Easy Greek Salad Recipe
Easy Greek Salad Recipe is a easy Greek recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 16 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 21 min
Cost: $9.17 total, $2.29 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large English Cucumber (Thin skin, no need to peel; can use regular cucumber peeled if preferred)
- 1 small Red Onion (Thinly sliced for milder bite)
- 1/3 cup Kalamata Olives (Pitted, halved; check for any remaining pits)
- 2 medium Tomatoes (Wedge cut; can substitute with 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (Any color, seeded and ribs removed, chopped)
- 7 oz Feta Cheese (Crumble; reserve a small portion for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (For dressing)
- 1/2 lemon Lemon Zest (Zest only, from half a lemon)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves (Stripped from stems; dried thyme can be used (½ tsp))
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Oregano Leaves (Stripped and roughly chopped; dried oregano (1 tsp) works too)
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (For dressing)
- 2 teaspoons Honey Mustard (Adds subtle sweetness and tang)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Juice of half a lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the cucumber
Wash the English cucumber, then slice it either into rounds or lengthwise half‑circles for bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT2M
Slice the red onion
Trim the ends off the red onion and cut thin slices to maximize surface area and mellow the bite.
Time: PT1M
Halve the olives
Measure out 1/3 cup of Kalamata olives and cut each in half, checking for any stray pits.
Time: PT1M
Chop the tomatoes
Core the tomatoes and cut them into wedges that will fit comfortably on a fork.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the bell pepper
Remove the stem, seeds, and ribs from the bell pepper, then chop into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT2M
Crumble the feta
Crumble 7 oz of feta cheese into the bowl; set aside about 1 oz for garnish later.
Time: PT1M
Combine vegetables
Add the cucumber, onion, olives, tomatoes, and bell pepper to the large mixing bowl and toss lightly.
Time: PT1M
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together extra‑virgin olive oil, lemon zest, fresh thyme, fresh oregano, red wine vinegar, honey mustard, lemon juice, and salt until emulsified.
Time: PT3M
Taste and adjust
Taste the dressing; add a splash more lemon juice or a pinch of salt if needed.
Time: PT1M
Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently with salad tongs until evenly coated.
Time: PT1M
Garnish and serve
Scatter the reserved feta crumbs on top and finish with a handful of crushed oregano leaves.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Cucumber: Regular cucumber
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Kalamata Olives: Black olives, Green olives
- Instead of Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes
- Instead of Bell Pepper: Mini sweet peppers
- Instead of Feta Cheese: Goat cheese, Cotija cheese
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Light olive oil
- Instead of Lemon Zest: Lemon peel
- Instead of Fresh Thyme Leaves: Dried thyme
- Instead of Fresh Oregano Leaves: Dried oregano
- Instead of Red Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar, Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Honey Mustard: Dijon mustard with a drizzle of honey
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl or Jar
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Zester or Microplane
- Salad Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the cucumber is sliced to bite‑size pieces without over‑handling.
- Halving olives and checking for stray pits to avoid dental emergencies.
- Crushing fresh thyme and oregano between fingers before adding to the dressing.
- Emulsifying the dressing until it thickens slightly; a poorly emulsified dressing will separate.
- Tossing the salad gently to keep cucumber crisp while coating all ingredients.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the freshest possible herbs; they give the dressing a bright, aromatic punch.
- For extra brine, add a few capers or a splash of the olive brine to the dressing.
- If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red‑pepper flakes into the vinaigrette.
Troubleshooting
Dressing separates after sitting.
Whisk in a splash more olive oil or a few drops of water to re‑emulsify before tossing.
Cucumber becomes soggy.
Salt the cucumber slices lightly and let them sit 5 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels before adding to the salad.
Onion flavor is too sharp.
Rinse the thinly sliced onion in cold water for 30 seconds, then drain well.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; keep dressing separate if storing longer.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of vegetables will degrade.
Room temperature: Safe at room temperature for up to 2 hours; after that, refrigerate.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare all chopped vegetables and store them in a sealed container in the fridge; add dressing just before serving.
- The dressing can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept in a small jar; shake well before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Classic Greek Salad in Greek cuisine?
The Greek salad, or "Horiatiki," originates from rural Greece where fresh, seasonal vegetables were combined with feta, olives, and olive oil to create a simple yet flavorful side that celebrates the Mediterranean diet.
What are the traditional regional variations of Classic Greek Salad in Greece?
In Crete, the salad often includes extra virgin olive oil and local herbs like oregano; on the islands, capers and anchovies may be added, while in mainland Greece the focus stays on cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, and feta.
How is Classic Greek Salad traditionally served in Greek households?
It is typically served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fresh bread, or as part of a meze platter, eaten with a fork and sometimes accompanied by a slice of rustic bread to soak up the dressing.
What occasions or celebrations is Classic Greek Salad traditionally associated with in Greek culture?
Greek salad appears at everyday family meals, summer barbecues, religious holidays like Easter, and festive gatherings such as weddings, where its bright flavors complement richer dishes.
How does Classic Greek Salad fit into the broader Greek cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Greek culinary pillars of fresh vegetables, high‑quality olive oil, herbs, and cheese, reflecting the Mediterranean emphasis on simplicity, health, and seasonal produce.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Classic Greek Salad versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include English cucumber, ripe tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, extra‑virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon, thyme, and oregano. Substitutes can be regular cucumbers, black olives, goat cheese, or dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
What other Greek dishes pair well with Classic Greek Salad?
Classic Greek Salad pairs beautifully with grilled souvlaki, lamb chops, baked fish, spanakopita, or a hearty bowl of avgolemono soup, creating a balanced Mediterranean meal.
What makes Classic Greek Salad special or unique in Greek cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the harmony of crisp vegetables, briny olives, tangy lemon‑herb vinaigrette, and creamy feta, delivering bold flavors without any cooking, showcasing the freshness of Greek produce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Classic Greek Salad?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the dressing so it separates, using overly ripe cucumbers that become soggy, not checking olives for pits, and adding too much onion which can overpower the salad.
Can I make Classic Greek Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and dressing separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Combine just before serving to keep the cucumber crisp.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John, focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic techniques with personal heritage, especially highlighting Mediterranean and Greek dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Greek cooking differ from other Greek cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen emphasizes quick, no‑cook salads and side dishes that can be assembled in minutes, often sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips, whereas many other channels may focus on more elaborate, cooked Greek entrees.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
