🥗 Classic Greek Salad – Refreshing Taste of Greece in Every Bite

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I. Recipe Card

✨ Recipe Name & Tagline
Classic Greek Salad – Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta come together in this timeless, refreshing Mediterranean staple.

Servings & Timing

  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 0 minutes

  • Total Time: 10 minutes

  • Dietary Tags: Vegetarian | Gluten-Free | Low-Carb | W-W ZeroPoint Base

🛒 Ingredients Checklist

  • 2 cups cucumber, sliced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced

  • ¼ cup Kalamata olives

  • ¼ cup green olives

  • ½ cup feta cheese, cubed

  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • ¼ tsp dried oregano

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

🔪 Quick Instructions

  1. Prep produce: Slice cucumbers, onion, and halve cherry tomatoes. Cube the feta.

  2. Assemble: In a bowl, toss cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and feta.

  3. Dress & Season: Add oregano, parsley, salt & pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Toss gently.

  4. Serve cold. Add grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal!

Notes:

  • W-W friendly: Use reduced-fat feta and limit olive oil to 1 Tbsp if tracking.

  • No lettuce needed—this is all about bold textures and tangy flavor.

II. Brief Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the briny, crisp, herb-kissed flavor of a Classic Greek Salad. It’s a celebration of bold textures—crunchy cucumber, creamy feta, and juicy tomatoes. This recipe is my go-to when I want something bright and refreshing but still satisfying. And as a W-W coach, I love that it’s naturally low in carbs, high in nutrients, and doesn’t need anything extra to shine.

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prep the Vegetables

  • Slice 2 cups cucumber into rounds or half-moons.

  • Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes.

  • Thinly slice ½ red onion.

  • Cube ½ cup feta cheese into bite-size chunks.

2. Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine:

    • Cucumbers

    • Cherry tomatoes

    • Red onion

    • ¼ cup Kalamata olives

    • ¼ cup green olives

    • Cubed feta

3. Season & Dress

  • Sprinkle with:

    • ¼ tsp dried oregano

    • 1 Tbsp chopped parsley

    • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • Drizzle with:

    • 2 Tbsp olive oil

    • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

  • Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

IV. Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

  • Feta: Go for block-style feta in brine for best flavor. Reduced-fat works well too.

  • Olives: Kalamata and green add variety, but you can use one type.

  • Red Onion: Soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce bite.

  • Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is classic, but lemon juice is a fresh alternative.

W-W Smart Tips:

  • Use 1 Tbsp olive oil + 1 Tbsp lemon juice

  • Reduced-fat feta (or crumble less)

  • Olives in moderation (about 1 Tbsp per serving)

V. Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Try These Additions:

  • Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas

  • Fresh herbs: Mint or dill alongside parsley

  • Hearty mix: Toss in farro or quinoa for a grain salad twist

Perfect Pairings:

  • Grilled lamb or chicken skewers

  • Whole wheat pita with hummus

  • A chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage:

  • Best served fresh, but holds well for up to 2 days in the fridge

  • Store dressing separately to keep veggies crisp if prepping ahead

Make-Ahead Tip:

  • Chop all vegetables in the morning, store covered. Dress right before serving for freshest results.

VII. Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
185 6g 6g 15g

Highlights:

  • Naturally Low-Carb

  • Gluten-Free

  • Vegetarian

  • High in Vitamins A & C

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Swap feta for a dairy-free alternative or skip it altogether.

Q: Can I add lettuce?
A: You can, but traditional Greek salad is lettuce-free to let the other textures shine.

Q: What’s the best feta for salads?
A: A Greek block of feta in brine gives the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes! Just store the dressing separately and mix when ready to eat.

IX. Kristy’s Note

This salad always takes me back to the open-air markets of Greece—the scent of oregano, the bright lemony tang, and that briny punch from real Kalamata olives. I love that it’s endlessly adaptable and naturally fits into a W-W lifestyle. It’s what I call a “zero-point base with flair.” 🧄🫒🍅

X. More Mediterranean-Inspired Favorites

  • 🥙 W-W Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

  • 🍋 Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon

  • 🧆 Roasted Chickpea Greek Bowl

  • 🫓 Homemade W-W Pita Chips with Hummus

XI. Call to Action

Have you made this Classic Greek Salad? I’d love to see your bowl! Tag @KristyCookRecipes, leave a rating, or share your twist in the comments. Healthy eating should taste this fresh every day! 💬🌿

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