Authentic Greek Lemon-Olive Oil Salad
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.
Ingredients
- 120g Romaine lettuce
- 1/2 medium (about 100g) cucumber
- 1/4 medium (about 25g) red onion
- 30g Kalamata olives
- 45ml extra virgin olive oil
- 15ml fresh lemon juice
- 2g dill
- 1g sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and tear 120g romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, then place in a large bowl.
- Step 2: Thinly slice 100g cucumber and 25g red onion into half-moons, adding to the bowl.
- Step 3: Add 30g pitted Kalamata olives and 2g fresh dill, then drizzle with 45ml extra virgin olive oil and 15ml fresh lemon juice.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1g sea salt over the salad, then toss gently with tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated and the oil emulsifies.
- 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.
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
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.