The Best Way to Make a Greek Salad (with a Feta Dressin)
The Best Way to Make a Greek Salad (with a Feta Dressin) 🤤 is a easy Greek recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by The Modern Nonna on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 20 min
Cost: $9.90 total, $2.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 medium Tomatoes (cut into bite‑size wedges)
- 1 large Cucumber (peeled if skin is thick, sliced into half‑moons)
- 0.5 small Red Onion (thinly sliced; soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow if desired)
- 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives (pitted, whole or halved)
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled; preferably Greek feta in brine)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar (adds acidity to the dressing)
- 3 tbsp Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (use a good quality oil for flavor)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Dill (chopped finely)
- to taste Salt (adjust based on feta and olives)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
On a clean cutting board, slice the tomatoes into wedges, cut the cucumber into half‑moons, and thinly slice the red onion. Pat the cucumber pieces dry with a paper towel.
Time: PT5M
Combine Veggies and Olives
Transfer the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives into a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT2M
Make the Creamy Feta Dressing
In a small bowl, mash the feta cheese with a fork until smooth. Stir in the dried oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and chopped dill. Mix until the dressing is creamy and well‑combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time: PT5M
Dress the Salad
Pour the creamy feta dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss gently with a serving spoon until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve the salad immediately at room temperature or chill for 10 minutes for a cooler bite.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Milk (dairy)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Instead of Cucumber: English cucumber, Zucchini (raw)
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Kalamata Olives: Greek green olives, black olives
- Instead of Feta Cheese: Goat cheese, Cotija
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning, marjoram
- Instead of Red Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar, sherry vinegar
- Instead of Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil, light olive oil
- Instead of Fresh Dill: Fresh parsley, tarragon
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Fork or Potato Masher
- Measuring Spoons
- Serving Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mashing the feta until smooth to create a uniform dressing.
- Balancing the acidity of the red wine vinegar with the richness of olive oil.
- Ensuring vegetables are sliced uniformly for even texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for sweetness without excess juice.
- Chill the salad briefly before serving for a refreshing contrast.
Troubleshooting
Dressing is too thick.
Thin it with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of water until desired consistency.
Salad is too salty.
Add more cucumber or a drizzle of extra olive oil to mellow the saltiness.
Olives are overly briny.
Rinse the olives briefly under cold water and pat dry before adding.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the dressing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the assembled salad separate and dress just before serving; it will stay fresh for 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended for this salad due to fresh vegetables.
Room temperature: Serve within 2 hours of preparation if kept at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the feta dressing up to 2 days in advance and store in a sealed jar.
- Keep the vegetables and olives in a separate container; combine just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing in Greek cuisine?
Greek salad, or "horiatiki," is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine dating back to ancient Greece, where fresh vegetables, olives, and cheese symbolized the region's bounty. The creamy feta dressing is a modern twist popularized by contemporary chefs to add richness while preserving the salad's traditional flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of Greek Salad in Greece?
In coastal regions, the salad may include capers, anchovies, or sliced boiled potatoes, while island versions often add fresh herbs like mint. Some areas prefer a simple olive‑oil‑lemon dressing instead of a creamy feta sauce.
How is Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing traditionally served in Greece?
Traditionally, the salad is served as a mezze (appetizer) or side dish alongside grilled meats, fresh bread, or a glass of retsina wine. It is usually presented at room temperature on a large platter for communal sharing.
During which celebrations or occasions is Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing commonly enjoyed in Greek culture?
Greek salad appears at family gatherings, summer picnics, and festive occasions such as Easter and name‑day celebrations, where fresh, seasonal produce is highlighted.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Greek feta cheese, Kalamata olives, extra‑virgin olive oil, and fresh dill or oregano. Acceptable substitutes are goat cheese for feta, green olives for Kalamata, and parsley for dill, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Greek or Mediterranean dishes pair well with Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing?
Pair it with grilled souvlaki, lemon‑herb roasted chicken, baked fish with olive tapenade, or a side of spanakopita for a complete Mediterranean meal.
What makes Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing special or unique in Greek cuisine?
The creamy feta dressing adds a velvety texture and tangy depth that contrasts with the crisp vegetables, offering a modern, indulgent twist on the classic, oil‑only dressing while still honoring traditional flavors.
How has Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing evolved over time in modern Greek cooking?
While the original "horiatiki" used only olive oil, lemon, and oregano, contemporary chefs have introduced blended feta dressings to cater to global palates seeking richer sauces, making the salad more versatile for plating and restaurant menus.
What are common misconceptions about Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing?
A common myth is that the salad must contain lettuce; authentic Greek salad never includes lettuce. Another misconception is that the dressing must be heavy; the creamy feta version is still light when balanced with olive oil and vinegar.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing?
Avoid over‑mashing the feta into a paste that becomes grainy, and don’t drown the vegetables with too much dressing. Also, be careful not to over‑salt, as the feta and olives already provide plenty of salt.
Why does this Greek Salad recipe use a creamy feta dressing instead of a simple olive‑oil‑lemon vinaigrette?
The creamy feta dressing adds body and a tangy richness that coats the vegetables evenly, creating a more indulgent bite while still highlighting the fresh flavors of the produce and herbs.
Can I make Greek Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare the dressing up to two days in advance and keep it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Store the chopped vegetables and olives separately, then combine and toss with the dressing just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel The Modern Nonna specialize in?
The Modern Nonna focuses on contemporary takes on classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes, blending traditional techniques with modern presentation and health‑conscious twists for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel The Modern Nonna's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The Modern Nonna emphasizes quick, ingredient‑driven recipes that respect authentic flavors while incorporating modern shortcuts, such as using a food processor for dressings, and often highlights seasonal produce and sustainable sourcing.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
