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This expertly crafted Mediterranean Salad features an obsessive-worthy creamy, tangy dressing inspired by our favorite restaurant! As a Mediterranean cuisine connoisseur, I’ve perfected this recipe with critical ingredients like zippy pepperoncini, block feta, garlic herb croutons, and ideas for adding protein like Greek chicken, chickpeas, and shrimp. You’ll also enjoy tips and variations, including how to prep ahead for meal prep or an entertaining win!
THE BEST DRESSING = THE BEST SALAD: The dressing is inspired by Viktor’s, our favorite local Greek restaurant. Their dressing is so fabulous, we buy multiple bottles at a time—until now. This dressing recipe is creamy, tangy, herbaceous, light, and bright—you will be dousing it on everything!
CROUTONS: This addition is a game changer! Whether you use store-bought garlic-herb croutons or my easy homemade version. the explosive crunch in every bite is mesmerizing.
INGREDIENT TWEAKS: Using Kalamata olives instead of black, using sheep’s milk feta instead of goat’s milk, using Persian cucumbers instead of English, adding pepperoncini, etc. all elevate this recipe to the best!
CUSTOMIZABLE: Make the dressing as tangy as you like, add your favorite veggies, proteins, cheese, etc. to make it YOUR favorite salad—lots of variations included!
MAKE AHEAD FRIENDLY: See my tips for making this Mediterranean salad ahead of time for stress-free entertaining!
Mediterranean Salad Recipe Ingredients
This Mediterranean Salad recipe is made with easy-to-find ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Romaine lettuce: Use one very large lettuce head, two smaller heads, or three Romaine hearts to equal about 8-10 cups. Romaineadds a satisfying crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Its sturdy leaves hold up well to dressings and toppings.
Tomatoes: Ripe cherry tomatoes are crucial, as they are flavorful, juicy, and firm. This ensures that less water is released into the salad and maintains the dressing’s flavor.
Cucumber: Use either one cup sliced English cucumber or sliced Persian cucumbers. These smaller cucumbers boast a crisp texture, a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and thin skins that don’t have to be peeled.
Pepperoncini: This ingredient is not just a must-have; it’s a flavor booster! It’s a type of mild, yellow-green chili pepper that provides a tangy, mildly spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad. Pepperoncini typically comes in a glass jar shelved next to the sandwich condiments. You can purchase sliced or whole and slice them yourself.
Kalamata olives: Please use Kalamata olives and not just black olives for their dark, rich, intensely fruity flavor. I like to serve them halved but you can leave them whole if you wish. Make sure they are pitted so you don’t break a tooth!
Onion: ½ cup thinly sliced red onion adds a rich, zippy sweetness.
Croutons: I provided my go-to homemade crouton recipe in the recipe card below, but you may use your favorite store brand for a shortcut.
Feta cheese: A must for its tangy, salty bite to marry the ingredients together! Look for feta with the highest percentage of sheep’s milk; these will be the creamiest and least crumbly. Look for blocks of feta (vs. the crumbled) with the specialty cheeses at your grocery store. You may also substitute it with crumbles, but blocked feta tends to be more flavorful.
Creamy Greek Salad Dressing
Greek yogurt: This healthier, low-fat base adds subtle tanginess with luxurious creaminess. Use plain Greek yogurt with any fat content. Whole Greek yogurt will be richer and more flavorful, but nonfat is also creamy if you are trying to save calories.
Mayonnaise: While you can replace the mayo with more yogurt, combining both ingredients gives your dressing its signature creamy, smooth texture. It’s a key player in achieving the perfect consistency.
Olive oil: This is used instead of milk for added richness, smooth texture, and a mild, fruity flavor. Use quality extra virgin olive oil for superior taste.
Red wine vinegar: Adds bright acidity and freshness with a fruity tanginess. Please don’t substitute with another vinegar, especially white vinegar because it’s too strong.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, vibrant citrus pop without making the dressing taste too “lemony.” Fresh is best but you may use bottled in a bind. TIP: For fresh lemon juice at your fingertips, freeze leftover lemon juice by the tablespoon in ice cube trays.
