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    Easy Vegan Greek Salad

    Jun 29, 2022 · 14 Comments

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    Quick, simple, and delicious vegan Greek salad made with fresh crunchy veggies, creamy vegan feta cheese, and a flavorful olive oil vinaigrette! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or any day of the week.

    completed Vegan Greek Salad on a white plate against a white background

    Vegan Greek Cucumber Salad with Dairy-Free Feta

    Just because you don't eat meat or dairy doesn't mean you have to settle for subpar and tasteless salads. Take this vegan Greek salad (horiatiki salad), for example. It's absolutely loaded with flavor thanks to a combination of tangy, creamy, crunchy, and fresh elements—made within minimal time and effort!

    It doesn't require a ton of ingredients either. In fact, this Mediterranean cucumber salad is made up of a simple combination of cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, and optional avocado, with vegan feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a simple yet aromatic vegan Greek dressing.

    The result is a light yet filling and delicious healthy salad packed with flavor and nutrients and enjoyable as a side dish or light meal. You can even make it more of a meal with extra mix-ins like quinoa, pasta, or beans. Keep reading for all my suggestions, tips, and FAQs regarding this vegan Mediterranean recipe below!

    Greek Salad Ingredients

    With just a handful of fresh ingredients and several pantry staples, you can pull together this vegan Greek feta salad in no time. Even better, if you're anything like me, you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen!

    ingredients for Vegan Greek Salad measured out against a white surface

    The Greek Cucumber Salad

    • Cucumber: Use a low-seed or seedless variety like English/Persian cucumber for this Mediterranean cucumber salad.

    If you use one with lots of seeds, you can slice it in half lengthwise and scoop them out with a teaspoon. Likewise, if you use a cucumber with a thick, bitter peel, remove it. Otherwise, I leave it on.

    • Tomatoes: I use cherry and grape tomatoes, which are available year-round and taste great. You can also use larger in-season tomatoes and dice them.
    • Bell pepper: Green bell pepper is great as it's slightly bitter, but you can use any color.
    • Red onion: Red onion is great for color, but you can use yellow/sweet onions if that's all you have.
    • Kalamata olives: Make sure they're pitted before adding them to the Mediterranean chopped salad. Use black olives if preferred.
    • Avocado: (optional) Avocado will add another creamy element to the Greek cucumber salad with antioxidants and additional heart-healthy fats.
    • Vegan feta cheese: Use your favorite brand of dairy-free feta (i.e., Violife) for this dairy-free Greek salad. Alternatively, you could make your own tofu-based feta cheese.
    • Fresh herbs: You could use mint, parsley, dill, or oregano.

    The Greek Vinaigrette

    • Olive oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil that is light and fruity.
    • Vinegar: I use red wine vinegar, but you can try white wine vinegar, too.
    • Garlic: Adjust the amount to taste.
    • Lemon juice: I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Add more zing with lemon zest.
    • Dijon mustard: (optional) Will add extra depth, tang, and slight heat to the vegan Greek salad dressing.
    • Salt & black pepper: Season to taste.

    If you find it a bit too tangy, you could add a small amount of sugar or maple syrup to balance the flavors in the olive oil Greek vinaigrette.

    What could I add to the vegan Greek salad?

    There are several ways to play around with this versatile Mediterranean cucumber salad, including adding:

    • Lettuce: While lettuce isn't actually an ingredient of a traditional Greek salad, it's commonly added in the US and the UK. I recommend using Romaine lettuce or Iceberg lettuce for a Greek lettuce salad.
    • Artichoke: You can use marinated artichoke hearts or artichokes in water, based on your flavor preference.
    • Chickpeas: Chickpeas (or white beans) will help make this Greek vegetable salad into a complete meal, adding extra fiber and plenty of plant-based protein.
    • Pita bread: Baked pita chips (cut into small squares or crumbled) will add crunch in place of croutons.
    • Quinoa/Pasta: For a heartier meal and extra protein, transform this into a quinoa Greek salad with ¼-½ cup quinoa. Alternatively, use pasta (or orzo/ couscous) to make a delicious summer-friendly Greek pasta salad.
    • Capers: For extra briny, tangy flavor.
    • Dried oregano: Added to the vegan Greek dressing for more flavor. Use it instead of or alongside the fresh herbs in the salad.
    • Seeds: For extra crunch, protein, and heart-healthy fats, add a sprinkle of lightly toasted seeds to the avocado Greek salad when serving.

    How to Make Vegan Greek Salad

    Follow just five simple steps to prepare this vegan Greek salad recipe!

    • 1) First, prepare the salad vegetables. Cut the cucumber into half-moon slices, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. If you're adding avocado, dice it. Leave the olives whole, halve them, or cut them into slices.
    ingredients for Vegan Greek Salad measured out against a white surface
    • 2) Transfer all the vegetables to a large salad bowl along with the minced herbs, and the crumbled vegan cheese.
    Vegan Greek Salad ingredients added to bowl
    • 3) Meanwhile, add all the vegan Greek dressing ingredients to a small bowl or jar and whisk or shake it well.
    Vegan Greek Salad dressing ingredients measured out in individual bowls against a light surface
    completed dressing for vegan greek salad against a light surface
    • 4) Pour the dressing over the vegan Greek salad and toss it well to combine them. Then, enjoy it immediately or, even better, leave it for at least an hour (or several) in the refrigerator to allow all the flavors to meld and marinate.
    process shot showing the pouring of dressing onto bowl of vegan greek salad
    process shot showing the pouring of dressing onto bowl of vegan greek salad
    process shot of mixing vegan greek salad ingredients together

    FAQs

    Can I omit the vegan feta cheese?

    Yes, however, in that case, I definitely recommend adding the avocado for that creamy element.

    Does Greek salad contain lettuce?

    Classic horiatiki salad (aka Greek salad) does not contain lettuce, though it's become a popular addition in the US, UK, and many other countries.

    Is Greek salad healthy?

    With a combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats, this salad is packed with good-for-you ingredients. As long as you don't completely smother the Greek cucumber salad with vegan feta cheese and the oil-based dressing, this recipe is very healthy.

    However, don't be afraid of the oil entirely. In fact, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest diets on earth and contains a lot olive oil. Research has even proven that consuming up to 50ml of extra-virgin olive oil daily can benefit heart, brain, gut, etc., health.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Allow the flavors to meld: I recommend at least 30 minutes before serving the salad. Overnight would be optimal if possible.
    • For a more mellow onion flavor: Soak the onion slices in ice-cold water for 10 minutes to remove the harsh, raw 'bite.' Pat dry before adding to the salad.
    • Adjust the texture: You can enjoy this as a more typical chunky vegan Greek salad OR make a chopped Greek salad by finely chopping every ingredient, so you get a bit of everything in every bite.
    • To save time: Invest in a vegetable chopper and get the veggies ready in a fraction of the time and effort.
    completed Vegan Greek Salad on a white plate against a white background

    Storage Instructions

    Make ahead: This vegan Greek salad tastes even better after an hour or two of allowing all the flavors to marinate and meld in the fridge. For that reason, you can easily assemble in advance, up to the night before.

    Alternatively, you can prepare the olive oil vinaigrette in advance (up to 3 days) and add it to the salad 30 minutes before eating it.

    Store: Once assembled, I recommend enjoying the Greek cucumber salad within 2 days as it will become soggy fairly quickly. If you want to enjoy the salad over several days, I recommend only adding the dressing to each portion before eating it.

    How To Serve the Vegan Salad?

    This vegan Mediterranean salad is the perfect salad for Summer-time potlucks and BBQs but can also be enjoyed year-round as part of several meals.

