The Ultimate Mediterranean Salad with Creamy Greek Dressing
If you eat with your eyes first, this Mediterranean Salad is a feast before you even take a bite. Bursting with vibrant colors and textures, this salad combines the crunch of fresh Romaine and cucumbers with the savory punch of Kalamata olives and feta. It is fresh, crisp, and tossed in a creamy herb dressing that you will want to put on everything.
Unlike boring side salads, this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own. The combination of salty, tangy, and crunchy elements ensures that every forkful is exciting. Whether you are serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it as a light vegetarian main, this is the salad that steals the show at potlucks and dinner parties.
Secrets to the Perfect Mediterranean Salad
Why It Works
The success of this salad lies in its flavor balance. The salty brine from the Kalamata olives and feta cheese cuts through the rich, creamy dressing, while the pickled pepperoncini add a necessary kick of acid. Visually, arranging the ingredients in sections (as seen in the photos) before tossing creates a stunning presentation that highlights the freshness of each component.
The dressing is a game-changer because it uses a base of Greek yogurt. This provides a luxurious, creamy texture without the heaviness of pure mayonnaise, keeping the salad light and refreshing.
Chef’s Tips
- The Onion Hack: Raw red onion can sometimes be overpowering. Slice your onions thinly into half-moons and soak them in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes while you prep the other veggies. This removes the harsh “bite” while keeping the crunch.
- Cucumber Crunch: Use Persian or English cucumbers. Their skins are thin and tender, meaning you don’t have to peel them, which adds a beautiful dark green contrast to the bowl.
- Dress Before Serving: To keep your lettuce crisp and your croutons crunchy, store the dressing separately and toss the salad right before you set it on the table.
Pair this fresh salad with our garlic herb focaccia for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Storage
If you plan to have leftovers, do not toss the entire salad with dressing. Store the chopped salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days (store croutons separately at room temperature to keep them crisp). The dressing can be stored in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Substitutions
Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a protein-packed main course. Cheese: If you don't like feta, goat cheese is a creamy alternative, or shaved parmesan for a nuttier flavor. Vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise for the dressing, and omit the feta cheese (or use a vegan alternative). Gluten-Free: Ensure your croutons are gluten-free, or substitute with toasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for crunch.
Ingredients
1 large head (or 2 medium), chopped (about 8 cups)
1 pint, halved
1 cup, sliced (or English cucumber)
3/4 cup, sliced and drained
1/2 cup, thinly sliced
1/2 cup, pitted and drained
1/2 cup, crumbled
1 cup
Freshly cracked, to taste
1/2 cup (plain)
1/4 cup (can substitute with more yogurt)
1/3 cup
2 tablespoons
3 tablespoons
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon
2 tablespoons, grated (powder style)
Shopping Tip
For best results, gather all ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavorful results.
Instructions
Wash and chop the Romaine lettuce. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the cucumbers into rounds. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons.
In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and all the spices (parsley, dill, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper) and the grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
In a large wooden salad bowl, place the chopped Romaine lettuce as the base.
Arrange the toppings over the lettuce in sections for a beautiful presentation: tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced pepperoncini, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Top with garlic herb croutons just before serving.
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with extra fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Serve this recipe straight from the kitchen for the best taste and texture. It's sure to become a favorite that you'll make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What type of ingredients work best for this dish?
Use the freshest ingredients available for the best flavor and texture results.
→ Can I make substitutions?
Yes, feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
The Ultimate Mediterranean Salad with Creamy Greek Dressing
If you eat with your eyes first, this Mediterranean Salad is a feast before you even take a bite. Bursting with vibrant colors and textures, this salad combines
Ingredients
Instructions
Wash and chop the Romaine lettuce. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the cucumbers into rounds. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons.
In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and all the spices (parsley, dill, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper) and the grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
In a large wooden salad bowl, place the chopped Romaine lettuce as the base.
Arrange the toppings over the lettuce in sections for a beautiful presentation: tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced pepperoncini, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Top with garlic herb croutons just before serving.
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with extra fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Rate This Recipe
Tools You'll Need
- Large Salad Bowl (Wooden preferred)
- Chef's Knife and Cutting Board
- Whisk
- Mason Jar (for dressing storage)
- Salad Tongs
Recipe Tags
Welcome to Cozy Bites Kitchen
At Cozy Bites Kitchen, we believe that great food doesn't have to be complicated. Our passion is creating easy, cozy, and delicious homemade recipes for everyday cooking - quick meals, comfort dishes, family dinners, soups, pastas, and simple home-style favorites. Warm, friendly, and fuss-free cooking made for real life.
LEARN MORE
