Mediterranean Greek Salad with Oregano Lemon Dressing and Feta
This vibrant Mediterranean salad captures the fresh flavors of Greece with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a bright lemon-oregano vinaigrette. No lettuce here - just pure, simple ingredients that shine. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch on warm days.
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
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1
In a large bowl, combine tomato wedges, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper rings.
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2
Add Kalamata olives to the bowl.
💡 Pro Tip: For authentic Greek flavor, don't substitute regular black olives - Kalamata's briny taste is essential. -
3
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
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4
Pour dressing over vegetables and gently toss to combine. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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5
Top salad with feta cheese - either place the whole block on top (traditional style) or break into large chunks over the salad.
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6
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Give a gentle toss before serving.
👨🍳 Chef's Tips
Use the ripest tomatoes you can find - they're the star of this salad. English cucumbers work great and have fewer seeds. If red onion is too sharp, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes first, then drain. Fresh oregano can replace dried - use 2 tablespoons. This salad actually benefits from sitting for 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
🔄 Substitutions
Cherry or grape tomatoes work well, just halve them. Persian cucumbers can replace regular cucumbers. Yellow or orange bell peppers add color variation. Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and to make it more filling. Goat cheese can substitute for feta if needed, though the flavor will be different.
📦 Storage
Greek salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The vegetables will release water and become softer. For meal prep, store dressing separately and add just before serving. Do not freeze. Feta can be stored separately if you want to keep leftover salad for 2 days.