Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing Greek salad. Combining crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, this dish is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. The homemade dressing, infused with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, brings all the ingredients together in a harmonious blend.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. Kalamata olives are a type of Greek olive known for their rich, fruity flavor and dark purple color. They can usually be found in the international or olive section of your supermarket. Feta cheese is a brined curd cheese made from sheep's milk, often found in the cheese section. Red wine vinegar adds a distinct tangy flavor and can be found in the vinegar or salad dressing aisle.

Ingredients For Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe
Romaine lettuce: A crisp, leafy green that forms the base of the salad.
Cherry tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a burst of flavor and color.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Kalamata olives: Dark purple olives with a rich, fruity flavor.
Feta cheese: A tangy, crumbly cheese that adds creaminess to the salad.
Extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality oil that forms the base of the dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and tang to the dressing.
Dried oregano: A herb that adds a Mediterranean flavor to the dressing.
Garlic: Minced to add a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dressing.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the salad.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the red onion for the salad, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the mix. This will help to mellow out the sharpness and make the onion flavor more subtle, enhancing the overall balance of the Mediterranean Greek Salad.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
romaine lettuce - Substitute with mixed greens: Mixed greens provide a similar crunchy texture and fresh taste.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness.
sliced cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini offers a similar crunch and mild flavor.
sliced red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter onion flavor.
kalamata olives - Substitute with black olives: Black olives have a similar briny taste but are less intense.
crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese offers a similar tangy and creamy texture.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and mild flavor.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tang.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a similar earthy and aromatic flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallot: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet garlic-like flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt offers a similar salty taste with a slightly different mineral profile.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without the black specks.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
How to Store or Freeze This Salad
- To keep your Mediterranean Greek Salad fresh, store the salad components and dressing separately. This prevents the romaine lettuce and other vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Place the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store the crumbled feta cheese in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
- For the dressing, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing into a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- When ready to serve, combine the salad components in a large mixing bowl. Shake the dressing well before pouring it over the salad. Toss to combine and enjoy immediately.
- If you need to freeze the salad, it's best to only freeze the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thaw the frozen romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but they will still be suitable for the salad.
- Avoid freezing the cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese as they do not freeze well and can become mushy or lose their flavor.
- For a quick meal prep, you can pre-chop all the vegetables and store them in separate containers. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad when needed without compromising freshness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover Mediterranean Greek Salad, it's best to store the salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness. However, if they are already mixed, follow these steps:
Room Temperature Method:
- Remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- This will help the feta cheese and olive oil dressing to soften and regain some of their original flavors.
Microwave Method (for a warm twist):
- Place the salad in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as lettuce and cucumber can become soggy.
- Stir gently and check the temperature. If needed, heat for an additional 10 seconds.
Oven Method (for a warm twist):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the salad evenly on a baking sheet.
- Warm in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent the vegetables from wilting too much.
- Remove from the oven and toss gently before serving.
Skillet Method (for a warm twist):
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the salad to the skillet and warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- This method can give a slight char to the cherry tomatoes and red onion, adding a new depth of flavor.
Refreshing Method:
- If the salad has become soggy, add a handful of fresh romaine lettuce and a few more cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Toss to combine and refresh the flavors.
Add Protein:
- To make the reheated salad more substantial, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Warm the protein separately and mix it into the salad just before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large mixing bowl: To combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Small bowl: For whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
Chef's knife: For chopping the romaine lettuce, halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the cucumber and red onion, and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: To provide a safe surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables and garlic.
Measuring cups: To measure out the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Salad tongs: To toss the salad and dressing together evenly.
Serving bowl: To present the salad attractively for serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Salad
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in advance and store them in airtight containers.
Make dressing ahead: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and garlic and store in a jar for quick use.
Use pre-crumbled feta: Save time by buying pre-crumbled feta cheese instead of crumbling it yourself.
Pre-wash lettuce: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Batch prep: Prepare larger quantities of the salad components and dressing to use throughout the week.

Mediterranean Greek Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- ¼ cup kalamata olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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