Ultimate Vegan Greek Salad Recipe: Mediterranean Flavors Without the Dairy 🥗

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched islands of Greece with this incredibly fresh and flavorful vegan Greek salad that captures all the authentic Mediterranean magic without any dairy products. This plant-based twist on the classic horiatiki maintains every bit of the original’s vibrant taste while being completely cruelty-free and suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to enjoy healthier Mediterranean cuisine.

The Mediterranean Magic of Plant-Based Greek Salad

Greek salad, known as horiatiki in Greece, has been a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Traditionally featuring chunks of fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, this beloved dish represents the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that make Mediterranean food so celebrated worldwide. Our vegan adaptation maintains every essential element while substituting dairy-based feta with incredible plant-based alternatives that deliver the same tangy, creamy satisfaction.

The beauty of vegan Greek salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients used. Fresh cucumbers provide satisfying crunch, ripe tomatoes burst with natural sweetness, red onions add sharp bite, and Kalamata olives contribute their distinctive briny depth. The magic happens when these components combine with a robust olive oil dressing infused with herbs and tangy elements that create an symphony of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Health Benefits That Make This Salad Extraordinary

This vegan Greek salad isn’t just delicious – it’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that support overall wellness. The abundant fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, and dietary fiber that support immune function, bone health, and digestive wellness. Cucumbers offer hydrating properties and natural cooling effects, while tomatoes deliver lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention.

The extra virgin olive oil used in the dressing provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, supporting cardiovascular health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Kalamata olives contribute additional healthy fats, vitamin E, and unique compounds that may support brain health and longevity. The combination of these ingredients creates a satisfying meal that supports weight management, provides sustained energy, and delivers comprehensive nutrition in every serving.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 large cucumbers, cut into chunks
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup vegan feta cheese crumbles
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare all vegetables by washing thoroughly and cutting cucumbers into bite-sized chunks, tomatoes into wedges, and red onion into thin slices.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine the chunked cucumbers, tomato wedges, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
3. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
4. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all components are well coated with the flavorful dressing.
5. Add the vegan feta cheese crumbles and fresh herbs, folding them in gently to maintain their texture and prevent the cheese from breaking apart completely.
6. Allow the salad to rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together and the vegetables to absorb the dressing.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
8. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Vegan Greek Salad

Fresh Mediterranean vegetables with vegan feta and herb dressing, perfect for healthy lunches and summer dining.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 185

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad Base

• 2 large cucumbers cut into chunks
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes cut into wedges
• 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted
• 1 cup vegan feta cheese crumbles
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Dressing

• 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp sea salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Prepare vegetables by washing thoroughly and cutting cucumbers into chunks, tomatoes into wedges, and red onion into thin slices.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine cucumbers, tomato wedges, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives, tossing gently.
3. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour dressing over vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly.
5. Add vegan feta cheese crumbles and fresh herbs, folding in gently to maintain texture.
6. Allow salad to rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature for flavors to meld.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
8. Serve immediately as a side dish or light main course, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm tomatoes and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Store components separately for meal prep. Salad keeps for 2-3 days refrigerated.

Mastering the Perfect Vegan Feta Substitution

The key to authentic vegan Greek salad lies in selecting or creating the perfect dairy-free feta alternative that delivers the characteristic tangy, salty, creamy flavor profile that makes traditional Greek salad so irresistible. Store-bought vegan feta options have improved dramatically in recent years, with brands offering almond-based, cashew-based, and tofu-based varieties that closely mimic the texture and taste of traditional sheep’s milk feta.

When selecting commercial vegan feta, look for products with firm texture that won’t completely dissolve when tossed with dressing, and flavor profiles that include natural fermentation or added probiotics for authentic tanginess. Many excellent options are available in specialty health food stores and mainstream supermarkets, making it easier than ever to enjoy authentic Mediterranean flavors while maintaining a plant-based lifestyle.

Storage Tips and Meal Prep Strategies

This vegan Greek salad is excellent for meal preparation and can be stored successfully when proper techniques are employed. For optimal freshness and texture, store the prepared vegetables and dressing separately, combining them just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy or losing their crisp texture. The chopped vegetables can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days, while the dressing will keep for up to one week.

For grab-and-go convenience, portion individual servings into mason jars or meal prep containers, layering the dressing at the bottom, followed by heartier vegetables like cucumbers and onions, then more delicate items like tomatoes and herbs on top. Add the vegan feta just before eating to maintain its texture and prevent it from absorbing too much moisture from the other ingredients.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While traditional Greek salad is perfect as-is, this vegan version offers endless opportunities for creative adaptations that can suit different dietary needs, seasonal ingredient availability, and personal preferences. Consider adding protein-rich elements like chickpeas, white beans, or hemp seeds to create a more substantial meal, or incorporate seasonal vegetables like roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or fresh herbs from your garden.

For a heartier meal, serve the salad over a bed of quinoa, bulgur wheat, or mixed greens, or stuff it into warm pita pockets with additional tahini or hummus. The salad also makes an excellent topping for grain bowls, a refreshing side for grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins, or a vibrant addition to mezze platters featuring hummus, baba ganoush, and whole grain crackers.

Conclusion: Embracing Mediterranean Wellness Through Plant-Based Cuisine

This vegan Greek salad demonstrates that plant-based eating doesn’t require sacrificing flavor, tradition, or satisfaction. By thoughtfully adapting classic Mediterranean recipes to align with modern dietary preferences and ethical considerations, we can enjoy the time-tested health benefits and incredible flavors of Greek cuisine while supporting sustainable, compassionate food choices. The combination of fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and aromatic herbs creates a meal that nourishes both body and soul, connecting us to the ancient wisdom of Mediterranean eating patterns that have supported human health and longevity for thousands of years.

Whether you’re following a vegan lifestyle, exploring plant-based eating, or simply seeking fresh, healthy meal options, this Greek salad offers a perfect introduction to the joys of Mediterranean cuisine. Each bite delivers the sunshine, simplicity, and robust flavors that make Greek food so beloved worldwide, proving that the most satisfying meals often feature the simplest, highest-quality ingredients prepared with care and attention to traditional techniques.