This healthy Greek salad is a staple you'll crave on repeat! It’s refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with flavors thanks to a medley of crisp vegetables, creamy feta, briny olives, and a tangy homemade Greek dressing. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, prepping weekday lunches, or seeking a quick plant-forward dinner, this easy salad recipe checks all the boxes.
It's a classic with a twist—adding chickpeas (garbanzo beans) for extra plant-based protein and fiber that makes it more filling and satisfying. Plus, it comes together in minutes and requires zero cooking. That's a win for busy home cooks and health-conscious eaters alike.
Greek Salad Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salad:
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2 hearts of romaine, chopped
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1 bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
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1 cup cucumber, chopped
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1 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
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½ cup kalamata olives, sliced in half
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½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Greek Salad Dressing:
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1 clove garlic, crushed
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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¼ cup lemon juice
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¼ cup red wine vinegar
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⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
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½ teaspoon dijon mustard
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¼ teaspoon sea salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
✅ Simple, real-food ingredients nothing processed or artificial!
How to Make Greek Salad (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Build the Salad Base
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Place the chopped romaine lettuce into a large mixing bowl or serving platter.
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Layer the bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, garbanzo beans, olives, and crumbled feta on top.
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Keep it colorful and even presentation counts!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
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In a small jar or bowl, combine the crushed garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
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Slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until emulsified.
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Stir in dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tip: Make extra dressing and store it in the fridge it goes great on grilled veggies or chicken, too!
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
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Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.
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Gently toss or serve as-is to preserve those beautiful layers.
🥗 Want to serve it buffet-style? Let guests drizzle their own dressing to keep everything crisp.
Why This Greek Salad is So Good for You
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High in Nutrients: Fresh vegetables provide a mix of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like C, K, and A.
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Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and olives deliver good-for-you monounsaturated fats.
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Plant-Based Protein: Chickpeas add filling protein and extra texture without needing meat.
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No Refined Sugars: The homemade dressing skips the processed ingredients and keeps it clean.
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Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegetarian: Great for a wide range of dietary needs.
FAQ:
Is this Greek salad recipe authentic?
This version uses traditional ingredients like feta, olives, and cucumber but adds chickpeas and romaine for a more filling, high-fiber twist. It keeps the Mediterranean flavor and adds nutrition!
Can I meal prep this salad?
Yes! Keep the dressing separate and store the salad ingredients in an airtight container. It will stay crisp for 3–4 days in the fridge.
What protein can I add to this Greek salad?
While chickpeas provide plant-based protein, you can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for a more substantial meal.
Is this salad keto or low-carb?
With the chickpeas included, it leans more Mediterranean or high-fiber than keto. You can reduce or omit chickpeas for a lower-carb version.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Don’t dress the salad until you’re ready to eat. Alternatively, store veggies and dressing separately in meal-prep containers.
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