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Fresh Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives and Tangy Feta

Fresh Greek Salad - featured image

A quick and easy summer salad featuring ripe Roma tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, salty Kalamata olives, and creamy tangy feta, tossed in a bright lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for light meals or as a flavorful side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash the Roma tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley thoroughly. Chop the tomatoes into 1-inch chunks, peel and dice the cucumber into similar sizes, and thinly slice the red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives if not already pitted. Crumble the feta cheese gently with your fingers or a fork into chunky pieces. Add both to the bowl with the vegetables.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning carefully as olives and feta add saltiness.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly using salad tongs or two large spoons to coat everything evenly without breaking up the feta too much.
  5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and give it one last gentle mix.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld. For longer storage, add the feta just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Notes

Use firm, ripe tomatoes for best flavor. Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder taste. Toss gently to keep feta chunks intact. Fresh lemon juice is key for brightness. Add salt sparingly due to salty olives and feta. Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 20-30 minutes enhances flavor melding. Add feta just before serving if storing longer to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek salad, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, summer salad, Mediterranean, easy salad, healthy salad, quick recipe