Warm Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives
A vibrant salad combining fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion tossed in a warm, herb-infused olive oil dressing topped with crumbled feta and briny Kalamata olives. This greek-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, halved, medium cucumber, diced, small red onion, thinly sliced 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 210 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 small thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, gently warming for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Remove the warm olive oil mixture from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 4: Pour the warm dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the salad just before serving for a fresh and savory finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Warm Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Warm Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives?
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 cherry tomatoes, halved from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Warm Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives?
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 Warm Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
Is Warm Greek Salad with Feta and Kalamata Olives vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.