Greek Salad with Lettuce

Greek salad with lettuce is everything crisp, fresh and flavorful. It’s no wonder it’s been enjoyed in some form or another for centuries, considering it’s great as a prelude to Mediterranean dishes like lamb pitas with yogurt sauce or braised chicken thighs. That said, there’s no need to be precious about this recipe, so if you feel inspired to toss in another ingredient, do so!

Ingredients for Greek Salad with Lettuce

• Lettuce: Romaine has crunchy stems and tender leaves, making it the choice variety for this salad. That said, mixed spring greens or frisée lettuce would work well too.
• Tomato: We recommend plum tomatoes, since they’re meatier and less watery than other varieties.
• Feta cheese: An essential ingredient for this recipe, feta is a Greek cheese that’s soft and briny. Traditionally, it was made with sheep’s milk, which has twice the fat of cow’s milk.
• Cucumber: With all the salty, pungent ingredients in Greek salad, cucumber adds a cooling, fresh contrast in flavor. Opt for a seedless variety for the best results.
• Greek olives: While Greek kalamata olives are a great option, there are many types of olives that would complement this salad recipe.
• Parsley: Parsley has a grassy, fresh flavor that blends well with nearly all Mediterranean dishes. What’s more, it’s been used in Greek kitchens for millennia, so their cuisine is adapted to it perfectly.
• Cilantro: While cilantro is not a traditional herb used in this cuisine, it works well in this recipe. Feel free to substitute it with basil or fresh oregano, if you’d prefer.
• Lemon juice: Although this recipe only calls for lemon juice, feel free to zest some of the lemon peel and add it to this salad too.
• Olive oil: What would a Mediterranean dish be without olive oil? We recommend choosing an extra virgin variety because it will add more flavor and nutrition.

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the salad

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In a large bowl, combine the romaine, tomatoes, feta, cucumber, olives, parsley and cilantro.

Step 2: Make the dressing

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In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, olive oil and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

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Greek Salad with Lettuce Variations

• Add a legume or grain: Chickpeas, lentils, farro or quinoa would all work wonderfully in this recipe. For extra flavor and texture, we recommend making roasted chickpeas and tossing them in.
• Layer on a protein: Baked salmon, grilled chicken or even sauteed shrimp would all be tasty additions to this recipe. In fact, with the addition of a protein, the salad can make for a lovely low-carb meal.

How to Store Greek Salad with Lettuce

Because this traditional Greek salad recipe with lettuce contains so many water-rich vegetables, it’s best to make exactly what you eat. That said, if you do have leftovers, place them on a bed of paper towel in a container that allows some air to get through. From there, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days.

Can you make Greek salad with lettuce ahead of time?

Making this recipe a few hours ahead of time may even enhance its flavors, allowing them to mingle and marinate. We recommend tossing together this salad no more than four hours in advance and placing it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Greek Salad with Lettuce Tips

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What ingredients are in Greek salad?

A traditional Greek salad includes cucumbers, olives, pepper, onion and feta cheese. It doesn’t include a vinaigrette, which is often how you’ll see it on menus here in America.

How do I stop my salad from going soggy?

Learning how to store lettuce can meaningfully extend its freshness. The main name of the game is exposing it to some air but not so much that you risk wilting.

What is Greek dressing made of?

Made from an emulsion of lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and garlic, Greek dressing is a versatile dressing not just for salads but as a marinade too.