Looking for the perfect accompaniment to your refreshing Greek salad? Check out these delicious and complementary options to complete your meal.
I love a Greek Salad, with a pretty massive variation.
I don’t like Olives.
The first time I went to Greece, I didn’t like either olives or feta, and I was young and slim with a young person’s metabolism, so honestly, I never went near a salad, and a Greek Salad specifically was hugely uninspiring.
Since then, I’ve grown to appreciate a salad. Both out of necessity (the years have caught up!) and a genuine fondness. I love the refreshing flavours and enjoy mixing different textures, colours and tastes. My salads veer towards Budha Bowl or Soul Food Bowl, with tons of different nourishing elements.
I still don’t like olives. This year in Greece I decided to try. I love feta now, and I love how the Greeks always give you a great big block of cheese (my kind of salad!), and I figured, if I’m going to like an olive, it’s in Greece.
But no, it’s disgusting. My week was spent saying “without the olives please” most lunch times.
It’s still a lovely dinner though. At home, I might add beetroot instead, just even just a feta Greek salad is gorgeous.

What is a Greek Salad?
A Greek salad, known as “Horiatiki” in Greece, is a simple, rustic dish that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients. Typical Greek Salad ingredients include tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and green bell peppers, tossed with olives and chunks of feta cheese. These ingredients are lightly dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Unlike many salads, it doesn’t include lettuce, allowing the natural flavours of the vegetables to shine through. The combination of tangy feta, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives creates a balance of textures and tastes that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Easy Greek salad is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is often served as a side dish or a light meal. It’s a celebration of simplicity and quality, where each ingredient plays a key role in delivering authentic flavour.

Classic Pairings with Greek Salad
With a huge wedge of cheese, lashings of dressing, and chunky veg, a Greek Salad can easily be enjoyed on its own. In fact, when I (repeatedly) ordered a Greek Salad and a Giros, everyone looked at me like I was mad because that’s clearly two lunches!
Personally, for a full meal, I need more than a salad. It can be the main part of the meal, but I need something more to fill me up.
Some of the best classic sides to serve with Greek Salad include:
Grilled Meats – Lamb, chicken, or pork souvlaki skewers seasoned with oregano and lemon.
Pita Bread – Soft, warm pita is perfect for scooping up salad ingredients.
Tzatziki Sauce – A creamy yoghurt and cucumber dip that complements the freshness of the salad.
Herb-Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with a hint of garlic and rosemary.
Dolmades – Stuffed vine leaves filled with rice, herbs, and spices.
Spanakopita – Flaky spinach and feta pastries that add a rich, savoury touch.
Grilled Fish – Light options like sea bass or mackerel, brushed with olive oil and lemon.
Hummus and Veggies – Smooth chickpea dip paired with crunchy cucumber or carrot sticks.
Quinoa Salad – A hearty yet light side that complements the salad’s Mediterranean flavours.
Roasted Vegetables – Bell peppers, aubergines, and courgettes, caramelised to perfection.
These pairings bring out the best in a Greek salad, enhancing its fresh and tangy taste with complementary flavours and textures.

