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9A traditional, or classic, Greek chopped salad is a vegetable salad generally of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta, and olives. No lettuce here! My version of the salad lets the vegetables shine on their own along with some fresh herbs, pepperoncini for a little kick, and a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
Greek salads in various forms are one of my favorite go-to salad recipes. There is just something about the combo of feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers which is very satisfying as a side dish. And it probably doesn’t hurt that I almost always have these ingredients in the house! While I’m no stranger to lettuce-based versions of Greek salad, I’ve been a fan of the Greek chopped salad, or Greek country salad for a long time. I posted a bulgur version (my Pork Kebabs and Bulgur Salad) last year soon after I started this blog, and I decided it was time for a simple, grain-free version now.
For this Greek salad, in addition to my favorite small, thin-skinned cucumbers, pitted kalamatas, and the tastiest tomatoes I could find, I decided to use spring onions. They had bunches of red spring onions at the farmer’s market and I couldn’t resist. Not that I tried too hard. 🙂 Spring onions are just young onions, picked while they are more like scallions. Grab some if you see them, but feel free to switch to red onions in the recipe if spring onions are unavailable.
Also, I used a couple of handfuls of fresh herbs from my garden. Both mint and oregano grow in abundance all over my herb garden and up into flower beds nearby. I have to use them, or they’ll take over! I would highly recommend using fresh herbs in the salad if you have them on hand. They add such a wonderful flavor which you can’t get from dried herbs.
The last little addition I used are the pepperoncinis. These are a classic addition to Greek and Italian salads and we always had some in the house when I was growing up. They add a nice bit of zip to the salad. I enjoy cutting them up and mixing the pieces with the rest of the salad. Not everyone in the family is as much of a fan as I am, so I serve them alongside for those of use who do like some spice.
– Happy Eating, Annemarie
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers
- 2 cups diced tomatoes, seeded
- ¼ cup thinly sliced spring onions, or red onion
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 4 oz feta cheese
- pepperoncini peppers
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp mustard
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
- Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl. Slice up about half of the kalamatas and add them to the bowl with the mint, and oregano.
- Whisk together all the dressing ingredients and pour it over the salad. Toss to combine.
- Top with reserved whole kalamatas and feta. Serve pepperoncinis alongside for those who want a little spice.
I like a mix of halved kalamatas and whole ones for topping the salads.
If your feta is overly salty or dry, break it into largish chunks and let it soak in filtered water or milk for at least 30 minutes. Also, please don't buy pre-crumbled feta! Block feta is a much better quality cheese.
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I love greek salad, get it every time in restaurant but never made at home!
I hope you give it a try! It’s a great salad to make at home.
I love Greek salad, and I love that you’ve made the vegetables shine. They are my favourite bit!
I’m a big fan of the traditional Greek salad. The vegetables are my favorite bit too. 🙂
Isn’t Greek salad like the best ever salad! I love it but I never add any olives as I’m not a big fan. But the veg and the cheese go so well together! Love the textures as well!
My mom doesn’t like olives either, so I leave them on the side for her. 🙂
So funny – I actually was thinking about making greek salad tonight for dinner so thanks for this!
Glad I could help! Hope you enjoyed your salad.
I’m intrigued by the fresh mint addition: it sound like a great match with cucumbers and tomatoes. Will try it soooon!
I really love the fresh mint in the salad. I find it to be a very intriguing and complementary flavor.
I love love love a good Greek salad, and this one looks AMAZING! Perfect for a light lunch or party side dish!
Thanks! Greek salad does tend to be a crowd pleaser. 🙂
that looks like a great combination of ingredients. It looks so fresh, so Olives are not popular here, In the other hand, I like sweet taste of Cherries, I can add Cherries as a substitute, what do you think? Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! And you could certainly try that. You won’t get the salty, savory flavor of the olives, but cherries might be very nice.