Authentic Greek Lemon-Olive Oil Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad where every ingredient ratio honors Mediterranean traditions, featuring locally pressed olive oil and hand-chopped herbs for maximum freshness. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs Romaine lettuce, medium (about 100g) cucumber, medium (about 25g) red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Wash and tear 120g romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, then place in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 100g cucumber and 25g red onion into half-moons, adding to the bowl.
  3. Step 3: Add 30g pitted Kalamata olives and 2g fresh dill, then drizzle with 45ml extra virgin olive oil and 15ml fresh lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1g sea salt over the salad, then toss gently with tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated and the oil emulsifies.
  5. Step 5: Let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Greek Lemon-Olive Oil Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Greek Lemon-Olive Oil Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep romaine lettuce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Greek Lemon-Olive Oil Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Greek Lemon-Olive Oil Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Greek Lemon-Olive Oil Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying