Imagine a sunny Mediterranean afternoon, the gentle breeze rustling through the olive trees as you take a bite of a vibrant Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette. The crisp cucumbers crunch under your teeth, while ripe tomatoes burst with flavor, all drizzled in a tangy lemon dressing that dances on your palate. protein-rich bean dish It’s like summer on a plate, and trust me, you’ll be transported to a sun-soaked island with every mouthful.
Now, let’s not get too carried away. This is not just any salad; it’s a glorious celebration of fresh ingredients that can transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in no time. Whether it’s a light lunch, a side for grilled chicken, or the star of your next gathering, this Greek salad will have everyone raving and reaching for seconds – and maybe even thirds. perfect side for Greek salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of fresh veggies and zesty dressing creates an explosion of flavors
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to complement various main dishes or stand alone as a refreshing meal
Gathering friends around the table while enjoying this salad always brings back fond memories of laughter and shared stories.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Tomatoes: Look for firm tomatoes that yield slightly when pressed for the best flavor. light and nutritious wrap.
- Cucumbers: Choose crisp cucumbers; English cucumbers are great for their tender skin.
- Red Onion: A small amount adds sweetness and color; soak it in water if it’s too sharp.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch; use red or yellow for sweetness.
- Kalamata Olives: These briny gems pack a unique flavor; pitted olives save time.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; opt for authentic Greek feta if possible.
For the Dressing:
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste and health benefits.
- Dried Oregano: A classic herb in Greek cuisine; use fresh if available but dried works great too. For more inspiration, check out this Mediterranean chicken recipe recipe.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors; adjust to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Gather Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by assembling all your fresh ingredients on the counter. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or residues. This step ensures clean and vibrant veggies ready for chopping.
Chop Those Veggies
Dice the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so each forkful provides an equal balance of flavors and textures, nobody wants an awkwardly large chunk ruining their salad experience!
Toss in Olives and Feta
Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to your bowl of diced veggies. The salty olives paired with creamy feta will elevate your salad’s flavor profile dramatically, like fireworks on a summer night!
Whisk Up That Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle this zesty concoction over your salad for that burst of Mediterranean sunshine!
Combine Everything
Gently toss everything together until every piece gets coated in that tangy dressing. Use two large spoons or simply shake the bowl, just don’t spill it everywhere unless you want to turn dinner into an avant-garde art project.
Serve Chilled or Room Temperature
You can serve this Greek salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows those flavors to mingle beautifully, like old friends catching up over coffee!
Now you have yourself one delightful Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe! Enjoy every colorful bite! refreshing salad alternative.
You Must Know
- This delightful Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette is more than just a salad; it’s a symphony of flavors
- The crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta create a vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion
- Add it to your table, and watch it disappear!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
When preparing your Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette, start by chopping your veggies while the vinaigrette sits. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping everything fresh and crisp. For more inspiration, check out this lemon orzo salad with feta recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or olives. You could even toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating as this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the freshest taste, always use ripe tomatoes and crispy cucumbers; they elevate the dish significantly
- Try making the vinaigrette ahead of time for a quick meal prep solution
- Don’t forget to season with salt before serving to enhance all those delicious flavors!
Sharing my first experience with this Greek salad was nothing short of magical; my family devoured it at a summer picnic, claiming it was love at first bite!
FAQ
What makes a Greek salad traditional?
A classic Greek salad includes tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese.
Can I make Greek salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add dressing just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for lemon vinaigrette?
Try using balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar as tasty alternatives for dressing.

Greek Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing Greek salad, featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings, this salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients that will delight your taste buds and elevate any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced (preferably English)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather and rinse all fresh ingredients under cold water.
- Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into uniform pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped veggies with olives and crumbled feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg