A true celebration of sun-kissed ingredients, the Authentic Mediterranean Greek Salad brings the essence of Greece right to your table. Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, sharp red onions, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta come together in a simple yet bold flavor experience. Tossed with olive oil, oregano, and just a hint of red wine vinegar, this dish doesn’t need to try too hard to impress—it’s already a classic.

Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or part of a larger meze spread, this salad always hits the spot. It requires no fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just the freshest vegetables and good-quality olive oil. That makes it not just easy to prepare but also healthy, vibrant, and absolutely addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad

This salad checks all the boxes: it’s quick to make, naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Its briny, tangy, and herbaceous notes pair well with a wide range of main courses. Best of all, it tastes like summer in every bite.

If you’re aiming for a no-fuss, fresh, and delicious addition to your weekly meals, this Greek salad is the answer. It works beautifully as a make-ahead option for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners when you want to keep things simple yet impressive.

What Kind of Feta Should I Use?

For the most authentic flavor, go with a block of Greek feta packed in brine. It has a creamier texture and more depth than pre-crumbled versions. You can gently crumble it over the salad or cut it into thick chunks—in Greece, it’s often served as a slab right on top. Aim for sheep’s milk feta for that rich, tangy profile.

Ingredients for the Authentic Mediterranean Greek Salad

Name: Authentic Mediterranean Greek Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped tomatoes; 1 large cucumber, sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced into rings; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives; 6 oz feta cheese block; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To capture the Mediterranean spirit, you want ingredients that are fresh, ripe, and minimally processed. The magic lies in their simplicity and balance.

Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Red Onion
Kalamata Olives
Green Bell Pepper
Feta Cheese
Dried Oregano
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar
Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Each ingredient plays an important role. Tomatoes bring juiciness and sweetness. Cucumbers add crunch and coolness. Red onion offers a sharp bite. Kalamata olives are briny and rich. Green bell pepper adds a bitter note and freshness. Feta cheese gives creamy saltiness. Dried oregano is the signature herb. Extra virgin olive oil binds the flavors together. A splash of red wine vinegar lifts everything. Salt and black pepper round out the seasoning.

How To Make the Authentic Mediterranean Greek Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. Cut the bell pepper into thin rings. If your onions are too pungent, soak them briefly in cold water to mellow the flavor.

Step 2: Combine in a Bowl

In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables. Add the olives and gently toss.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, then splash in the red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Add the Feta

Place a thick slab of feta cheese on top or crumble it over the salad, depending on your preference. Give the salad a final drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of oregano.

Serving and Storing This Vibrant Salad

This Greek salad serves about 4 to 6 people as a side dish or 2 to 3 as a main. It’s best served immediately so the vegetables retain their crunch and freshness. However, you can prep the veggies and dressing separately and assemble just before serving.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the salad will become more marinated over time, which some people enjoy.

What to Serve With Greek Salad?

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

The smoky char pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy salad.

Classic Caprese Salad

Pairing it with another fresh dish like Caprese Salad makes for a cooling summer lunch.

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

If you want something hearty on the side, try Greek Lemon Potatoes that match the Mediterranean flavors.

Homemade Naan Bread

It might not be Greek, but Homemade Naan is perfect for scooping up the olive oil and bits of feta.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

For a fuller meal, try it with a protein-packed bowl like Herby Chicken Meatballs.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Add another veggie-forward dish like Roasted Zucchini for a colorful plate.

Grilled Salmon

A buttery grilled salmon filet will balance the briny kick of the olives and feta.

Warm Pita with Hummus

You can’t go wrong with classic pita and hummus to complement this Mediterranean mix.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Mediterranean Twist?

If you love this Authentic Mediterranean Greek Salad, you might want to check out these delicious salad-centered ideas:

Classic Caprese Salad Recipe with tomato and mozzarella simplicity.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a creamy, veg-rich dish.
Roasted Zucchini and Squash Recipe with golden roasted flavor.
Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe as a hearty companion.
Easy Homemade Naan Bread when you want to soak up all the dressing.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go full traditional with a feta slab or crumble it up for easier mixing? Did you sneak in any cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other keep the Mediterranean magic alive.

Explore beautifully curated salad ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for fresh and vibrant meals.

Conclusion

The Authentic Mediterranean Greek Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a flavor-packed journey to the Aegean coast. Quick to prepare and endlessly refreshing, this salad is your perfect answer to warm weather cravings or light, wholesome meals. Keep it simple, use the best ingredients you can find, and let each bite transport you straight to a sun-drenched Greek taverna.