If you’re craving a fresh and vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, this Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful harmony of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives, all tied together by a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning side, this colorful salad bowl satisfies with every bite and brings a little taste of the Mediterranean sunshine right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the flavors, textures, and colors in the salad. Every item plays an important role, creating a perfectly balanced and delightful meal.
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: Provides a refreshing, crunchy base packed with nutrients and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of bright flavor and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced: Offers a cool, crisp texture to balance the other ingredients.
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced: Gives a gentle sharpness and a hint of zing.
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Brings a creamy, salty dimension that’s unmistakably Greek.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Adds a deep, fruity saltiness and chewy texture that complements the salad wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: The heart of the vinaigrette – rich and smooth for that signature Mediterranean taste.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that infuses the dressing with aromatic warmth.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Gives a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a gentle sharpness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spiciness to round out the taste.
How to Make Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Base Vegetables
Start by washing and chopping your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Then, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice half a small red onion. Toss these fresh veggies together in a large bowl to build the colorful foundation for your salad.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Olives
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the vegetable mix. Follow this by adding pitted and halved Kalamata olives, which bring that signature briny flavor essential to Greek cuisine. This combination creates a beautiful contrast of creamy and salty elements.
Step 3: Emulsify Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth and emulsified vinaigrette. This simple yet flavorful dressing is what ties the entire Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe together.
Step 4: Dress and Combine
Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring every leaf and bite is coated with that Mediterranean magic. The freshness of the ingredients combined with the tangy dressing creates a salad that’s both light and satisfying.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Enjoy the salad right away to savor the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their peak. The freshness is what makes this Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe truly outstanding.
How to Serve Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up presentation and taste, consider garnishing your salad with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for some crunch. A few lemon wedges on the side can brighten the flavors even more when squeezed over.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb kebabs, or with warm pita bread for a perfect Mediterranean meal. It’s also fantastic served alongside a bowl of creamy hummus or baba ganoush to enhance the shared flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe in individual mason jars or layer it in a transparent bowl to show off all the striking colors. You could also pile it onto grilled flatbread for an open-faced Mediterranean sandwich that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Store the salad in the refrigerator and combine with the dressing just before eating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. Ingredients like lettuce and fresh vegetables don’t freeze well and can become watery or limp.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary. Instead, freshly toss with dressing again for optimal flavor if stored separately. Enjoy it cold to keep the crisp textures and bright flavors alive.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine provides a great crunch and sturdy texture, you can experiment with mixed greens or baby spinach for a slightly different flavor and tenderness.
Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?
If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, black olives or green olives can work, though the unique fruity tang of Kalamata olives really complements this salad best.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan-friendly cheese or tofu for a similar creamy texture. The dressing remains delicious and plant-based.
How long can I keep the dressing?
You can prepare the vinaigrette up to a week ahead and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Shake or whisk well before using.
What’s the best way to cut the vegetables?
Keep it simple: chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into rounds, and thinly slice the red onion for the best texture and ease of eating.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined with a zesty vinaigrette that’s sure to brighten up any meal. It’s quick to make, satisfying to eat, and wonderfully versatile. I encourage you to dive in and create this salad for yourself—I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for a burst of Mediterranean freshness and flavor.
Print
Greek Salad Bowl Mediterranean Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Greek Salad Bowl perfect for a quick, healthy Mediterranean meal. This salad features crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy red onions, salty Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a homemade oregano and garlic vinaigrette for an authentic taste of Greece.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Base Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix the fresh vegetables evenly.
- Add Cheese and Olives: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and halved Kalamata olives evenly over the salad mixture to distribute the salty and tangy flavors.
- Emulsify Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Dress and Combine: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Greek Salad Bowl fresh for the best texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh and crisp vegetables for optimal flavor and texture.
- The salad is best served immediately after dressing to avoid sogginess.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust seasoning in the vinaigrette according to taste.
- Kalamata olives can be replaced with black olives if preferred.
