Go Back
American Greek Salad

American Greek Salad

The perfect blend of crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, the American Greek Salad offers a refreshing taste that captures the essence of summer. This easy-to-make salad is ideal for barbecues or picnics, providing a nutritious option your guests will love. Make it tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup Newman's Own Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing
  • 1 T extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 T lemon juice
  • 2 tsp capers, chopped
  • 1 tsp caper brine
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Start by preparing your lettuce. If it appears limp, chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a salad spinner filled with ice-cold water. Let it soak for about 5 minutes. This step will make a HUGE difference in the crispness and quality of your salad.
  2. While the lettuce is soaking, grab a mixing bowl. Whisk together the Newman’s Own Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, caper juice, chopped capers, and dried oregano. Let this dressing sit while you prepare the other ingredients; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  3. Next, cut your cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even distribution in your salad. The vibrant colors will add a lovely contrast in the bowl.
  4. Now, crumble the Feta cheese and slice the olives in half. If you're using green peppers and green onions, slice them thinly as well. These ingredients will add layers of flavor and texture to your salad.
  5. Once your lettuce has crisped, spin it dry in the salad spinner or drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture can make your salad soggy.
  6. In a large salad bowl, toss together the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, and any additional toppings you desire. Pour in the dressing, starting with a smaller amount and adding more to taste.
  7. Add the crumbled Feta cheese and olives to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed but not overly crushed.
  8. For presentation, consider saving some Feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes to garnish the top of the salad. This makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress!
  9. Lastly, season your salad to taste with salt and fresh ground black pepper. This final touch will really enhance the overall flavor of the American Greek Salad.
  10. Enjoy your creation! This salad is best served fresh, but feel free to store any leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch the next day.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two days for optimal freshness.
Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content in the vegetables.
Pairing: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, making it a perfect side dish for barbecues and picnics.
Customization: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or radishes to enhance the texture and flavor.
Meal Prep: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day ahead to save time when assembling the salad.