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If you are craving a vibrant, refreshing salad that bursts with authentic Mediterranean flavors, you have to try this Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese all brought together with a simple but zesty dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a timeless and utterly satisfying dish whether served as a light lunch, side, or appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this salad so delightful is the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in contributing to the dish’s colorful presentation, freshness, and authentic flavor profile.
- 4 large ripe tomatoes: Juicy and full of sweetness, they form the salad’s rich base.
- 1 cucumber: Adds a crisp, cooling crunch that refreshes the palate.
- 1 green bell pepper: Provides a subtle, grassy bite with vibrant color.
- 1 red onion: Thin slices bring a sharp, slightly sweet zing.
- 200 g feta cheese: Creamy, salty cubes that are essential to true Greek salad flavor.
- 100 g kalamata olives: Pitted for ease, they add that signature briny punch.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: The golden drizzle that blends everything beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds subtle tang and brightness to the dressing.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb for that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A green garnish that adds freshness and color.
How to Make Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Vegetables
Begin by chopping your ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, slicing the cucumber, and thinly slicing both the green bell pepper and red onion. These fresh vegetables are the heart of the salad, setting the stage with their vibrant colors and refreshing textures. Place all these prepared veggies in a large mixing bowl to get ready for the assembly.
Step 2: Add the Feta and Olives
Next, introduce the cubed feta cheese and pitted kalamata olives to the bowl. These ingredients bring an essential richness and salty depth to the salad, perfectly complementing the fresh vegetables and making every forkful a delight.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano. This tangy yet smooth dressing is the magic that ties all the flavors together and elevates the salad’s Mediterranean character.
Step 4: Combine with Care
Pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Then, gently toss everything together so each bite is coated with that flavorful dressing. Careful tossing ensures the tomatoes don’t get too crushed while letting the ingredients marry beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Transfer your vibrant salad to a serving dish and, if you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This last touch adds a subtle herbal brightness and a pop of green that makes the dish even more inviting. You can serve immediately or let the salad chill briefly to let the flavors mingle.
How to Serve Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet elegant garnish that enhances the salad’s fresh appearance and slightly herbal flavor. You can also sprinkle a few extra dried oregano flakes or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an extra touch of luxury.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like lamb or chicken, warm pita bread, or even alongside seafood for a lighter meal. It’s also perfect as a refreshing counterbalance to heavier Mediterranean dishes like moussaka or spanakopita.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad layered in glass bowls or in individual cups for parties. You can also stuff pita pockets with the salad for a tasty handheld option or arrange it atop toasted bruschetta slices for a Mediterranean twist on a classic appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the vegetables release some water, it’s best eaten within a day or two for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and feta cheese, which can change texture and flavor once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary or recommended for this salad. It’s always best served cold or at room temperature to showcase the crispness and freshness of the ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use different types of olives in the salad?
Absolutely! While kalamata olives are traditional and provide a signature flavor, you can experiment with other varieties like black ripe olives or green olives to suit your taste. Just make sure they’re pitted for easy eating.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
The classic recipe includes feta cheese, which is dairy-based. For a vegan version, you can substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit it, while keeping the other ingredients for a fresh, flavorful salad.
What’s the best way to cut the vegetables?
Chopping the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and slicing cucumbers and peppers thinly helps maintain a good balance of textures. Thin slices of onion help spread the flavor without overwhelming any bite. Uniform pieces make the salad easier to mix and eat.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Definitely! Many variations include capers, fresh herbs like mint, or even avocado for creaminess. However, the beauty of this Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe is its simplicity, so adding too much can mask the traditional flavors.
How long should I marinate the salad?
You can enjoy the salad immediately after tossing, but letting it rest in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just be careful not to wait too long, or the vegetables may release too much water and become soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to impress. It’s quick to make, beautifully fresh, and absolutely packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will quickly become a favorite for lunches, dinners, or any occasion when you want a taste of sunshine on your plate. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and dig into a bowl of Mediterranean bliss!
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Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Classic Fresh Mediterranean Greek Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, green bell pepper, and red onion, complemented by salty feta cheese, pungent kalamata olives, and a zesty dressing of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Dairy & Olives
- 200 g feta cheese, cubed
- 100 g kalamata olives, pitted
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the green bell pepper and red onion. Place all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Add feta and olives: Add the cubed feta cheese and pitted kalamata olives to the bowl containing the vegetables.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano, then mix well to combine.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and, if desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added freshness and color.
- Chill or serve immediately: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for a short while to allow the flavors to meld for a more intense taste.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Use ripe and fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for some crunch.
