EASY GREEK SALAD RECIPE

EASY GREEK SALAD RECIPE is a easy Greek recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Downshiftology on YouTube.

Prep: 26 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 1 min

Cost: $18.79 total, $4.70 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 English Cucumber (large, skin left on, sliced into quarters)
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (seeds removed, sliced into strips then diced chunky)
  • 1 pint Grape Tomatoes (halved; can use fresh garden tomatoes)
  • 0.5 Red Onion (medium, skin removed, cut into thin wedges)
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives, Pitted (sliced in half (optional to keep whole))
  • 4 oz Greek Feta Cheese (block, cut into large cubes or crumbled)
  • 0.33 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 0.25 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.5 cup Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (drizzle slowly while whisking)
  • 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (optional protein, about 1 lb total; seasoned with olive oil and herbs)
  • 0.25 Avocado (optional, diced)
  • 0.5 cup Canned Garbanzo Beans (drained, rinsed)

Instructions

  1. Slice Cucumber

    Wash the English cucumber, slice lengthwise, then cut crosswise into quarter‑length pieces and stack to slice into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Bell Pepper

    Trim the top and bottom off the green bell pepper, remove seeds, slice into strips, then dice chunky.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Halve Tomatoes

    Rinse the grape tomatoes and cut each in half; if using larger garden tomatoes, cut into large chunks.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Slice Red Onion

    Peel half of a medium red onion, cut it in half, then slice from top to bottom through the root end into thin wedges.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Prep Olives

    Measure ½ cup of pitted Kalamata olives and slice each in half (or leave whole if preferred).

    Time: PT2M

  6. Cube Feta Cheese

    Cut a 4‑oz block of Greek feta into large cubes or crumble by hand.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Make Dressing

    In a small bowl whisk together ⅓ cup red wine vinegar, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. While whisking, slowly drizzle in ½ cup extra‑virgin olive oil until the mixture emulsifies.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Combine Salad

    Add the cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta to the large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss lightly to coat.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Optional: Bake Herb Chicken

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Rub chicken breasts with a little olive oil, then sprinkle liberally with dried basil, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20‑25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips or chunks.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 425°F

  10. Optional: Add Protein & Healthy Fats

    Dice ¼ avocado or stir in ½ cup drained canned garbanzo beans (or both) into individual servings just before eating.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, High-Protein (when chicken or beans added)

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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EASY GREEK SALAD RECIPE

Recipe by Downshiftology

A simple, fresh Greek salad made with cucumber, green bell pepper, grape tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and block feta cheese tossed in a homemade red‑wine‑vinegar and olive‑oil dressing. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or a meal‑prep friendly lunch when paired with chicken, avocado, or beans.

EasyGreekServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
31m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.79
Total cost
$4.70
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Slicing cucumber and other vegetables into uniform, chunky pieces
  • Emulsifying the dressing by slowly adding olive oil while whisking
  • Baking chicken to the correct internal temperature (if using protein)

Safety Warnings

  • Use a stable cutting board and keep fingers curled to avoid knife injuries.
  • Handle hot oven tray with oven mitts; watch for steam when removing chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) in Greek cuisine?

A

Greek Salad, or Horiatiki, originates from the countryside of Greece where fresh, seasonal vegetables were combined with feta and olives. It reflects the Mediterranean emphasis on simple, high‑quality ingredients and is a staple at family meals and tavernas across the country.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) in Greece?

A

In Crete, the salad often includes capers and a drizzle of local olive oil, while in the islands of the Aegean, sliced cucumbers may be replaced with zucchini. Some regions add anchovies or use green olives instead of Kalamata.

cultural
Q

How is Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) traditionally served in Greece?

A

Traditionally it is served as a standalone dish on a large platter, with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano. It is eaten with a fork, not tossed, and is accompanied by crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) traditionally associated with in Greek culture?

A

Horiatiki appears at everyday family meals, summer picnics, and festive gatherings such as name‑days and religious holidays, where its fresh flavors complement grilled fish, lamb, or souvlaki.

cultural
Q

What makes Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) special or unique in Mediterranean cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the combination of chunky, raw vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, all bound by a simple olive‑oil‑vinegar dressing. The salad showcases the Mediterranean principle of letting high‑quality, fresh ingredients shine without heavy sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the salad, using pre‑crumbled feta with additives, and adding too much dressing which makes the vegetables soggy. Slice vegetables chunky and keep the dressing light and on the side until serving.

technical
Q

Why does this Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) recipe use a whisked vinaigrette instead of simply drizzling olive oil and vinegar?

A

Whisking creates an emulsion that evenly coats each vegetable piece, ensuring consistent flavor in every bite. It also prevents the oil from separating, which can happen with a simple drizzle.

technical
Q

Can I make Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Store the chopped vegetables and feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar and combine just before eating to maintain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)?

A

The vegetables should be crisp and chunky, the feta should be a creamy white block, and the olives should be glossy and intact. The dressing should be a smooth, slightly thickened vinaigrette that lightly coats the ingredients.

technical
Q

How do I know when the baked chicken for the optional protein is done in the Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) recipe?

A

The chicken is done when a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The exterior should be golden‑brown, and the juices should run clear when cut.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Downshiftology specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Downshiftology, hosted by Lisa, focuses on healthy, whole‑food recipes, meal‑prep ideas, and nutrition‑focused cooking that are easy to make at home.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Downshiftology's approach to Greek cooking differ from other Mediterranean cooking channels?

A

Downshiftology emphasizes simple, ingredient‑light preparations and meal‑prep friendliness, often using fewer processed items and offering variations for added protein, whereas many Mediterranean channels focus on traditional cooking methods and elaborate flavor layers.

channel

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