheese and olive focaccia is also highly recommended.
Experiment with different ingredients
While fantastic as it is, this Greek salad is easy to customise to your taste. Add snappy red or yellow peppers for extra colour, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give the salad a subtle heat. Turn it into a complete meal by adding grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, chicken souvlaki, roasted chickpeas, or firm tofu marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano. For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top.
If you do not have white wine vinegar for the Greek salad dressing, lemon juice is a suitable substitute, keeping the dressing fresh and light. Add an extra 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
You can also use other types of vinegar. Rice wine vinegar offers a gentle, mild acidity, apple cider vinegar brings a fruity note, and red wine vinegar adds depth and a slightly richer colour. Use the same quantity as the white wine vinegar and whisk well with the other ingredients before seasoning.
