Greek salad is a timeless classic loved for its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and delightful crunch. But what happens when you want to enjoy this Mediterranean favorite without any animal products?
Enter the best vegan Greek salad recipe — a refreshing, wholesome dish that captures all the essence of traditional Greek salad while keeping it 100% plant-based. Perfect for warm summer days, light lunches, or as a stunning side dish, this salad is packed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, tangy capers, and a mouthwatering vegan feta alternative.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to create the ideal vegan Greek salad, along with tips and variations to customize it to your liking. Plus, you’ll find serving suggestions and nutrition facts to help you enjoy this dish with confidence.
Ready to dive into a burst of Mediterranean goodness? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Greek salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the traditional flavors of Greece without compromising your dietary choices.
The recipe uses fresh, seasonal produce combined with a homemade vegan feta cheese that perfectly mimics the salty, creamy texture of the original.
It’s refreshing, light, and vibrant, making it ideal for hot days or to accompany heartier meals. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with antioxidants and fiber.
This salad comes together in minutes and stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or last-minute guests.
Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this vegan Greek salad will impress everyone at the table – vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, diced (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup vegan feta cheese (see instructions below for homemade version)
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Optional: cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer (for making vegan feta)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Wash all fresh produce thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and green bell pepper. Set aside.
- Make the vegan feta (optional but highly recommended). To make a simple vegan feta, press 14 oz of firm tofu to remove excess water. Crumble the tofu into a bowl and mix with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. You can also buy store-bought vegan feta if you prefer.
- Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, add the diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, sliced onion, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, capers, and vegan feta. Toss gently to combine.
- Whisk the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, use firm cucumbers and ripe tomatoes. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.”
- Tofu Feta Alternative: If you don’t want to make your own vegan feta, try marinated almond or cashew cheese, or use vegan feta brands like Violife for convenience.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint or dill can add an extra Mediterranean flair to the salad.
- Avocado Addition: For creaminess, toss in cubes of ripe avocado right before serving.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chickpeas or grilled tempeh strips for a more filling meal.
- Olive Varieties: While Kalamata olives are traditional, green olives or Castelvetrano olives provide a milder taste.
- Vegan Greek Salad Wrap: Use this salad as a filling for wraps or pita bread for a quick lunch option.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 6g |
Fat | 12g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil) |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 4g |
Sodium | 400mg (from olives and capers, adjust as needed) |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Greek salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of dishes.
- Serve it alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a classic Mediterranean spread.
- Pair it with grilled vegetable skewers or vegan kebabs for a hearty meal.
- It’s also a fantastic side for vegan Mediterranean mains like stuffed grape leaves or lentil moussaka.
- For a light lunch, enjoy it topped with your favorite grain like quinoa or couscous.
- Looking for more plant-based Mediterranean ideas? Check out our Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe or Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for unique, flavor-packed options.
Conclusion
This vegan Greek salad recipe is a bright, flavorful celebration of fresh vegetables and traditional Mediterranean ingredients without any animal products. It’s perfect for those seeking a nutritious, easy-to-make dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.
With crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and a satisfying vegan feta, this salad delivers all the classic elements you love in a Greek salad.
Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at a party, or enjoying it as a side, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own.
For more delicious vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Leche De Pantera Recipe and Julie Marie Eats Recipes. Enjoy your taste of Greece, vegan-style!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Greek Salad
Description: A fresh and vibrant vegan Greek salad packed with crunchy vegetables, olives, and tofu feta. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives.
- Add tofu cubes and chopped parsley to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 8 g
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