Greek Salad Bowl Tzatziki Dressing Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients that comes together with such ease, making it perfect for a quick but satisfying meal. Plus, the creamy tzatziki and tangy feta add an irresistible flavor punch that keeps me coming back for more!

I love whipping up healthy, colorful, and delicious meals, and my Greek Salad Bowl with Tzatziki Dressing is a sure-fire hit. The salad layers 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, and 1/2 red onion to give a satisfying crunch and vibrant flavor.

Then, it goes all in with a whopping 1 cup of feta cheese and 1 cup of kalamata olives, signature Mediterranean ingredients that really take this dish to the next level. The dressing couldn’t be easier: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, a hint of dried oregano, and 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce.

And serving it all over a base of 2 cups of mixed greens makes this salad a perfectly balanced meal.

Ingredients

Tzatziki Sauce:
Tangy and creamy, loaded with probiotics for gut health.

Cherry Tomatoes:
Succulent and flavorful, a provider of vitamins A and C and antioxidants.

Cucumber:
Moist and refreshing, light in calories, filled with moisture.

Kalamata Olives:
Salty and taste of the sea, superb source of heart-healthy fats.

Feta Cheese:
Pungent and unctuous, delivers calcium and protein, supplied in moderation.

Mixed Greens:
Rich in nutrients, full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups mixed greens (such as baby spinach and arugula)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing Base:
In a tiny dish, combine the following and mix well: olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set the combination aside to let it meld into a harmonious dressing.

2. Mix the Vegetables:
In an ample salad bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion together.

3. Add the Olives:
The vegetable mixture should include the pitted and halved kalamata olives.

4. Toss in the Greens:
Carefully incorporate the mesclun mix, ensuring that it is uniformly interspersed throughout the salad.

5. Crumble the Feta:
Crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the salad for a distinctly creamy, tangy flavor.

6. Mix with Dressing: The prepped dressing should be poured over the salad. Using gentle and not-too-broad utensil strokes, toss the solids and dressing together to coat all parts of the salad in dressing.

7. Integrate the Tzatziki:
Tzatziki sauce should be drizzled over the salad or served on the side so that each person can add as much as they like.

8. Mix Well:
Ensure that each bite will have a blend of all the flavors by giving everything one last, light toss, or fold.

9. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the salad and correct the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

10. Serve Immediately
Serve the salad in bowls and the rest is just like it says above.

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Salad bowl
4. Mixing spoon or salad tongs
5. Sharp knife
6. Cutting board
7. Serving bowls or plates

FAQ

• Can I make my own tzatziki sauce for this salad?Certainly! Tzatziki can be prepared at home using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a touch of olive oil.
• What can I use instead of feta cheese?You can replace feta with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar taste profile.
• Is there an alternative to kalamata olives?If you don’t have kalamata olives, you can use black olives or green olives instead.
• Can I add protein to this salad?Certainly, extra protein can come from great sources like grilling chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• How can I make this salad vegan?Substitute a plant-based tzatziki sauce for traditional tzatziki sauce and a vegan alternative for feta cheese.
• What’s a good serving size for this salad?This recipe serves about 2-3 people as a main dish or about 4-5 people as a side dish.
• How should I store leftovers?The leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for no more than two days, with the dressing kept separate.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use plain Greek yogurt with garlic and dill for a similar flavor to tzatziki sauce.
For a different crunch and sweetness, sliced bell peppers can take the place of cherry tomatoes.
Use green olives if kalamata olives are not on hand, for a milder olive flavor.
For a creamier-textured substitute for feta cheese, use crumbled goat cheese.
Mixed greens can be replaced with romaine lettuce for a much sturdier base.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Ingredients For a refreshing and crisp salad, refrigerate the vegetables, feta, and tzatziki sauce before preparing the dish. This enhances the flavors and texture.

2. Marinate the Onions To soften the sharpness of the red onion, soak the slices in a little bit of the red wine vinegar for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

3. Use Fresh Herbs If possible, substitute the dried oregano with fresh oregano or add fresh dill. This provides a burst of flavor and elevates the taste of the salad.

4. Toast the Olives Briefly pan-toast the kalamata olives for a few minutes until they’re just warmed up. This can enhance their oiliness and flavor before adding them to the salad.

5. Customize the Tzatziki Add a bit of lemon zest or extra cucumber to the tzatziki sauce for additional brightness and freshness in each bite.