If you’re searching for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, look no further than the Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe. This delightful salad combines creamy ripe avocados, tangy feta cheese, and crisp fresh veggies to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian meal or side that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a quick, satisfying lunch, this salad never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—not just in flavor but in texture and color, making the salad as beautiful as it is delicious. From creamy avocado to briny olives and crisp cucumber, here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced: Choose firm but ripe avocados to get that perfect creamy texture without the mush.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These add bursts of sweetness and a juicy pop in every bite.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Its refreshing crunch balances the creaminess of avocado beautifully.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness that lifts the whole salad.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Their tangy, salty profile is essential for that authentic Greek flavor.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, feta brings richness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Provides luscious mouthfeel and ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a zesty, bright contrast to the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic herbal note that’s unmistakably Greek.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a lovely green pop.
How to Make Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies and Olives
Start by carefully dicing the ripe avocados, halving the cherry tomatoes, and chopping the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp edge without overwhelming the other flavors. Don’t forget to pit and halve your Kalamata olives—they’re the salty heroes of this salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This simple but dynamic dressing will enhance every ingredient with its bright, herbaceous, and tangy notes.
Step 3: Toss Gently
Place all the prepared veggies and olives into a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to mash the avocados—you want to keep those creamy chunks intact for a contrast in texture that’s pure heaven.
Step 4: Finish with Feta and Parsley
Sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley just before serving. The feta adds a luscious saltiness, and the parsley lends a fresh, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe pop even more, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of lemon zest. These little touches bring delightful crunch and a citrusy brightness to each forkful, making every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a vibrant side alongside grilled meats like lamb or chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread to soak up the tasty dressing. If you want to keep it vegetarian, serve it alongside a hearty grain bowl or some grilled vegetables for a perfect summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or on a large platter layered with extra avocado slices and feta crumbles. Alternatively, stuff the salad into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a charming, bite-sized appetizer that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To preserve the avocado’s color and texture, press plastic wrap directly onto the salad’s surface and eat within one day for the best flavor and appearance.
Freezing
We don’t recommend freezing this salad. Freezing will compromise the texture of the avocado and fresh vegetables, making them mushy and unappealing when thawed. This salad is all about fresh, crisp ingredients, so enjoy it fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you want a warm dish, consider pairing the salad with something you can reheat on the side instead.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives in this Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe?
Absolutely! While Kalamata olives are traditional for their tangy, salty flavor, you can experiment with green olives or even Castelvetrano olives for a milder, buttery taste. Just make sure to pit and chop them to keep the salad balanced.
How do I keep avocado from browning in the salad?
Avocados brown quickly when exposed to air, so to minimize this, use ripe but firm avocados and toss them gently in the dressing which contains an acid (like red wine vinegar). Also, serving the salad immediately after preparation helps keep it looking fresh and vibrant.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
This specific recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the feta with a plant-based cheese or simply omitting the cheese and increasing the amount of olives or adding toasted nuts for extra texture.
Can I add protein to make this salad more filling?
Definitely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas will turn this salad into a more substantial meal. The creamy avocado and tangy dressing pair wonderfully with many proteins without overpowering them.
What kind of vinegar works best in this recipe?
Red wine vinegar is preferred for its sharp yet fruity flavor that complements the Greek ingredients perfectly. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or even a mild apple cider vinegar, though the flavor profile may slightly differ.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the fresh, vibrant combination of flavors in this Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with texture and taste that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch, a festive side, or a healthy snack, this salad will quickly become one of your favorites—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Greek Avocado Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Avocado Salad with Feta is a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish combining creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy Kalamata olives, and salty feta cheese. Tossed with a simple red wine vinegar and oregano dressing, it’s a quick, no-cook recipe perfect for light lunches or as a flavorful side.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives gently so the avocado pieces retain their shape.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified to create a balanced, tangy dressing.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and gently toss everything together, taking care not to mash the avocado pieces, to ensure even coating of flavors.
- Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the top of the salad to add creamy texture and fresh herbal notes.
- Serve immediately: Serve this salad right away to enjoy its fresh flavors and best texture; it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or crusty bread.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use firm but ripe avocados to get the best texture that holds up well in the salad.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pita bread, or as a refreshing side dish for Mediterranean meals.
