Maroulosalata Greek Lettuce Salad Recipe

Crisp & Zesty Maroulosalata Greek Lettuce Salad Recipe

Crisp lettuce dances with vibrant flavors in this maroulosalata Greek lettuce salad recipe that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Greeks have perfected the art of simple, fresh ingredients that sing on the plate.

Tender romaine leaves provide a green canvas for zesty herbs and tangy dressing.

Chopped dill and green onions add bright, aromatic notes to this classic side dish.

Each bite delivers a refreshing crunch that transports you to a sunny Greek taverna.

The simplicity of this salad belies its incredible depth of flavor.

Prepare to be delighted by this light, wholesome dish that celebrates the pure joy of fresh vegetables.

Fresh Greek Lettuce Salad Ingredient Checklist

Fresh Greens:
  • Romaine Lettuce: A crisp and sturdy green that provides the base for this refreshing salad.
Herbs and Aromatics:
  • Scallions, Dill: Fresh herbs that add a sharp and bright flavor profile to the salad.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Feta Cheese: A tangy and crumbly Greek cheese that brings a rich, salty element to the dish.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the salad.
Dressing Components:
  • Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: A classic Mediterranean dressing combination that creates a light and zesty coating for the salad.

Mixing Up a Great Greek Lettuce Salad

Mixing Up a Great Greek Lettuce Salad

Step 1: Wash and Chop Lettuce

Thoroughly rinse romaine lettuce hearts under cool running water.

Shake off excess moisture and pat dry with clean kitchen towels.

Using a sharp knife, slice the lettuce into thin, delicate strips.

Ensure the lettuce is completely dry by using a salad spinner or patting with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine:
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Sea salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Whisk the ingredients vigorously until they blend into a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.

The dressing should look glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Gather Salad Components

In a large serving bowl, add:
  • Sliced lettuce
  • Finely chopped green onions
  • Fresh dill, roughly chopped
  • Crumbled feta cheese

Step 4: Dress and Toss Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss the mixture.

Softly massage the lettuce to help the dressing penetrate and soften the greens.

Ensure every piece is evenly coated with the tangy dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to individual serving plates.

For an extra touch, sprinkle additional feta cheese or a few dill sprigs on top.

Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp, fresh flavors at their peak.

Tricks for the Best Greek Lettuce Salad

  • Use cold water to wash romaine hearts thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris. Pat dry completely to prevent a watery salad.
  • Whisk olive oil and lemon juice vigorously to create a smooth, well-combined dressing that coats every lettuce leaf evenly.
  • Cut scallions and dill into small, consistent pieces to ensure balanced flavor in each bite of the salad.
  • Use clean hands to softly toss and press the salad, helping to break down lettuce fibers and blend flavors without bruising the leaves.
  • Keep dressing separate from salad until serving to maintain crisp lettuce texture and prevent wilting.

Greek Lettuce Salad Twists to Try

  • Mediterranean Mix: Replace romaine with arugula for a peppery kick, and add kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
  • Protein Power Salad: Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the light salad into a substantial meal with added protein.
  • Vegan Greek Option: Substitute feta with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast, and use plant-based olive oil for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version of the classic salad.
  • Low-Carb Green Bowl: Swap lettuce for fresh spinach or mixed greens, and increase herb quantities for a nutrient-dense, low-carbohydrate alternative.

Serving Up Fresh Greek Lettuce Salad

  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this salad in mason jars for a portable, fresh lunch option during outdoor adventures or work breaks.
  • Mediterranean Meze Platter: Serve alongside grilled pita bread, hummus, olives, and roasted vegetables to create an authentic Greek-style appetizer spread.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a complete, nutritious meal with added protein and substance.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the salad's bright, tangy flavors with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc for an elevated dining experience.

Best Storage for Greek Lettuce Salad

  • Store the Greek lettuce salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
  • Never freeze this salad, as the fresh ingredients will lose their crisp texture and delicate flavors when thawed.
  • If the salad starts to look slightly droopy, give it a quick refresh by placing the lettuce in ice-cold water for 5 minutes before serving, then pat dry thoroughly.
  • Always store any leftover dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for 3-4 days. Give it a quick shake before using again to remix the ingredients.

FAQs

  • What type of lettuce works best for this salad?

Romaine lettuce hearts are ideal because they have a crisp texture and mild flavor that perfectly complements the Greek-style dressing.

  • Can I prepare the salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare this salad just before serving to maintain the lettuce’s crispness. If needed, you can chop ingredients separately and combine just before eating.

  • Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh lettuce, herbs, and feta cheese, providing a low-calorie, high-flavor option rich in vitamins and minerals.

  • How do I get the best flavor when making the dressing?

Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth emulsion, which helps distribute the flavors evenly and creates a more balanced dressing.

Why Fresh Greek Lettuce Salad Is a Go-To

Why Fresh Greek Lettuce Salad Is a Go-To
  • Whip Up Quickly: This Greek lettuce salad comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks needing a fast and fresh side dish.
  • Elevate Everyday Meals: The combination of crisp lettuce, tangy feta, and zesty dressing transforms an ordinary meal into something special and memorable.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this versatile salad your own unique creation.
  • Healthy Flavor Punch: Packed with fresh herbs, creamy feta, and bright lemon, this salad delivers maximum nutrition and taste with minimal ingredients.
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Maroulosalata Greek Lettuce Salad Recipe

Maroulosalata Greek Lettuce Salad Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crisp Greek maroulosalata dances with zesty dill and tangy feta, bringing Mediterranean freshness to your plate. Crunchy romaine leaves mingle with green onions, creating a simple yet sophisticated salad that transports you straight to a sunny Greek taverna.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 hearts romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
  • 115 grams (4 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 45 scallions, diced
  • 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, juice

Seasoning:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Meticulously rinse romaine lettuce hearts under cool running water, then slice into delicate, uniform ribbons using a sharp knife. Eliminate excess moisture using a salad spinner to ensure crisp texture.
  2. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sea salt in a small mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, harmonious emulsion.
  3. Transfer the finely sliced lettuce into a spacious serving vessel, then artfully scatter chopped scallions, fragrant dill, and crumbled feta cheese across the surface.
  4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, using tongs or clean hands to gently fold and coat each component. Delicately massage the greens to enhance flavor penetration and soften the lettuce leaves, creating a luxurious and well-integrated Mediterranean-inspired salad.

Notes

  • Washing greens matters hugely for crisp, clean salad texture. Use cold water and spin dry completely to prevent soggy results.
  • Consider swapping feta for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Massage technique helps break down lettuce fibers, making salad more tender and allowing dressing to penetrate deeper into greens.
  • For extra protein boost, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa without disrupting the classic Greek salad flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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