If you are looking for a fresh, colourful dish that is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, a classic Greek salad is the perfect choice.
Made with crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese and a simple olive oil dressing, this refreshing salad is ideal for barbecues, family lunches, weekend dinners or as a light meal on its own.
The best part is that you do not need complicated ingredients or spend hours in the kitchen. Most of the ingredients are readily available in Kenyan supermarkets and fresh produce markets.
What you need
Ingredients
• 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 large cucumber, sliced into thick half-moons
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 150g feta cheese, cut into large cubes or served as one block
• ½ cup black olives or Kalamata olives (optional)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Steps to follow
Step 1
Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into wedges, slice the cucumber into thick pieces, thinly slice the onion and cut the green pepper into strips. Place everything in a large serving bowl.
Step 2
Place the feta cheese on top of the vegetables. For a traditional Greek presentation, leave it as one large block, or cut it into large cubes if preferred. Scatter the olives over the salad if using.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Step 4
Pour the dressing evenly over the salad. Avoid tossing it too much, as the feta cheese can easily break apart.
Step 5
Serve immediately while the vegetables are fresh and crisp. For extra freshness, chill the ingredients before preparing the salad or refrigerate the finished salad briefly before serving.
A Greek salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, nyama choma, garlic bread or warm pita bread. You can also add sliced avocado for extra creaminess or sprinkle fresh mint or parsley over the top for added flavour and freshness.
It also makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled tilapia, chicken or beef kebabs, creating a complete family meal.
Unlike mayonnaise-based salads, a Greek salad is naturally light, colourful and packed with fresh ingredients. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants, cucumbers help with hydration, onions contain beneficial plant compounds, and olive oil supplies heart-healthy fats.
Whether you are entertaining friends over the weekend, preparing a light family lunch or looking for a healthy side dish to accompany your favourite grilled meats, a classic Greek salad is a simple, delicious and crowd-pleasing choice.
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