Simple Greek Salad with Feta

My Simple Greek Salad Recipe

I think a simple Greek salad is the best friend a kitchen can have. It’s fresh, fast, and always tastes like sunshine. This classic Greek salad is my go-to when I want something good and honest. You just chop, whisk, and toss. Doesn’t that sound nice?

I learned this from my friend Anna years ago. We sat in her garden, eating this very salad. The tomatoes were still warm from the sun. I still laugh at that perfect afternoon. It taught me that food is best when it’s shared. That’s why this matters: good food connects us.

The Heart of It: The Dressing

The magic is in the Greek salad dressing. It’s just oil, vinegar, lemon, and herbs. You whisk it right in a bowl. The smell of oregano and garlic is wonderful. It makes the whole kitchen happy.

*Fun fact*: The acid in the lemon juice and vinegar does a neat trick. It softens the sharp bite of the red onion just a little. This homemade Greek salad dressing is so much better than a bottle. Have you ever made your own salad dressing before?

Bringing the Salad Together

Now for the fun part. Chop your cucumber and tomatoes. Slice the onion thin. Throw in the salty olives. This easy Greek salad comes alive with color. I love how it looks in my big yellow bowl.

Toss everything with that lovely dressing. If you use cubed feta from brine, add it now. If you have crumbled feta, sprinkle it on top last. This keeps it pretty. A quick Greek salad like this is perfect with Greek turkey meatballs or all on its own.

A Little Secret for the Best Flavor

Here’s my little tip. Let the salad sit for 20 minutes before eating. Please, don’t put it in the fridge. Room temperature is key. The flavors get to know each other and mingle. It tastes completely different, in the best way.

This is the second “why this matters” bit. Letting food rest is a small act of patience. It makes everything taste more like itself. Do you have a food that gets better after it sits?

Your Own Mediterranean Table

This Greek salad with feta is a celebration of simple things. A crunchy cucumber. A juicy tomato. Salty cheese. Together, they make a Mediterranean salad that feels like a mini-vacation. It’s a lovely salad for one or a whole crowd.

I often pair it with something like Greek orzo and chicken for a full meal. What is your favorite thing to eat with a fresh, crisp salad? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Olive oil	¼ cup	For the dressing
Red wine vinegar	⅛ cup	For the dressing
Fresh lemon juice	1 tablespoon	For the dressing
Dijon mustard	½ teaspoon	For the dressing
Garlic	1 clove, minced	For the dressing
Dried oregano	½ teaspoon	For the dressing
Sea salt	¼ teaspoon, or to taste	For the dressing
Freshly ground black pepper	to taste	For the dressing
English cucumber	1	Seeded and chopped; or regular cucumber
Campari tomatoes	4	Quartered or halved; or 1 pint cherry tomatoes
Red onion	½ medium	Thinly sliced
Pitted Kalamata olives	⅓ cup
Feta cheese	½ cup	Cubed (if in brine), or crumbled

Instructions

Step 1: Let’s make the magic dressing first. Whisk all dressing ingredients in a bowl. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The garlic and oregano make a classic Greek salad dressing. (A hard-learned tip: always use fresh lemon juice here.) This homemade Greek salad dressing is the star.

Step 2: Now, chop your veggies for the simple Greek salad. Combine cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives in a big bowl. I still laugh at how my grandson calls red onion “purple crunch.” This easy Greek salad comes together so fast.

Step 3: Gently toss the veggies with your dressing. If you use crumbled feta, add it now. For cubed feta from brine, wait. Do you prefer your feta mixed in or on top? Share below! This keeps your Greek salad with feta perfect.

Step 4: Your Mediterranean salad is ready! You can serve it immediately. Or let it sit for 20 minutes. The flavors get friendly. This quick Greek salad is a wonderful side for any meal.

Creative Twists

Add juicy peaches for a sweet summer surprise in your Greek salad recipe.
Mix in some cooked orzo pasta to make it a hearty, fork-friendly dinner salad.
Top with a grilled chicken breast marinated in a creamy Greek yogurt sauce for extra protein.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This homemade Greek salad is a meal by itself. For a bigger feast, serve it with savory turkey meatballs or some warm pita bread. I love adding a warm potato salad on the side too. A classic Greek salad is so versatile. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Greek Salad Fresh

This simple Greek salad is best fresh. But life gets busy. I often make a big batch for the week. Store the veggies and dressing apart in the fridge. This keeps everything crisp and happy for two days.

I remember my first big batch. I mixed it all together on Monday. By Wednesday, my salad was soggy. I learned my lesson the hard way. Now I keep the parts separate until I’m ready to eat. This easy Greek salad stays perfect.

Batch cooking like this saves precious time. It means a healthy, homemade Greek salad with feta is always minutes away. It turns a good intention into an easy habit. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Salad Troubles

Sometimes a classic Greek salad can be too sharp or too wet. First, if your onion is too strong, soak the slices in cold water for ten minutes. This takes away the harsh bite and leaves a sweet crunch.

Second, a soggy salad is no fun. Always seed your cucumber. Just scrape the middle out with a spoon. I once forgot this step. My delicious Mediterranean salad was sitting in a puddle!

Third, balance your dressing. If it’s too tart, add a tiny bit of honey. Getting these small things right builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your homemade Greek salad sing. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

How do you make creamy Greek salad dressing with feta?

For a creamy Greek salad dressing, blend your feta right in. Add your olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings to a blender. Crumble in about two tablespoons of feta cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. This creates a rich, tangy coating for your quick Greek salad. It clings to every cucumber and tomato beautifully.

How to make a block of feta a little creamier?

To soften a block of feta, let it sit at room temperature for an hour before using. You can also soak it in a little milk or water. This helps it become softer and spreadable. It’s perfect for crumbling over your salad for one. This simple trick makes a big difference in texture.

Why is feta in Greece so creamy?

Feta in Greece is often creamier because of tradition and diet. Authentic Greek feta is made mostly from sheep’s milk, sometimes with goat’s milk. This milk is richer. The cheese is also stored in brine, which keeps it moist. The result is a tangy, creamy cheese that makes any Mediterranean salad special.

How do I make feta cheese creamy?

You can make feta cheese creamy by mashing or blending it. Mix crumbled feta with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream. Mash it together with a fork until smooth. This creates a lovely, spreadable cream for your simple Greek salad recipe. *Fun fact: this method is great for dips too!*

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes, you can prepare this easy Greek salad ahead. Chop all your veggies and make the dressing. Keep them separate in the fridge. Combine everything just before you are ready to eat. This keeps your cucumbers crisp and your tomatoes firm. It’s the best way to meal-prep a fresh-tasting homemade Greek salad.

What can I serve with this salad?

This Greek salad with feta is a wonderful side. It pairs perfectly with simple grilled chicken or fish. Try it with some warm pita bread for dipping. It also goes well with other Greek dishes, like savory turkey meatballs or a hearty chicken hummus bowl. It’s a versatile, refreshing side for any meal.

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this classic Greek salad as much as I do. It reminds me of sunny days and simple, good food. The flavors are so fresh and happy together. It’s a little taste of the Mediterranean you can make any night.

I’d love to hear about your cooking adventures. Did you add your own twist? Maybe some extra olives or a different herb? Your kitchen is your own. Make this recipe work for you and your family. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.

Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn