What is a Taverna Salad?

A Taverna Salad is a traditional Greek salad typically featuring ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano, often dressed with olive oil and sometimes a splash of red wine vinegar.

How do you make a traditional Greek Taverna Salad?

To make a traditional Greek Taverna Salad, combine chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Kalamata olives in a bowl. Add chunks of feta cheese on top, sprinkle with dried oregano, and drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Optionally, add a splash of red wine vinegar and season with salt to taste.

What is the difference between a Greek salad and a Taverna Salad?

The terms "Greek salad" and "Taverna Salad" are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the classic salad served in Greek tavernas, featuring fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and olives.

Can I add lettuce to a Taverna Salad?

Traditional Taverna Salads do not include lettuce; they focus on tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese. However, adding lettuce is a common variation, especially outside of Greece, to add extra crunch and volume.

What are some common variations of Taverna Salad?

Variations can include adding ingredients like green bell peppers, capers, or anchovies. Some versions may incorporate different types of olives or use herbs like fresh dill or parsley for added flavor.

Taverna Salad Recipe: A Mediterranean Delight for Every Meal

Taverna Salad: Your Go-to Mediterranean Comfort Food

The Taverna Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines crisp greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a tangy homemade dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano, this salad delivers the perfect balance of freshness and richness. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or warm pita bread. Whether served as a light meal or a hearty side, this salad is a crowd-pleaser!

Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ons:

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein
Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flavor
Avocado slices for creaminess
Red chili flakes or jalapeños for heat

Instructions

Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and thoroughly dry the Romaine lettuce. Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
Slice the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Add them to the bowl.
Add the Briny & Creamy Ingredients: Toss in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, chill the veggies before assembling the salad.
Toasting the feta lightly in a pan adds a delicious warm caramelized flavor.
For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon.
Store any leftover dressing in the fridge for up to a week and use it as a marinade for veggies or proteins.

Author: Anna Gomez
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving – Approx. 4 Servings
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Taverna Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Greek Salad, Healthy Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Summer Salad, Feta Cheese Salad, Olive Oil Dressing, Fresh Salad, Quick Lunch, Meal Prep, Vegetarian Recipe