Parmesan cheese: A couple of tablespoons adds umami and a salty, nutty flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan grated on the smallest hole of a box grater so it becomes powdery.
Herbs: Dried parsley, dill, oregano, and basil infuse the dressing with aromatic herbaceous complexity.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper contribute heat, warmth, and aromatic depth that makes the dressing come alive!
How to Make Mediterranean Salad
Let’s take a closer look at how to make this Mediterranean salad recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Step 1: Make the Dressing. Whisk the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add olive oil as needed to reach the desired consistency—season with additional salt and pepper to taste. The dressing is best if chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 2: Assemble. Add the Romaine lettuce to a large bowl, then top with the salad ingredients. Hold the croutons if you are expecting leftovers and serve them on the side.
Step 3: Add the Dressing. If you’re not expecting leftovers, drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss. Alternatively, dress individual servings.
TIPS For Making Traditional mediterranean salad
Customize the Ingredients: The salad ingredients and measurements are suggestions. After you load a large salad bowl with lettuce, pile on your ingredients in whatever ratios your taste buds desire, or whatever you have on hand. Some will like less olives, and others will like more cheese – that’s your call!
Make the Dressing First: The Dressing needs time to chill for the flavors to blend and develop—no one likes warm salad dressing! If you are making the salad and serving it immediately, place the Dressing in the freezer for 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator so it is sufficiently chilled.
Purchase Brined Feta: Blocks of feta can be packaged with or without a brine. Vacuum-packaged feta without a brine isn’t as moist whereas brined feta is packaged in salt water (a little or a lot), and doesn’t dry out.
Use Day-Old French Bread: 1 to 2-day old bread is easier to slice for the croutons without it caving/smooshing while you slice.
Toss Gently: Toss the salad gently to combine ingredients without mashing them, preserving their texture.
Prep Ahead: Get excited because you can prepare the ingredients beforehand—instructions to follow.
Scale the Recipe Up or Down: The printable recipe card has arrows next to the servings to increase or decrease the recipe as needed.
Experiment with Add-Ins: See the Variations Section for trying additional ingredients like capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and variety.
Repurpose Leftovers: Add them to wraps, gyros, grain bowls, paninis and more!
Mediterranean Salad Recipe Variations
Enhance with a Variety of Proteins: Elevate this side salad into a versatile dinner salad by introducing a range of proteins such as Greek chicken, shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, salami, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, garlic shrimp, salmon, pork, or steak.
Customize Vegetables: Customize your salad with any vegetable that sparks your culinary imagination! Asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, snap peas, and more—the choice is yours!
Briny Additions: Use bright, tangy, punchy pickled red onions recipe instead of raw. Add capers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Add Chickpeas: Add two cans of rinsed and drained chickpeas. You may also roast the chickpeas by patting them dry, tossing them with salt and any additional seasonings, roasting for 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan, or stirring the chickpeas every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet, as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Add Roasted Vegetables: Add your favorites, such as roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
Add Grains or Pasta: Finely chop the salad ingredients and add cooked farro, quinoa, lentils, bulgur wheat, or orzo.
How to serve Traditional Mediterranean Salad
If you are not expecting leftovers: Add the ingredients to a large salad bowl. You can toss everything together with the dressing or serve it on the side and let everyone dress their salad.
If expecting leftovers: Toss the salad ingredients together in a large salad bowl except for the croutons. Serve the croutons and dressing on the side. This will prevent the croutons from getting soggy when stored.
Salad bar: If you have picky eaters or want a fun, entertaining idea, consider a salad bar where everyone can pile on as much or as little of their favorite toppings. This is also fun with additions like rice/grains and chicken to make grain bowls. Everyone’s a winner with a salad bar!
What to Serve Wtih Mediterranean Salad
This Mediterranean Salad is a versatile side dish perfect for any gathering! While it can be paired with anything, here are some of our favorite Mediterranean-inspired favorites:
Greek Chicken: This is an all-time reader’s favorite recipe! The chicken is juicy, tender, and flavorful from a lemon, oregano, garlic laced marinade. Add some Greek lemon rice to round out the meal.
