Hey there, my friend 👋. This is the best chopped Greek salad you will ever make. It is fresh, crunchy, and packed with lemony goodness.
And oh, by the way, my special herb mix makes the dressing taste so good that you might just start eating salad every day. Plus, I will show you how to get everything done in just 15 minutes.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs or spoon for serving
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $8 for the whole salad
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: No cooking required
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 220 calories
- Cook method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: Perfect for Summer and Spring
- Courses: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diets: VegetarianDiet, LowCalorieDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Lemony Herb-Loaded Chopped Greek Salad
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicious salad and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- ¼ cup chopped fresh mint
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
Ingredient | Alternative |
---|---|
Romaine lettuce | Iceberg lettuce or baby spinach |
Cherry tomatoes | Grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes |
Feta cheese | Goat cheese or grated Parmesan |
Kalamata olives | Black olives or green olives |
Fresh parsley | Cilantro or basil |
Fresh dill | Extra parsley or dried dill (½ the amount) |
Fresh mint | Basil or extra parsley |
Red wine vinegar | Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar |
Dijon mustard | Yellow mustard or honey mustard |
Instructions
- Wash and dry all your vegetables.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the feta cheese, olives, parsley, dill, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
- Serve immediately or let it sit for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for the best taste. Dried herbs will not give the same fresh and zesty flavor.
- If the red onion is too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- If you want extra crunch, toss in some toasted pita chips or nuts.
- This salad tastes even better after sitting for 10 minutes, so make it a little ahead of time.
What to Serve with Lemony Herb-Loaded Chopped Greek Salad
This salad is a perfect side dish, but you can also turn it into a full meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled chicken, lamb, or fish
- Pita bread with hummus
- Roasted potatoes
- Falafel or stuffed grape leaves
- A bowl of lentil soup
How Do You Serve the Salad?
Serve this salad in a large bowl with tongs for easy scooping. If you want a fancy touch, sprinkle extra feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving.
Where Do You Serve This Salad the Most?
This salad is perfect for:
- Picnics: It stays fresh and crisp for hours.
- Potlucks: It is a crowd-pleaser and easy to transport.
- Summer BBQs: Pairs well with grilled meats.
- Holiday meals: A fresh and light side dish for big family feasts.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you are serving the salad within 2 hours, leave it covered on the counter.
- After 2 hours, move it to the fridge to keep it fresh.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- If you have not added the dressing yet, the salad will stay fresh for 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
- Do not freeze this salad. The fresh vegetables and herbs will turn mushy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the veggies crisp.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, but store the ingredients in separate containers. Combine them right before eating to keep everything fresh.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
I would not recommend it. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter and fresher taste. Bottled juice can be too sour or bitter.
What if I do not like olives?
You can leave them out or replace them with capers for a similar salty kick.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas will make this a filling meal.