If you love fresh, vibrant, and insanely delicious salads, then Ina Garten Greek Salad is about to become your new favorite! Packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and briny olives, this Mediterranean masterpiece is simple yet incredibly flavorful. Plus, Ina’s signature dressing takes it to the next level with its perfect balance of zesty and herby goodness! 😋Whether you’re making it for a light lunch, a side dish, or a summer picnic, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It comes together in just minutes with minimal effort! 🚀 Ready to bring a taste of Greece to your table? Let’s dive in! 🏛️
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Why Ina Garten Greek Salad is Simply the Best
When it comes to classic Mediterranean flavors, nobody does it better than Ina Garten! Her Greek Salad is packed with crisp veggies, briny feta cheese, and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main dish, this salad is a guaranteed hit!
Greek salads are all about balance—fresh, crunchy vegetables, salty olives, creamy feta, and a tangy dressing. But Ina Garten version takes it up a notch with her signature dressing and top-tier ingredients! 🍋
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Classic Greek Salad 🛒
The Freshest Vegetables for the Best Flavor
To get that crunchy, refreshing texture, you’ll need these vegetables:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Choosing the Best Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is the star of any Greek salad. Ina Garten recommends using authentic Greek feta for the creamiest, richest taste.
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- Opt for sheep’s milk feta for extra creaminess!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The Secret Ingredient!
No Greek salad is complete without high-quality olive oil! Use:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar for a tangy kick
- 1 tsp dried oregano for a burst of flavor
Step-by-Step: How to Make Ina Garten Greek Salad
1️⃣ Prepping Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Pat dry your olives and feta to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
2️⃣ The Perfect Greek Dressing Recipe
Ina Garten homemade vinaigrette is what sets this salad apart. To make it:
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Taste & adjust for the perfect balance of tanginess and richness.
3️⃣ Mixing Everything Together for Maximum Flavor 🎉
- Toss the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well.
- Add crumbled feta & olives on top.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld beautifully!
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Ina Garten Greek Salad
How to Keep Your Salad Fresh for Longer
- Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
The Best Way to Serve Greek Salad
- As a side dish to grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- As a main course with warm pita bread and hummus.
Delicious Variations of Ina Garten Greek Salad
Adding Protein: Chicken, Shrimp, or Tofu 🍗🦐
- Grilled Chicken: Adds lean protein and makes it a complete meal.
- Garlic Shrimp: For a Mediterranean seafood twist.
- Crispy Tofu: A perfect vegan-friendly protein option.
A Vegan Twist on This Classic Recipe 🌱
- Swap feta cheese for vegan feta or cashew cheese.
- Use maple syrup in the dressing for a touch of natural sweetness.
What to Serve with Greek Salad? 🍽️
The Perfect Mediterranean Pairings 🍷
- Grilled Lamb or Chicken Souvlaki
- Homemade Tzatziki & Pita Bread
- Lemon Rice or Quinoa
Greek Salad as a Main Course vs. Side Dish
- As a main dish, add grilled protein & pita bread.
- As a side dish, serve it with a hearty Mediterranean spread!
Pair this Greek salad with these delicious Mediterranean dishes!
Looking for another fresh and flavorful salad? Try making your own Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad at home with this easy guide! 🥬 Check out the recipe here!
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ina Garten Greek Salad ❌
Even though Ina Garten Greek Salad is simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect its flavor, texture, and overall experience. Avoid these kitchen mishaps to ensure your salad turns out perfect every time!
1️⃣ Using Low-Quality Feta Cheese 🧀
Feta cheese is the star ingredient in Greek salad, so using crumbled supermarket feta won’t give you the rich, creamy texture you need. Instead:
✅ Choose authentic Greek feta, preferably made from sheep’s milk for the best taste.
✅ Buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself for a fresh, rich texture.
2️⃣ Overdressing the Salad 🫙
Greek salad should be light and refreshing, not drenched in dressing. Too much dressing can make it soggy and overpower the fresh ingredients.
