Savory Greek Salad with Zesty Herby Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Savory Greek Salad with Zesty Herby Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any meal. Packed with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a flavorful homemade dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil (use high-quality extra virgin)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (can substitute with apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (use 3 times more if fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground recommended)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (substitute with lime juice if desired)
• Salad:
• 1 medium cucumber (English cucumber preferred)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup olives (Kalamata recommended)
• 1/4 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled before adding)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, add the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently stir to coat the vegetables without breaking up the feta.
4. Step 4: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra feta if desired. Serve fresh to enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra freshness, chill the dressing before mixing with the salad.
• Substitute fresh oregano for a more pronounced herbal aroma, adjusting quantity as noted.
• Add chopped fresh mint or parsley for a bright herbal twist.
• Use kalamata olives pitted for easier eating, or try green olives for a milder taste.
• Include a handful of toasted pine nuts or sliced cucumber seeds removed to improve texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and prevent the feta from becoming soggy. If already mixed, enjoy within one day for best texture. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served fresh or chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh oregano, but increase the quantity to about three times the amount of dried oregano to maintain the flavor balance.

Is it necessary to crumble the feta cheese before adding?

Crumbling the feta helps distribute the cheese evenly throughout the salad, enhancing each bite with its creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Savory Greek Salad with Zesty Herby Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

This Savory Greek Salad with Zesty Herby Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any time of the year. It features crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbly feta cheese, all brought together with a bright and flavorful dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, and lemon juice. Easy to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this salad makes a great side or light meal.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 1/4 cup high-quality extra virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (can substitute with apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (or use 3 teaspoons if fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (can substitute with lime juice)

Salad

• 1 medium English Cucumber
• 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives
• 1/4 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, freshly ground pepper, and lemon juice until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped English cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without breaking up the feta.
3. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently stir everything to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the zesty dressing, taking care not to mash the feta cheese.
4. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with additional crumbled feta cheese. Enjoy the salad fresh to appreciate the vibrant colors and flavors.

Notes

• Using English cucumber helps keep the salad crisp and less watery due to its thinner skin and fewer seeds.
• Dijon mustard adds a sharp tanginess to the dressing but can be substituted with yellow mustard in a pinch.
• Fresh oregano may be used at three times the amount of dried for a more herbaceous flavor.
• Adjust the salt seasoning according to your taste preference and the saltiness of feta cheese.
• This salad is best served fresh to retain the texture and flavors of the ingredients.

Keywords: Greek salad, feta cheese, cucumber salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, no-cook recipe, fresh salad, olive oil dressing