If you’re craving a refreshing medley of flavors straight from Greece, this classic Greek salad is your ticket to the Mediterranean. With crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes as the backbone, this salad is all about authenticity. It’s nothing but pure, bold tastes wrapped up in a vibrant presentation.
Ingredients
- English cucumber โ 1 large
- Red onion โ 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Kalamata olives โ about 75 g (1/3 cup)
- Ripe tomatoes โ 2, cut into wedges
- Bell pepper โ 1, diced
- Feta cheese โ 200 g (7 oz), crumbled
- Extra virgin olive oil โ 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Lemon zest โ from half a lemon
- Fresh thyme โ to taste (about 2 tablespoons)
- Oregano โ to taste (about 2 tablespoons)
- Red wine vinegar โ 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
- Honey mustard โ 2 teaspoons
- Lemon juice โ from half a lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt โ to taste
- Oregano seeds โ for garnish
Steps to Bright Flavors
- Prepare the Cucumber and Onion
Chop the English cucumber into slices or half circles for easy biting. Thinly slice the red onion to ensure the dressing softens its boldness. - Add the Olives and Tomatoes
Halve the Kalamata olives (beware of hidden pits) and chop the ripe tomatoes into manageable wedges before mixing them with the cucumbers and onion. - Incorporate Bell Pepper and Feta
Dice the bell pepper, removing seeds and ribs. Crumble most of the feta into the bowl, setting aside some for later garnish. - Create the Dressing
Combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, fresh thyme, oregano, red wine vinegar, honey mustard, and lemon juice. Emulsify by shaking or whisking, and taste adjusting with more lemon juice or salt if needed. - Dress and Garnish
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, lightly toss, and top with reserved feta and crushed oregano seeds for that final fragrant touch.
This delightful Greek salad is perfect for any occasion, with each bite bringing a delightful spark of freshness and a hint of Mediterranean summer. Make it ahead of time if desired; it’s one of those dishes where the flavors only improve!