    • Turn it into a Mediterranean bowl with hummus, pita bread, and other Mediterranean mezze dishes like stuffed vine leaves, falafel, etc.
    • With a vegan falafel pita/wrap
    • Plant-based burgers
    • Vegan kabobs and gyros
    • Summer wraps
    • Alongside dairy-free pizza and veggie pizza (like eggplant pizza)
    completed Vegan Greek Salad on a white plate against a white background

    More Veggie Heavy Meals

    • Mixed Bean and Vegetable Stew
    • Instant Pot Vegetable Barley Soup [+ Stove, Crockpot]
    • Vegetarian Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

    If you try this vegan Greek salad recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Vegan Greek Salad on a white plate against a white background

    Easy Vegan Greek Salad

    Quick, simple, and delicious vegan Greek salad made with fresh crunchy veggies, creamy vegan feta cheese, and a flavorful olive oil vinaigrette! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, or any day of the week.
    5 from 23 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Greek
    Servings 6
    Calories 329 kcal

    Equipment

    • knife set
    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • large bowl
    • small bowl

    Ingredients
      

    Salad

    • 1 cucumber halved lengthwise and sliced
    • 1 pint of cherry tomatoes halved
    • 1 small green bell pepper diced
    • ¼ of a small red onion thinly sliced
    • 1 ½ cups of kalamata olives
    • 1 ripe avocado, diced optional
    • 8 ounces of vegan feta cheese crumbled
    • 3 tablespoons of minced fresh herbs (either oregano, parsley, dill, or mint)

    Dressing

    • ¼ cup of olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
    • 1 garlic clove minced
    • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon of dijon mustard (optional)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients.
    • In a small bowl or mason jar, combine all the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly.

    Notes

    • Allow the flavors to meld: I recommend at least 30 minutes before serving the salad. Overnight would be optimal if possible.
    • For a more mellow onion flavor: Soak the onion slices in ice-cold water for 10 minutes to remove the harsh, raw 'bite.' Pat dry before adding to the salad.
    • Adjust the texture: You can enjoy this as a more typical chunky vegan Greek salad OR make a chopped Greek salad by finely chopping every ingredient, so you get a bit of everything in every bite.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 329kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 4gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 926mgPotassium: 433mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 691IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword avocado, bell pepper, cucumber, dairy free, dinner recipes, dressing, easy recipes, greek, healthy, lunch, meat free, meatless, salad, tomatoes, vegan, vegetarian, veggies
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      June 29, 2022 at 11:39 pm

      5 stars
      Love how easy this salad is to whip up!

      Reply
    2. Tina says

      July 02, 2022 at 2:05 am

      5 stars
      This Greek Salad looks incredible. Love how quickly it comes together.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 02, 2022 at 10:12 pm

        Gotta love the simple dishes!

        Reply
    3. Michelle says

      July 02, 2022 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      I love olives so this was right up my alley!

      Reply
    4. Katie says

      July 05, 2022 at 2:56 am

      love this vegan greek salad! It's full of flavor, and so delicious!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 10, 2022 at 9:39 pm

        Agreed! So easy and delicious!

        Reply
    5. Gina H. says

      July 05, 2022 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      What a great salad! I never thought I'd be able to have a Greek salad again after becoming vegan. I'm so happy to have this fresh and tangy recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 10, 2022 at 9:40 pm

        It's quite the tangy salad! So so good!

        Reply
    6. Teodora says

      July 06, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      This is my favorite one! I could eat it every day during the summer!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 10, 2022 at 9:41 pm

        Definitely an easy one to enjoy on the daily!

        Reply
    7. Amanda says

      July 08, 2022 at 3:11 am

      5 stars
      Cucumbers and olives are some of my favorite ingredients! Add the vegan feta, onions, and other ingredients and you've got a real winner!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 10, 2022 at 9:44 pm

        It's quite the combination! So tasty!

        Reply
    8. Janaye says

      July 10, 2022 at 4:01 am

      5 stars
      I love love love Greek salads my fav along with a good vegan Cesaer!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        July 10, 2022 at 9:48 pm

        It's such a tasty salad! So delicious!

        Reply

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