Name: Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 3 tomatoes (size of a tennis ball); 4 Lebanese / Persian cucumbers (about 8"/20cm long); 1/2 small red onion (size of a tennis ball); 1 small green capsicum / bell pepper; 8 oz / 250 g feta block; 5.5 oz / 125g black kalamata olives; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 garlic clove, minced (about 1/2 tsp minced garlic); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp salt (or 1/2 tsp Kosher salt); Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (preferably Greek)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 48 reviews

If you have been searching for a vibrant, fresh, and truly satisfying salad to brighten your meal times, this Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s everything you love about Greek salad — juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta, and a punchy, herb-packed dressing that ties every bite together perfectly. This classic dish is not only packed with Mediterranean flavors but also comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a deliciously simple go-to for any day of the week.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with a colorful Greek salad showing layers of vegetables and cheese. The bottom layer has chopped red tomatoes, green bell pepper slices, and cucumber rounds. On top of that, there are thin purple onion slices and whole black olives. Large white cheese cubes sprinkled with herbs sit on one side of the bowl. A woman's hand is pouring light yellow dressing from a white small pitcher, drizzling over the salad. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with a cloth napkin underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Greek salad thrives on simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of texture and authentic flavor, from the fresh vegetables that provide crunch and color to the homemade dressing that elevates the whole salad experience.

Tomatoes: Three medium-sized, ripe tomatoes for juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
Cucumbers: Four Lebanese or Persian cucumbers for crispness and cool freshness.
Red onion: Half a small red onion for subtle sharpness and a pop of purple.
Green capsicum (bell pepper): One small, sliced into strips to add a gentle peppery crunch.
Feta cheese: A 250-gram block of firm feta for creamy, tangy richness cut into neat cubes.
Kalamata olives: 125 grams of dark, plump olives for that essential salty, savory burst.
Dried oregano: One teaspoon to sprinkle over the salad for that unmistakable Greek aroma.
Garlic clove (minced): One clove for the homemade dressing’s earthy depth.
Red wine vinegar: Three tablespoons to add a zesty tang that brightens the dressing.
Extra virgin olive oil: Six tablespoons, ideally Greek, to give a smooth, fruity base to the dressing.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season everything just right.

How to Make Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Combine your minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Give it a vigorous shake until everything emulsifies and blends. Set it aside for about 20 minutes to let those flavors mingle and deepen. This step ensures your dressing will shine with authentic Mediterranean charm.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Start by cutting your tomatoes into wedges and then slicing each wedge into smaller pieces, making sure to scoop out any watery seeds for less moisture in the salad. Thinly slice the cucumbers, or halve them lengthwise if they’re particularly thick, to enhance crunch. Peel and slice the red onion into thin rings to add mild sharpness without overpowering. Finally, slice the green capsicum into short strips for an additional layer of crisp sweetness.

Step 3: Cube the Feta and Assemble

Cut the feta block into neat 1cm cubes, which will give delightful bursts of creamy, salty flavor amid the vegetables. In a large bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, capsicum, olives, and feta. Sprinkle on the dried oregano, then generously drizzle your homemade dressing over everything. Toss the salad lightly to coat all the ingredients well without breaking up the feta.

How to Serve Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe

A fresh salad is served in a white shallow bowl, filled with chunky layers of colorful ingredients. The bottom layer contains bright green cucumber slices cut into thick strips, interspersed with vibrant red tomato wedges. On top, there are cubes of white cheese sprinkled with herbs, along with dark purple-black olives. Thin slices of red onion add fine strands of purple throughout the salad. The whole dish looks juicy and fresh, with a light dressing visible on the vegetables. The bowl sits on a rough beige linen cloth, placed against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To truly honor this dish, garnish with a few extra sprinkles of dried oregano or a light drizzle of olive oil for that shiny, inviting finish. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint can add an unexpected and fresh green note that complements the existing flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Greek salad pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread, grilled chicken or lamb kebabs, or even as a refreshing counterpoint to spiced Mediterranean dishes. It’s a star side for barbecues or a lunch companion for a light meal on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe in individual glass bowls to show off all the colors and textures, or assemble it on a large platter for a festive family-style presentation. You could also layer it in a clear jar for picnics or potlucks to keep it fresh until ready to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best consumed within 1 to 2 days as the vegetables start to soften and the feta absorbs more dressing over time.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing because fresh vegetables and feta lose their ideal texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the crispness and vibrant colors.

Reheating

Since it’s a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. If you want to revive the flavors after chilling, give the salad a fresh stir and consider adding a little extra olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of olives if I don’t have Kalamata olives?

While Kalamata olives are the classic choice for Greek salad due to their rich, fruity flavor, you can substitute with other black or even green olives. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly; choose high-quality olives for the best taste.

Is there a way to soften the red onion if the flavor is too strong for me?

Absolutely! Soaking the sliced red onions in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes helps mellow their sharpness and makes them more palatable, without losing their lovely crunch.

Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?

Yes, you can. Making the dressing ahead of time is actually beneficial as it allows the flavors to develop fully. Just give it a quick shake or stir before tossing with the salad.

What type of feta cheese works best in this salad?

The best feta for this salad is a firm, crumbly block-style cheese. Greek-style feta made from sheep’s milk or a blend is ideal because it holds its shape well when cubed and offers authentic salty, tangy flavor.

Can this Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe be made vegan?

To make it vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The salad itself with olives, vegetables, and dressing is naturally vegan and still incredibly delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple preparation. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor each bite, perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones. I cannot recommend enough that you try making this refreshing, colorful salad at home — it’s guaranteed to brighten your day and your meals!