What Meat Goes Well with Greek Salad?
Greek salad pairs beautifully with a variety of meats, making it a versatile dish to enjoy with your favourite proteins.
Grilled lamb chops are a traditional option, offering tender and flavourful bites that complement the tangy feta cheese and briny olives. Souvlaki skewers, made with marinated pork or chicken, add a smoky, charred depth to the meal.
For poultry lovers, juicy chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with dried oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil make a perfect match. The bright, herby flavours of the seasoning blend well with the salad’s fresh ingredients.
Seafood is another excellent choice. Grilled salmon or sea bass, lightly brushed with olive oil and lemon, brings a light and flaky texture that balances the crispness of the vegetables. For a heartier option, consider garlic prawns or seared scallops, which add a touch of indulgence.
Meats like spiced lamb meatballs or herb-marinated steak strips can also work wonderfully. The richness of these dishes enhances the freshness of the salad while creating a satisfying, complete meal.
What Protein Goes with Greek Salad?
Adding protein to a Greek salad transforms it into a more satisfying and complete meal. Grilled halloumi cheese is a popular choice, with its salty flavour and crispy exterior pairing beautifully with the fresh salad ingredients.
Vegetarian options like chickpeas or lentils work well, bringing a hearty texture and a boost of plant-based protein. These can be mixed directly into the salad or served as a side dish.
Mediterranean-style quinoa is another excellent choice. Prepared with olive oil, herbs, and chopped vegetables, it complements the salad’s flavours while adding a light yet filling element to the plate.
For those who prefer meat, grilled chicken or turkey provides a lean, flavourful option. Seasoned with garlic, oregano, and lemon, it enhances the Mediterranean feel of the meal. Alternatively, tender lamb kebabs or pan-seared salmon offer rich, protein-packed choices that balance the salad’s tangy dressing and fresh vegetables.

What Carbs Go with Greek Salad?
Greek salad pairs well with a variety of carbohydrate-rich sides that can round out the meal and make it more filling. Warm, fluffy pita bread is a classic choice, perfect for scooping up the salad and soaking up any dressing.
Herb-roasted potatoes or crispy potato wedges are another popular option. Seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of dried oregano, they bring a hearty and satisfying element to the table.
Rice pilaf, cooked with a touch of olive oil and flavoured with herbs, is a light yet delicious side that complements the freshness of the salad. For something more unique, try baked or grilled polenta, cut into slices or wedges and lightly seasoned.
Pasta dishes such as orzo tossed with lemon, parsley, and olive oil provide a Mediterranean-inspired pairing that works well with the tangy feta and olives in the salad, and who doesn’t love a Greek Pasta Salad? Quinoa or couscous, prepared with diced vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil, are excellent choices for a lighter but equally satisfying accompaniment.

