Best 6 Traditional Greek Salad Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Mediterranean and discover the authentic flavors of traditional Greek salad. This timeless dish, known as "horiatiki salata" in Greek, is a symphony of fresh, wholesome ingredients that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. With its vibrant colors, delectable simplicity, and refreshing taste, Greek salad has become a beloved staple in kitchens and restaurants around the world. In this article, we will explore the origins, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to create the perfect traditional Greek salad, transporting you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with every bite.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC GREEK SALAD



Classic Greek Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
Kosher salt
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
12 to 14 small vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered
1 cup kalamata olives, halved and pitted
5 Persian cucumbers
1 4-ounce block Greek feta cheese, packed in brine
Fresh oregano leaves, for topping (optional)

Steps:

  • Soak the red onion in a bowl of heavily salted ice water, 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar, lemon zest and juice, honey, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified. Add the tomatoes and olives and toss. Peel the cucumbers, leaving alternating strips of green peel. Trim the ends, halve lengthwise and slice crosswise, about 1/2 inch thick; add to the bowl with the tomatoes. Drain the red onion, add to the bowl and toss. Drain the feta and slice horizontally into 4 even rectangles. Divide the salad among plates. Top with the feta and oregano; drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper. Photograph by Johnny Miller

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292 calorie, Fat 25 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 25 milligrams, Sodium 748 milligrams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 6 grams, Sugar 6 grams

TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD



Traditional Greek Salad image

This tart and crispy salad complements a variety of entrees, from casseroles and meats to pasta and pizza. "It's one of my favorite dishes," notes Valerie Belley from St. Louis, Missouri.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn
2 medium cucumbers, sliced
3 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
2 green onions, chopped
2 packages (4 ounces each) crumbled feta cheese
DRESSING:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions and feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 380mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD RECIPE



Traditional Greek Salad Recipe image

Simple traditional Greek Salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives and creamy feta cheese.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium red onion
4 Medium juicy tomatoes
1 English cucumber (hot house cucumber) (partially peeled making a striped pattern)
1 green bell pepper (cored)
Greek pitted Kalamata olives (a handful to your liking)
kosher salt (a pinch)
4 tbsp quality extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Blocks of Greek feta cheese (do not crumble the feta, leave it in large pieces)
1/2 tbsp dried oregano

Steps:

  • Cut the red onion in half and thinly slice into half moons. (If you want to take the edge off, place the sliced onions in a solution of iced water and vinegar for a bit before adding to the salad. I do this in the video).
  • Cut the tomatoes into wedges or large chunks (I sliced some into rounds and cut the rest in wedges).
  • Cut the partially peeled cucumber in half length-wise, then slice into thick halves (at least 1/2" in thickness)
  • Thinly slice the bell pepper into rings.
  • Place everything in a large salad dish. Add a good handful of pitted kalamata olives.
  • Season very lightly with kosher salt (just a pinch) and a bit of dried oregano.
  • Pour the olive oil and red wine vinegar all over the salad. Give everything a very gentle toss to mix (do NOT over mix, this salad is not meant to be handled too much).
  • Now add the the feta blocks on top and add a sprinkle more of dried oregano.
  • Serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 102.9 kcal, Sodium 2.8 mg, Fat 9.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Carbohydrate 4.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 0.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

EASY GREEK SALAD



Easy Greek Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
4 whole ripe tomatoes, cut into 6 wedges each, then each wedge cut in half
1 whole (large) cucumber, peeled, cut into fourths lengthwise, and diced into large chunks
1/2 whole red onion, sliced very thin
30 whole pitted kalamata olives, cut in half lengthwise, plus 6 olives, chopped fine
6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar, or more to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 whole lemon, for squeezing

Steps:

  • Add the chopped lettuce, tomato wedges, cucumber chunks, onion slices, halved olives, half the feta and some parsley to a large bowl.
  • Combine the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and chopped olives in a bowl or mason jar. Whisk or shake together until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings (I almost always add a little more sugar).
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, then add some salt and pepper. Toss with tongs or clean hands. Just before serving, top with the remaining feta and squeeze a little lemon juice over the top.

GREEK SALAD



Greek Salad image

While diner-style Greek salads made with chopped romaine, crumbled feta and often grilled chicken have become ubiquitous in American restaurants, a traditional Greek salad, or horiatiki salata, is a simpler affair. An assembled salad of large-diced vegetables with Kalamata olives and sometimes capers, this salad has no greens at all, and the feta is served sliced on top of the salad rather than crumbled and tossed into it. A traditional Greek salad is dressed lightly with olive oil and red wine vinegar; this recipe adds garlic and oregano. To make the salad into a satisfying vegetarian main course, throw in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weekday, salads and dressings, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound ripe red tomatoes, cored and cut into wedges (2 or 3 tomatoes)
1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 green bell pepper, cored, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4-inch thick
3/4 cup Kalamata olives
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/2 medium yellow or red onion, very thinly sliced into rings
8 ounces Greek feta cheese, sliced 1/2-inch thick

Steps:

  • In a bowl or small glass measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, then set aside.
  • Arrange the tomatoes, cucumber and bell pepper in a large shallow serving bowl. Scatter the olives, capers and onions on top, then drizzle about half the dressing evenly over the salad.
  • Place the slices of feta on top of the salad and drizzle with additional dressing to taste. Serve at room temperature.

GREEK SALAD DRESSING



Greek Salad Dressing image

Homemade Greek salad dressing doesn't get much easier. If you don't have lemon juice on hand, replace it with additional vinegar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 5m

Yield 3/4 cup.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

  • In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all ingredients; shake well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 163 calories, Fat 18g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 217mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

Tips for Making a Traditional Greek Salad:

  • Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your salad. Select ripe, flavorful tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and red onions.
  • Cut Vegetables Uniformly: This ensures that they cook evenly and look visually appealing in the salad.
  • Don't Overdress the Salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Too much dressing can overpower the flavors of the vegetables.
  • Let the Salad Marinate: Allowing the salad to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and develop.
  • Serve Immediately: Greek salad is best when served immediately after it is made. The longer it sits, the more the vegetables will wilt and lose their crunch.

Conclusion:

Traditional Greek salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a staple of Greek cuisine and beloved by people all over the world. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a healthy side dish, Greek salad is a delicious and satisfying choice. So next time you are in need of a quick and easy meal, give this traditional recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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