This Simple Greek Tossed Green Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. Crisp greens mingle with tangy feta, briny olives, and a zesty homemade dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Every bite delivers a burst of freshness, with the creamy richness of olive oil and the bright pop of lemon tying it all together. Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean flair, this salad is a feast for the senses. Whether as a side or a light main, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress without any fuss.
Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients
- Salad:
- 6-8 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or any crisp lettuce of your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced or halved
- 1 English cucumber (or regular cucumber), cut into small pieces
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (keep whole or slice if preferred)
- ½ cup sliced banana peppers (or substitute with green bell peppers)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Homemade Greek Dressing:
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and banana peppers. Toss gently to mix.
- Add the Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a jar or airtight container, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, salt, onion powder, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Seal the container and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad. Toss lightly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crisp texture. Enjoy your vibrant Greek tossed green salad!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Greek Salad
This Greek salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or falafel for a complete Mediterranean feast. It also makes a refreshing side for pasta dishes or homemade pizzas. For a light lunch, add a slice of warm pita bread or a scoop of hummus to round out the meal.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations to Try
Customize this salad to suit your taste or pantry staples! Swap romaine lettuce for spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile. Add chickpeas or grilled shrimp for extra protein. If you’re not a fan of banana peppers, try roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts instead. For a creamier twist, mix in a dollop of tzatziki sauce with the dressing.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Prep your veggies ahead of time! Chop the lettuce, cucumbers, and onions up to 2 days in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can also make the dressing ahead—it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using. If you’re in a rush, skip slicing the cherry tomatoes and toss them in whole.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Salad Fresh
To keep your salad crisp, store the dressing and salad ingredients separately until ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but note that the lettuce may wilt slightly. If you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best enjoyed the same day. For the dressing, use a glass jar or airtight container to maintain its flavor and freshness.
Common Questions About This Greek Salad
Can I use bottled dressing instead? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought Greek or Italian dressing works well. However, the homemade version adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Can I make this salad vegan? Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it an easy vegan option.
The Best Simple Greek Tossed Green Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 6-8 cups chopped romaine lettuce, (or any crisp lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced or halved
- 1 English cucumber, or regular cucumber, (cut into small pieces)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, (you can keep them whole or sliced them if desired)
- ½ cup sliced banana peppers, (or green bell peppers)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Homemade Greek Dressing
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon style mustard
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives, banana peppers, and cucumbers. Top salad with feta cheese.
- Combine all simple dressing ingredients in a jar or airtight container and shake until dressing ingredients are combined.
- Add dressing to salad right before serving.