Zesty Lemon Greek Salad
A traditional, crisp Greek salad with red tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, feta, and a bright lemon herb dressing.
A classic Greek salad (Horiatiki) that features plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, sharp red onion, Kalamata olives, and a solid block of feta cheese, dressed with simple lemon-oregano vinaigrette.
Key Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- Wire Whisk
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Leave room between ingredients. If the pan is overloaded, the moisture will steam the food instead of browning it.
Ingredients
4
servings
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3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
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1 large cucumber, sliced
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1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
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½ medium red onion, sliced into rings
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½ cup Kalamata olives, whole
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4 oz feta cheese, in a single slab or blocks
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, for dressing
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1.5 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed, for dressing
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1 tsp dried oregano, for dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Assemble Vegetables
In a large salad bowl, combine the tomato chunks, sliced cucumber, green bell pepper strips, and red onion rings. Toss gently to mix.
Add Olives & Feta
Add the Kalamata olives to the bowl. Place the slab of feta cheese right on top of the salad (or cube it if you prefer smaller pieces).
Drizzle Dressing
In a small cup, whisk the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dried oregano. Pour the dressing over the feta and salad.
Season and Serve
Sprinkle the entire salad with a pinch of sea salt and dried oregano. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the olive oil and lemon juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
We do not recommend freezing this dish, as dairy-based sauces and creamy textures tend to separate and curdle when thawed.
Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.
Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.