Greek Burgers: These flavor-bombs are infused with feta, garlic, dill, mint, cumin, and oregano, then grilled to succulent juicy perfection. Serve them with the salad and sweet potato fries to really hit the spot.
Greek Meatballs: These juicy, fragrant, herbaceous meatballs are dripping with lemon, garlic, dill, and oregano goodness. They are easy to whip up and can be cooked in the oven while you make the salad.
Gyros: The combination of juicy Greek marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, fresh crisp veggies, and tangy feta wrapped in warm pita bread is out of this world. All it needs is a side salad!
Greek Salmon in Dill Sauce: This boasts a delightful symphony of Greek flavors you will have to taste to believe. The whole meal comes together very quickly for a simple salmon recipe that never disappoints!
Lemon Basil Chicken:The chicken is delightfully juicy from an easy marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, basil, oregano, garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes. Serve it on the side or on top of the salad.
Avgolemono Chicken Soup: Soup and salad is always a win! This uniquely cozy, lemony, chicken soup is loaded with refreshing, comforting, nutritious, feel-good ingredients. It’s prepared Greek-style with avgolemono sauce (lemon-egg sauce) so the broth is extra silky, luxurious, vibrant, and satisfying!
Mahi Mahi in Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:The fish is spice rubbed then pan seared until golden, then bathed in an intoxicating, creamy lemon, garlic sauce. It looks and tastes fancy but is quick and easy to make and begging to be served with a vibrant fresh salad!
One Pan Greek Chicken: Greek chicken baked with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, roasted red bell peppers and artichokes all in one dish (AKA only one dish to clean). All it needs is a fresh side salad!
Tiktok Feta Pasta: This easy pasta is made by baking a block of feta along with tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and olive oil to create an irresistible, cheesy, creamy, tangy, tomato sauce. Stir in some garlic, basil and cooked pasta and you have an easy, gourmet tasting dinner that took less than 10 minutes of hands-on prep. Add a side salad and you have a winning dinner!
This recipe is a time-saving solution for meal prep. You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time or either the dressing, croutons, or veggies. Here’s how to prep ahead:
-Salad ingredients: You can chop the veggies up to 24 hours in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. I add the lettuce to a large bowl and the ingredients in separate paper-towel-lined sandwich bags on top, then cover everything with foil. This keeps excess moisture away from the veggies and keeps them fresh.
-Croutons: These can be made up to one week ahead of time and stored in a resealable plastic bag with as much air removed as possible or in an airtight container at room temperature.
-Dressing: This can be made up to one week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
HOW TO STORE recipe for mediterranean salad
If you plan on storing leftover salad, do not toss it with the dressing; otherwise, the lettuce will become soggy and wilted. Instead, store the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers. The croutons should also be stored in a separate airtight container. The salad can last about three days in the refrigerator when stored in this manner. However, it’s important to note that the wet ingredients like pepperoncini and tomatoes can soften the crunch of the lettuce a bit.
Mediterranean Salad FAQS
What is a Mediterranean salad?
Mediterranean salad is a fresh and flavorful dish featuring ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, red onions, and fresh herbs, often dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This version is based off of my favorite Greek restaurant featuring Romaine lettuce and a creamy Greek Dressing.
What ingredients are typically in a Mediterranean salad?
Typical ingredients in a Mediterranean salad include cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. It is usually dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own with additional vegetables or briny additions like capers or pickled red onions.
Can you add protein to Mediterranean salad?
Absolutely! You can add protein to Mediterranean salad by including ingredients like grilled chicken, shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, salami, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, garlic shrimp, salmon, pork, steak, chickpeas, etc., to make it more filling and nutritious.
Is Mediterranean salad healthy?
Yes, Mediterranean salad is considered healthy due to its fresh vegetables, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil and olives. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
What are some variations of Mediterranean salad?
