Oh, you know those days when you just want something SO fresh and bright, but you also kinda want to, like, *not* spend hours in the kitchen? Yeah, me too! That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing. It’s basically sunshine in a bowl, packed with all those yummy Mediterranean flavors that just sing. Seriously, it’s so simple, which is my favorite kind of magic, especially when you’re rushing around like I always seem to be! I still remember the first time I had a *real* Greek salad on a trip to Crete years ago – the crisp veggies, the tangy dressing… it was pure bliss. This recipe always takes me right back there. It’s just perfectly crisp, zesty, and oh-so-satisfying, making it my go-to for a quick, healthy lunch or a fantastic side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
Trust me, this salad is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’re going to be making it again and again:
- Super Easy & Quick: Seriously, no cooking required! It comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for when you’re starving or short on time.
- Incredibly Fresh: All those crisp veggies and the burst of lemon in the dressing just scream freshness. It’s like a revitalizing spa treatment for your taste buds!
- Packed with Flavor: The combo of tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, salty feta, and briny olives is just *chef’s kiss*.
- Healthy & Delicious: It’s loaded with good-for-you stuff and feels totally indulgent without being heavy. What’s not to love?!
- So Versatile: It’s a fantastic side dish or a light main course. You can totally jazz it up too!
Ingredients for Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
Getting this amazing Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing on the table is a breeze, and it all starts with the freshest ingredients. You’ll be surprised how little you need to make something so spectacular! Just make sure your veggies are crisp – that’s key!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (get it nice and crisp!)
- 1 cucumber, diced (English cucumbers are great if you want to skip peeling and seeding)
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced (Roma tomatoes hold their shape well)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (soaking in ice water for 10 mins can mellow its bite if you prefer!)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted (a must-have for that salty, briny goodness)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (use a block and crumble it yourself for the best flavor and texture!)
And for that dreamy dressing:
- 1/4 cup good quality olive oil (extra virgin makes a difference here!)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (always fresh, never bottled!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with a pinch and add more if needed)
How to Prepare the Perfect Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
Alright, let’s get this incredible Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing put together! It’s honestly so straightforward, it feels almost too easy. You’ll be whipping this up for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck in no time. Ready to make some magic? It’s almost as fun as making this avocado tuna salad or our totally fabulous chicken salad!
Assembling Your Greek Salad
First things first, grab a nice big salad bowl. This is where all the gorgeousness happens! Gently add your chopped romaine, iced cucumber, juicy tomatoes, those pretty red onion slices, Kalamata olives, and that salty crumbled feta cheese. Just pile it all in there – the colors already look amazing, right?
Crafting the Zesty Lemon Herb Dressing
Now for everyone’s favorite part: the dressing! Grab a small bowl or a jar with a lid. Whisk together that lovely olive oil, the bright fresh lemon juice, and don’t forget your dried oregano and basil. Give it a good whisk until it’s all blended beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste it! You want that perfect zing!
Bringing It All Together
Time to unite everything! Pour that glorious lemon herb dressing right over your loaded salad bowl. Now, here’s the secret: toss it gently! You don’t want to mash up those beautiful veggies. Just a few careful tosses to coat everything evenly. Then, serve it up immediately so everyone can enjoy that awesome crunch and freshness. It’s just that simple!
Tips for the Best Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
Want to make your Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing truly spectacular? It’s all about a few little tricks! First, please, please use good quality olive oil – it really makes a difference in the dressing. And if you can snag some fresh oregano or basil instead of dried? Wow, game changer! You can even add some thinly sliced sweet Tennessee onions if you love that extra little kick.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, let’s chat about some of the stars in this Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing! Feta cheese, of course, gives it that signature salty tang, but if you’re not a fan or need a dairy-free option, a firm dairy-free feta substitute works wonderfully. And those Kalamata olives? They’re key for that authentic briny bite, but any good quality black olive will do in a pinch. For the herbs, dried is totally fine and what I usually have on hand, but if you have fresh, even better! Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. You can even add some chopped mint for an extra pop of freshness, similar to how we might add it to other delicious dishes! We sometimes use fresh herbs in recipes like our homemade heavy cream preparation too!
Serving Suggestions for Your Greek Salad
This vibrant Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing is amazing on its own, but it also plays SO well with other dishes! It’s perfect alongside some juicy grilled chicken or maybe some tender Tuscan chicken. And honestly, a few warm pita breads on the side for scooping up any extra dressing? Yes, please! It’s just the best way to round out a light, delicious meal that feels both healthy and super satisfying.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Now, if you somehow manage to have any Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing leftover (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to keep it tasting awesome. The absolute best trick is to store the dressing separately from the veggies and feta. Just pop the salad ingredients into an airtight container and keep the dressing in a little jar or another container in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready for it, the lettuce stays nice and crisp! It’ll keep well like this for about 1-2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Salad
Got questions about this amazing Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing? I’ve got answers! It’s one of my go-to recipes, so I’ve pretty much got it down. Let’s dive in!
Can I make the Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing ahead of time?
You absolutely can start this ahead of time! My top tip is to chop all your veggies and mix the dressing separately. Store them in the fridge and then toss everything together right before you’re ready to serve. Nobody likes a soggy salad, right?!
What other vegetables can I add to this Greek Salad?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love adding some bell peppers (red or green work great!) or even some chopped artichoke hearts. Some people toss in a few pepperoncini for a little extra zing, too. Get creative!
Is this Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing suitable for vegans?
Great question! It’s almost vegan as is! Just swap out the feta cheese for a good vegan feta alternative. Then you’re all set! The lemon herb dressing is naturally vegan, so it’s a super easy switch.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up that the nutrition info for this delicious Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you pile on your plate. But generally, you’re looking at around 250 calories per serving, about 20g of fat (mostly good fats from olive oil!), 8g of protein, and about 10g of carbs. It’s a fantastic, light, and healthy choice!
Print
Greek Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Greek salad featuring crisp vegetables and a zesty lemon herb dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and herbs to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Greek salad, lemon herb dressing, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese, olives, fresh vegetables