Fresh, Flavorful, and Fast: The Best Greek Salad Recipe

The idea of preparing a healthy meal can sometimes feel like more work than it’s worth — until you realize how many nutritional gaps a Greek salad recipe can fill. 

Packed with colors, textures, and nutrients, a Greek salad can be tailored to your preference. It’s bursting with flavors and keeps you full for a while, thanks to its robust protein and fiber content.

Whether you’re fueling up between meetings or pretending to have it all together at dinner, our Greek salad recipe has your back — and your heart (literally, thanks to all those healthy fats).

Our Greek salad is basically a nutrition overachiever. Here’s what you’re getting in every delicious bite:

• Vitamins A and C. These vitamins are especially concentrated in the English cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers tossed into this salad. They work together to support immune function and skin health.

• Potassium. Found in fruits and veggies, potassium is an electrolyte that works to balance sodium and manage blood pressure while keeping your muscles firing properly.

• Antioxidants. These compounds help protect cellular health from damage and keep inflammation in check. A colorful Greek salad is a great way to get an antioxidant boost.

• Monounsaturated fats. These heart-healthy fats from the olives and olive oil used in the salad can support healthier cholesterol levels without clogging your arteries (unlike saturated fats) and help keep you full.

• Calcium and protein. The feta cheese will provide both of these. And you can add extra protein to the salad in the form of roasted tofu cubes, chickpeas, or shredded chicken if you like.

• Fiber. Only found in plant-based foods, fiber is a critical nutrient for digestive health, energy, blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, and weight management. You’ll get a nice dose of fiber in this salad, given the combo of veggies.

Sometimes called horiatiki, this type of traditional Greek salad is also lower in carbohydrates for those paying attention to their macros.

Here’s what you’ll need to throw together this fresh, flavorful Greek salad recipe, plus why each ingredient deserves a spot in your bowl:

• Cucumber. Adds a refreshing crunch and a boost of hydration (because, yes, your skin loves cucumbers just as much as your taste buds do).

• Grape tomatoes (halved). Bring juicy sweetness and a pop of vitamin C to support the immune system and brighten up the salad.

• Red bell pepper (chopped). Packs in vibrant color, fiber, and extra antioxidants.

• Shallot (diced). Gives a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor without overpowering the dish (perfect if you’re not trying to scare off everyone at lunch).

• Kalamata olives. Adds that salty, briny kick you crave — along with heart-healthy fats that love your arteries as much as you love their flavor.

• Cooked chicken (cubed). Boosts the salad with lean protein to help you stay full, satisfied, and ready to take on the rest of your day.

For the vinaigrette dressing ingredients:

• Red wine vinegar. Brings a tangy brightness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

• Lemon juice. Adds a fresh, zesty lift, plus an extra dose of vitamin C. 

• Olive oil. Delivers a smooth, silky texture and those famous heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

• Dijon mustard. Helps emulsify the Greek salad dressing and gives it a tiny kick of boldness.

• Garlic (minced). Because every good vinaigrette needs a little punch. Garlic’s anti-inflammatory perks are a nice bonus, too.

• Dried or fresh oregano. Brings an earthy, herby flavor that screams “authentic Greek.”

• Salt and black pepper. Conveniently found in most kitchens and good at making every other ingredient taste like the best version of itself.

Greek Salad Recipe Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

While we think our original recipe is pretty good, there’s always room for adjustments. Want to try something different or need to make an ingredient swap? Here are some ideas that’ll work just as well in your final dish: 

• Don’t want chicken? Swap it with chickpeas, cooked lentils, or roasted tofu cubes for a plant-powered protein.

• Not a big fan of red bell pepper? Try yellow or orange peppers for a slightly sweeter taste, or toss in another veggie altogether, like chopped broccoli florets. Or, if you only have green bell pepper, this can offer a unique twist.

• Don’t have big tomatoes or kalamata olives? Cherry tomatoes and black olives will do the trick, too.

• In the mood for a creamier dressing? Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or cashew cream (raw cashews and water blended in a one-to-one ratio until smooth) to your vinaigrette to adjust the texture.

• Want more crunch? Toss in sliced radishes or red onion for a bit more bite, a handful of shredded carrots, or some hulled sunflower seeds or pepitas.

• Looking for more bulk? Add a bed of chopped romaine lettuce underneath.

• Prefer it dairy-free? Instead of crumbled feta, you could use toasted pine nuts, herb-seasoned tofu cubes, or a vegan cheese.

Ready to bring this gorgeous salad to life? Here’s how to make it happen.

1. Chop and toss. Place all your chopped veggies — cucumber, tomatoes, red bell pepper, shallot — and the cubed cooked chicken into a large bowl. Scatter the Kalamata olives on top like the little gems they are.

2. Mix up your vinaigrette. In a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic cloves, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal it up and give it a good shake.

3. Dress it up. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly.

4. Serve and savor. Voila! Your salad is ready. Enjoy it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for a while if you like it extra-cold.

Optionally, add more dried oregano, salt and pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to top things off.

A homemade Greek salad can easily be a full meal in itself. But if you’re in the mood for a smaller side dish as part of a large plate, here are some great pairings to try:

• Toasted pita bread drizzled with olive oil or served with hummus

• A lean protein, like grilled chicken, a veggie burger, or salmon bites

• Grilled pineapple, watermelon wedges, or a fruit salad

• Superfood smoothie

• Three-bean salad or broccoli slaw

• Cornbread slathered with butter and honey

• Pasta salad

• Egg bites

This Greek salad has a similar flavor and nutrition profile to our Mediterranean bowl.

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, feel-good meal you’ll actually be excited to eat, this Greek salad has your name all over it. You don’t have to visit Greece or know much of anything about the country to make this salad. It’s easy to throw together, packed with nourishing ingredients, and flexible enough to match your mood (and your fridge situation).

Here’s what to remember:

• If you’re looking for a way to load up your plate with a variety of essential nutrients, look no further than this classic Greek salad recipe.

• It’s loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats to support your body from head to toe.

• The recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or last-minute lunch dates.

• It’s endlessly customizable, so you can keep it exciting and never get bored.

Ready to make your meals a little brighter and a lot more delicious? Grab your favorite bowl, whip up this easy Greek salad, and let the Mediterranean vibes roll.

Find the full Greek salad recipe here. If you’re in the mood for other tasty, nutritious salad recipes, check out our Mediterranean salad, cucumber salad, or healthy chicken salad.