Variations of Mediterranean salad can include adding roasted vegetables, quinoa, or grains like farro, using different types of cheese such as goat cheese, or incorporating additions like sun-dried tomatoes and capers for added flavor. See the Variations Section for more ideas.
Can Mediterranean salad be frozen?
No, I don’t recommended freezing Mediterranean salad as the texture of the fresh vegetables and cheese can be adversely affected. Instead, prepare the salad fresh or see the Make Ahead section and store leftovers in the refrigerator.
This expertly crafted Mediterranean Salad features an obsessive-worthy creamy, tangy dressing inspired by our favorite restaurant! As a Mediterranean cuisine connoisseur, I’ve perfected this recipe with critical ingredients like zippy pepperoncini, block feta, garlic herb croutons, and ideas for adding protein like Greek chicken, chickpeas, and shrimp. You’ll also enjoy tips and variations, including how to prep ahead for meal prep or an entertaining win!
Servings: 8servings
Total Time: 30 minutesmins
Prep Time: 30 minutesmins
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Make the Dressing: Whisk the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add olive oil as needed to reach the desired consistency—season with additional salt and pepper to taste. The dressing is best if chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Assemble: Add the Romaine lettuce to a large bowl, then top with the salad ingredients. Hold the croutons if expecting leftovers.
Add the Dressing: If you're not expecting leftovers, drizzle the salad with the desired amount of dressing and toss. Alternatively, dress individual salads. Dig in!
Notes
Feta cheese: Look for the highest percentage of sheep’s milk for the creamiest and least crumbly feta. The more goat’s milk, the crumblier the feta will be. You can find blocks of feta (vs. the crumbled) with the specialty cheeses at your grocery store. Blocks of feta can be packaged with or without a brine. Vacuum-packaged feta without a brine isn’t as moist, whereas brined feta is packaged in salt water (a little or a lot) and doesn’t dry out.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cube the bread into bite-size pieces and add them to a large baking sheet. Drizzle the bread with olive oil, sprinkle with seasonings, and toss until evenly coated.
Spread the bread into an even layer and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Prep Ahead
This recipe is a time-saving solution for meal prep. You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time or either the dressing, croutons, or veggies. Here’s how to prep ahead:
Salad ingredients: You can chop the veggies up to 24 hours in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. I add the lettuce to a large bowl and the ingredients in separate paper-towel-lined sandwich bags on top, then cover everything with foil. This keeps excess moisture away from the veggies and keeps them fresh.
Croutons: These can be made up to one week ahead of time and stored in a resealable plastic bag with as much air removed as possible or in an airtight container at room temperature.
Dressing: This can be made up to one week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Yet another fantastic recipe! Our family of 4 loved this along with your Greek chicken. Love the way all of the flavors come together with the creamy, tangy dressing! I came across your blog about 2 years ago and use your site as my go to for almost all recipes. Really appreciate you sharing your amazing talent! Looking forward to your cookbook!
WOW this was an amazing dish! It easily became the main instead of a side with our Mediterranean fish and spaghetti. I used Skyr yogurt instead of Greek which added some tanginess and didn’t use all the dressing on the salad. Everyone asked for the recipe. Thank you so much!
Hi Britta! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Greek cuisine holds a special place in my heart, and I’m glad it resonated with you too!
Christi says
Yet another fantastic recipe! Our family of 4 loved this along with your Greek chicken. Love the way all of the flavors come together with the creamy, tangy dressing! I came across your blog about 2 years ago and use your site as my go to for almost all recipes. Really appreciate you sharing your amazing talent! Looking forward to your cookbook!
Jen says
Thanks for trying so many recipes, I appreciate it! I am glad this one didn’t disappoint!
Britta says
WOW this was an amazing dish! It easily became the main instead of a side with our Mediterranean fish and spaghetti. I used Skyr yogurt instead of Greek which added some tanginess and didn’t use all the dressing on the salad. Everyone asked for the recipe. Thank you so much!
Jen says
Hi Britta! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Greek cuisine holds a special place in my heart, and I’m glad it resonated with you too!