Vegan Greek Salad

This Vegan Greek Salad is a whole food plant-based version of the Mediterranean classic. Made with our delicious Homemade Vegan Feta, crunchy veggies, and bold and briny olives, each bite is a flavor bomb.

Full of colorful veggies, tangy flavors, and whole food ingredients, this vegan Greek salad is as good for you as it is tasty. Whether you need a lunch, a side dish, or a light dinner, it's a winner. It's gluten-free, nut-free, and deliciously healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh and Healthy: This salad is bursting with the natural flavors of crunchy cucumbers, sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory red onion, and kalamata olives. This salad is also a vitamin and mineral bomb.
2. Quick and Easy: Prep time is 15 minutes if you make the vegan feta ahead of time.
3. Versatile: Serve as a main, side, or stuff into a pita for a satisfying Mediterranean wrap.
4. Dairy-free Feta: Feta is swapped for a plant-based vegan version, so it's low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.

Health Benefits

• Antioxidant-rich: Tomatoes, bell peppers, and salad greens are packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation and promote overall health.
• Beneficial plant compounds: A good quality extra virgin olive oil contains plant polyphenols shown to boost immune system health.
• Protein-rich: The marinated vegan feta provides a plant-based protein boost, so this salad is filling and balanced.

What You'll Need to Make This Vegan Greek Salad

Greek Salad Dressing

This recipe uses more of a traditional Greek salad dressing. If, however, you prefer a no-oil version, check out this super yummy and creamy Oil Free Greek Dressing, made with cashews. Otherwise, for more of a traditional Greek salad dressing, you'll need:

1. Garlic: Gives this dressing a pungent, spicy, and aromatic flavor. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting allicin.
2. Red wine vinegar: Provides a tangy, sharp, and slightly fruity flavor. Vinegar has been shown to help to regulate blood sugar.
3. Extra virgin olive oil: Gives this dressing a smooth, rich texture.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Vegan Greek Salad Ingredients

1. Homemade vegan feta cheese (make ahead): Gives this salad a salty, umami-rich, and creamy bite.
2. Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp and juicy texture that is mild, slightly sweet, and refreshing. Romaine lettuce is low in calories and high in fiber.
3. Kalamata olives, pitted: Gives this salad a rich, briny, and meaty texture.
4. Pepperoncini: Tangy, mildly spicy, and vinegary.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Mix up your greens: Swap the Romaine for mixed salad greens. Add some arugula, spinach, or chopped kale for extra volume and nutrients.
2. Grains: Serve over cooked farro or quinoa for a bigger meal. Check out how to cook quinoa in the Instant Pot and on the stovetop.
3. Nuts and seeds: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. Our no-salt-added everything bagel seasoning would also boost the flavor of this vegan Greek salad.
4. Legumes: Add cooked chickpeas to give this salad an added protein and fiber boost. You may also like our Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Our air fryer tofu nuggets and easy air fryer tempeh would also add protein to this salad.

How to Prepare

1. Make the Vegan Feta

Prepare the homemade vegan feta cheese according to recipe instructions. The recommended marinating time is 12 hours or more (24 to 48 hours is best).

2. Make the Dressing

For a no oil version, check out this oil free Greek dressing.

Otherwise, for a more traditional Greek salad dressing, add garlic, seasonings, red wine vinegar, Dijon, and lemon juice to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Then drizzle in extra virgin olive oil and whisk well until emulsified. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Veggies

Rinse and dry chopped Romaine or salad greens. I love using a salad spinner for this. Set aside.

Cut cherry tomatoes in half or into bite-size chunks. Slice cucumbers, onions and bell pepper.

4. Assemble the Salad

Add greens to a large bowl or plate. Toss in prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and bell pepper. Add pitted kalamata olives and pepperoncini. Crumble to add vegan feta with marinade sauce. Drizzle the salad dressing to the desired sauciness.

Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Leftovers should be stored separately, specifically, in four containers: (1) chopped Romaine or salad greens, (2) other veggies, (3) vegan feta, and (4) salad dressing. Assemble when ready to eat.

Vegan Greek Salad Pro Tips

1. Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of this salad relies on the quality of your veggies and herbs.
2. Customizable: Adjust the vinegar, olive oil, or seasoning the dressing to taste. Add or substitute ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or avocado.
3. Prep ahead: Allow vegan feta to marinate for 24 to 48 hours, if possible. Use the extra homemade vegan feta for tomato avocado toast. So yummy!

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve this delicious vegan Greek salad with warm pita bread, garlic hummus, grilled veggies, or quinoa.
2. Divide into meal prep containers for a quick lunch during the week. See our Southwestern Salad in a Jar and Asian Salad in a Jar for meal prep inspiration.
3. If you're into the soup and salad combo, make this a side salad to go along with a bowl of Lentil Soup, Leek and Mushroom Soup, or Mushroom Barley Soup.
4. Sip on an Italian Mocktail, Watermelon Mocktail, or a copycat Starbucks Pink Drink while you enjoy this yummy Greek salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

This vegan Greek salad is a delicious combination of fresh ingredients, tangy flavors, and satisfying textures. If you're looking for a healthier version of a classic, this recipe will impress. Easy to make and versatile, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Other Salad Recipes to Check Out

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