✅ Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.
✅ Toss gently to coat everything evenly without drowning the veggies.
3️⃣ Chopping Vegetables Too Small or Unevenly
Cutting your ingredients too small or irregularly affects the texture and how the flavors blend.
✅ Keep your cucumbers and tomatoes in larger, bite-sized chunks.
✅ Slice onions thinly so they blend well without overpowering the dish.
4️⃣ Skipping the Resting Time
Rushing to serve your salad right away? Big mistake! Greek salad needs at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
✅ Let your salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best taste.
✅ This gives the dressing time to infuse the veggies with delicious Mediterranean flavor.
5️⃣ Using the Wrong Olives
Not all olives are created equal! Avoid canned black olives—they lack the rich, briny flavor that makes Greek salad authentic.
✅ Use kalamata olives for the best, most traditional taste.
✅ Buy whole olives and pit them yourself for maximum freshness.
6️⃣ Storing It the Wrong Way
If you make extra salad, storing it incorrectly can ruin the texture and make it mushy.
✅ Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
✅ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might be wondering: Is 500 calories for a salad a lot? 🤔 Learn how to make smarter, healthier salad choices here! Read the ultimate guide!
FAQs About Ina Garten Greek Salad❓
What’s the Best Dressing for Greek Salad?
A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and oregano is the best!
Can You Make Greek Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Just store the dressing separately and mix before serving.
Can You Store Leftovers in the Fridge?
Yes! Greek salad stays fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Can I Make Greek Salad Without Olives?
Absolutely! While kalamata olives are traditional in Greek salad, you can skip them if you’re not a fan. Try substituting with:
✅ Capers for a briny kick
✅ Roasted red peppers for a sweet, tangy touch
✅ Artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist
What’s the Best Way to Cut Cucumbers for Greek Salad?
The way you cut your cucumbers affects the texture and crunch of your salad. The best methods are:
✅ Half-moons – Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut into thin slices.
✅ Thick chunks – Perfect for a heartier bite and a more rustic feel.
✅ Skin on or off? Keep the skin on for extra crunch & nutrients, unless it’s waxy!
Can I Add Lettuce to Greek Salad?
Traditional Greek salad (Horiatiki) does NOT contain lettuce, but you can absolutely add it if you prefer a leafy texture!
✅ Use romaine or butter lettuce for a mild, crisp bite.
✅ If adding lettuce, toss it in at the last minute to prevent wilting.
✅ For an authentic experience, stick to the classic version—tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, feta, and dressing!
Curious about how many calories are in a traditional Greek salad? Find out whether it’s really as healthy as it seems! 🥗 Check the full breakdown here!
Final Thoughts & Why You Should Try the Ina Garten Greek Salad Recipe Today! ❤️
Ina Garten Greek Salad is a true Mediterranean delight—fresh, easy to make, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a family gathering, or a summer picnic, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ready to try it? Get your ingredients & start making this delicious Greek salad today! 🥗💛
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How to Make Ina Garten Greek Salad (Step-by-Step)
This Ina Garten Greek Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean flavors! Featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny kalamata olives, creamy feta, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, this salad is simple yet irresistibly delicious. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light main course, it’s the perfect healthy and flavorful addition to any meal!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons 🥒
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved 🫒
- 4 oz feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled 🧀
- 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped 🌿
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 🫙
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 🍷
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of half a lemon 🍋
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
- Slice cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
- Crumble or cube the feta cheese and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Greek Salad Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Shake or whisk vigorously until fully emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and green bell pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Top with feta cheese and sprinkle fresh oregano over the salad.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately as a side dish or a light meal.
- Enjoy with warm pita bread, hummus, or grilled protein for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
✅ For best flavor, use authentic Greek feta (preferably made with sheep’s milk).
✅ Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
✅ If making ahead, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
✅ Add protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make a great addition.
✅ For a vegan option, swap feta for a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
