Pappas Greek Salad Recipe

We’ve always been captivated by the vibrant flavors of a classic Greek salad, and our Pappas Greek Salad recipe brings that authentic Mediterranean magic right to your table. Originating from the sun-kissed shores of Greece this dish bursts with fresh veggies olives and tangy feta making it a refreshing staple for any meal.

Ingredients

For our Pappas Greek Salad Recipe, we select the freshest ingredients to capture that authentic Mediterranean vibe, blending crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta for a burst of vibrant flavors.

To prepare this salad, we organize the ingredients in the order they are typically used—from base vegetables to dressings and garnishes. Here’s our detailed list:

Tomatoes: 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces for a juicy base that adds sweetness and color.
Cucumbers: 2 large English cucumbers, sliced thinly to provide crunch and refreshment, ensuring they are peeled if the skin is tough.
Red Onion: 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its sharpness, offering a mild bite.
Bell Peppers: 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped for added crispness and a subtle sweetness that enhances the salad’s texture.
Kalamata Olives: 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained to bring in that signature briny tang, evoking the essence of Greek cuisine.
Feta Cheese: 200 grams of high-quality feta, crumbled for its creamy, tangy contrast that ties the dish together.
Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup of fresh oregano and parsley, finely chopped to infuse aromatic notes and elevate the salad’s fresh, herbaceous profile.
Olive Oil: ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, cold-pressed for a rich, fruity dressing base that coats the ingredients perfectly.
Red Vinegar: 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, used to add a sharp acidity that balances the flavors.
Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground fresh to season and enhance the overall taste just before mixing.

This selection ensures our Pappas Greek Salad Recipe remains light, healthy, and full of authentic Greek charm.

Required Tools and Equipment

To bring our Pappas Greek Salad to life with precision and ease, we need a few essential tools and equipment that streamline the preparation process. Having the right items on hand ensures we handle fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers efficiently, maintaining their vibrant flavors and textures while minimizing effort.

Here’s a curated list of the key tools we recommend:

Sharp Chef’s Knife: This is crucial for chopping vegetables such as cucumbers and bell peppers into uniform pieces. We rely on a high-quality knife to achieve clean cuts that enhance the salad’s presentation and ensure even flavor distribution.
Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board provides a safe surface for all our slicing and dicing. We prefer a large one made of wood or plastic to accommodate multiple ingredients without crowding.
Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for tossing together the salad components, including olives and feta. We use a bowl with a wide rim to allow for easy mixing without bruising delicate herbs or vegetables.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for dressings, so we always have a set of these on hand. For instance, they help measure exact amounts of olive oil or vinegar to balance the tangy Mediterranean flavors.
Salad Spinner (Optional but Recommended): If we’re working with greens or herbs, this tool removes excess moisture quickly. We find it indispensable for keeping our salad crisp and preventing sogginess.

By gathering these tools, we set ourselves up for a seamless assembly of our Pappas Greek Salad, turning simple ingredients into an authentic, refreshing dish.

Instructions

Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps to create our vibrant Pappas Greek Salad. We ensure each stage brings out the authentic Mediterranean flavors for a refreshing and healthy dish.

Prepare the Ingredients

Before assembling, we focus on prepping the vegetables to achieve uniform pieces that enhance texture and flavor. Start by washing all produce under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat dry with a clean towel.

Tomatoes: Dice 4 medium ripe tomatoes into 1-inch cubes to release their juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
Cucumbers: Slice 2 large cucumbers into thin half-moons for a crisp crunch that adds a cool, refreshing element to the salad.
Red Onion: Thinly slice 1 small red onion into rings using a sharp chef’s knife, soaking them in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow their sharp bite.
Green Bell Pepper: Chop 1 green bell pepper into 1-inch strips to provide a mild, crunchy contrast with its bright green hue.
Kalamata Olives: Pit and halve 1/2 cup of briny Kalamata olives, ensuring they add a tangy, salty depth without overpowering the other elements.
Feta Cheese: Crumble 1 cup of creamy feta cheese into bite-sized pieces to deliver its signature tangy creaminess.
Fresh Herbs: Finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of oregano leaves, releasing their aromatic, earthy scents that evoke the Greek countryside.

Make the Dressing

With our ingredients ready, we craft a simple yet flavorful dressing that ties the salad together, using high-quality oils and herbs for an authentic touch.

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, zesty blend that carries the essence of the Mediterranean sun.

Assemble the Salad

Finally, we bring everything together in a large mixing bowl to create a colorful, textured masterpiece ready for serving.

Add the prepared tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives to the bowl, then gently toss to distribute evenly. Drizzle the homemade dressing over the top and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped herbs throughout. Use salad tongs to mix lightly for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld while preserving the crisp freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad’s bright colors, tangy notes, and satisfying crunch in every bite.

Make-Ahead Instructions

As we dive deeper into perfecting our Pappas Greek Salad, let’s explore how to prepare components in advance. This approach keeps the salad fresh and vibrant while saving time during busy meal prep. We focus on prepping ingredients and the dressing ahead, but recommend assembling just before serving to maintain crispness and flavor.

What You Can Prepare Ahead

To preserve the authentic Mediterranean essence of our Pappas Greek Salad, certain elements hold up well when made in advance:

Vegetables: Dice tomatoes, slice cucumbers, and chop green bell pepper up to 24 hours ahead.
Onions and Herbs: Thinly slice red onion and finely chop fresh herbs like oregano a day in advance.
Olives and Cheese: Pit and halve Kalamata olives, then crumble feta cheese up to 48 hours ahead for convenience.
Dressing: Whip up the tangy olive oil-based dressing in advance to let flavors meld.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these steps to make ahead without compromising the salad’s refreshing crunch and bold tastes:

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping your base vegetables. For instance, dice ripe tomatoes into uniform ½-inch pieces and slice cucumbers into thin rounds. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent sogginess – this ensures they retain their crisp texture when you’re ready to assemble.
Handle Aromatics and Add-Ins: Thinly slice red onion using a sharp chef’s knife, then soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Finely chop fresh herbs and combine Kalamata olives with crumbled feta in a sealed container. These steps enhance flavor development while keeping ingredients fresh.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Transfer the mixture to a jar and shake well. Let it sit in the fridge for up to 3 days to allow the herbs and garlic to infuse the oil with deeper, authentic Greek flavors.

Storage Tips and Guidelines

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of our prepped Pappas Greek Salad components. Below is a quick reference table for optimal fridge times and conditions:

Component	Make-Ahead Time	Storage Method	Notes
Chopped Vegetables	Up to 24 hours	Airtight containers in fridge	Pat dry before storing to avoid excess moisture.
Sliced Onions & Herbs	Up to 24 hours	Sealed bags or containers	Rinse onions in water to reduce pungency.
Olives & Feta	Up to 48 hours	Airtight container	Keep feta dry to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Dressing	Up to 3 days	Glass jar with tight lid	Shake before using to re-emulsify.

By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we ensure our Pappas Greek Salad remains a light, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to enjoy anytime.

Conclusion

We’ve shared our favorite take on the Pappas Greek Salad, blending fresh vibes with effortless prep. It’s a go-to for us when we crave something light yet bursting with flavor.

By trying this recipe, you’ll bring a touch of Greek authenticity to your meals and enjoy the perks of wholesome eating. We’re confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pappas Greek Salad?

Pappas Greek Salad is a vibrant, authentic Mediterranean dish originating from Greece, featuring fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. It’s a refreshing, healthy option that combines ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, herbs, and a tangy dressing for a light, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

What ingredients are needed for Pappas Greek Salad?

Key ingredients include ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, mild red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and fresh herbs like oregano. You’ll also need extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Focus on fresh, high-quality produce to capture that authentic Greek essence.

How do you prepare Pappas Greek Salad?

Start by dicing tomatoes, slicing cucumbers, and chopping other veggies like onion and bell pepper. Prepare the dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, add the dressing, and toss gently. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, making it a quick, healthy dish.

What tools are required for making Pappas Greek Salad?

You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife for chopping, a sturdy cutting board for safety, a large mixing bowl for tossing ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for the dressing, and optionally a salad spinner for crisp greens. These basic tools ensure precise preparation and easy assembly of this fresh salad.

Can I make Pappas Greek Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep vegetables, herbs, olives, cheese, and dressing in advance to save time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it crisp—avoid dressing early to prevent sogginess, making it ideal for busy schedules.