What to Serve with Greek Salad for Lunch
A delicious Greek salad makes an excellent base for a light yet satisfying lunch. Pair it with dishes that complement its fresh flavours and add a bit more substance to the meal.
Spanakopita or Tiropita – Spinach and feta or cheese-filled pastries wrapped in flaky filo are great options to serve alongside the salad.
Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and tomatoes bring heartiness to the table without overpowering the salad.
Lentil Soup – A warm, earthy bowl of lentil soup pairs beautifully, especially with a drizzle of virgin olive oil for added richness.
Tomato Soup – Creamy or chunky, this classic dish works well with the tangy flavours of Greek salad.
Greek Potato Salad – Made with olive oil, red onion, and fresh herbs, this simple side adds a comforting, starchy element.
Grilled Halloumi – Slices of halloumi cheese, slightly charred and golden, provide a satisfying contrast in texture.
Flatbread with Toppings – Warm flatbread topped with roasted vegetables, olive oil, and a sprinkle of oregano ties in seamlessly with the Mediterranean theme.
Chickpea Salad – A protein-packed option with fresh parsley, lemon, and a hint of cumin for added depth.
Each of these dishes complements Greek salad while ensuring the meal remains balanced and full of Mediterranean charm.
What to Serve with Greek Salad and Feta Cheese
Most Greek Salads include feta cheese. It’s often one of the main elements. So having flavours that complement it is important.
Herb-Roasted Vegetables – Bell peppers, red onion, and courgettes roasted with olive oil and dried oregano make a hearty and flavourful side.
Crispy Falafel – These chickpea patties, served with a drizzle of tahini dressing, offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavour.
Red Wine-Marinated Olives – A simple but bold option that complements the saltiness of feta cheese.
Grilled Flatbreads – Warm, slightly charred flatbreads brushed with olive oil and garlic provide the perfect accompaniment for scooping up salad ingredients.
Baked Feta with Honey – A sweet and savoury twist, this dish pairs beautifully with the sharp, tangy flavours of Greek salad.
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf – Flavoured with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, this side dish balances the lightness of the salad.
Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, pine nuts, and spices add a colourful and hearty element to the meal.
Grilled Aubergines – Slices of aubergine seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley bring a smoky, rich flavour.
Lentil Salad – A protein-packed dish with earthy lentils, red onion, and a tangy dressing complements the creaminess of feta.
Roasted Chickpeas – Lightly spiced and roasted to perfection, these are a crunchy and nutritious addition to the table.
These sides create a variety of textures and flavours that work seamlessly with the freshness of Greek salad and the creamy richness of feta cheese.
What to Serve with Greek Salad Vegetarian Options
Greek Salad itself is vegetarian, making it the perfect vegetarian lunch. Add something simple like pitta bread for a quick and tasty meal, or try one of these vegetarian options.
Mediterranean-style Stuffed Vine Leaves – Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices make a delightful addition. These little parcels are light but flavourful, offering a lovely contrast to the crispness of the Greek salad.
Baked Aubergines with Feta Cheese – Sliced aubergines roasted until tender and topped with crumbled feta offer a creamy, savoury side that complements the fresh vegetables in the salad. A drizzle of olive oil and a dash of oregano can bring out even more flavour.
Fresh Pasta with Olive Oil and Dried Oregano – Simple yet satisfying, a plate of al dente pasta tossed with extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese pairs wonderfully with Greek salad. The olive oil and oregano bring out the Mediterranean essence.
Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Olive Oil – A hearty yet fresh chickpea salad, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, provides a protein-rich side that complements the crispness of the salad. Add herbs like parsley or mint for an extra burst of freshness.
Grilled Halloumi – This slightly salty, grilled cheese adds a satisfying texture to your meal. Served alongside Greek salad, halloumi brings a savoury element that works perfectly with the salad’s tangy and fresh ingredients.
Roasted Red Peppers and Feta – Sweet, charred red peppers, roasted and topped with crumbled feta, create a colourful side dish that adds depth and flavour to a Greek meal. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers.
Falafel with Tahini Sauce – Crispy falafel balls, paired with a creamy tahini sauce, make for a filling and flavour-packed vegetarian side. Their earthy flavour and crunchy texture work harmoniously with the fresh vegetables in Greek salad.
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs – Sweet potatoes, roasted with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, offer a warm and hearty contrast to the cold salad. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the salty feta and briny olives.
These vegetarian options bring variety, texture, and richness to a meal centred around Greek salad, allowing for a satisfying and balanced dining experience.
Alternative and Creative Sides for Greek Salad
If you’re looking to switch things up, these unique sides can add a fun twist to your Greek salad meal:
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Roast sweet potatoes and fill them with a mix of feta cheese, olives, and dried oregano. The sweet and savoury combination pairs beautifully with the tangy flavours of a Greek salad dressing.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This light pasta dish, made with tomatoes, bell peppers, and a drizzle of virgin olive oil, offers a refreshing complement to the crunchy salad.
Grilled Watermelon
For a surprising twist, try slices of grilled watermelon sprinkled with crumbled feta cheese and a touch of red wine vinegar. It’s a sweet and savoury pairing that’s perfect for summer.
Spiced Cauliflower Steaks
Roasted cauliflower steaks seasoned with paprika, cumin, and olive oil bring a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option to the table.
Savoury Greek Pancakes
Whip up savoury pancakes with ingredients like grated courgettes, red onion, and fresh herbs. Serve with a dollop of yoghurt and a drizzle of olive oil for a unique side dish.
Baked Polenta Fries
Crispy baked polenta fries with a sprinkle of dried oregano and Parmesan cheese makes a delightful contrast to the freshness of Greek salad.
Marinated Mushrooms
Button mushrooms marinated in olive oil, garlic, and red wine vinegar bring a tangy, earthy flavour to the meal.
These creative sides can elevate your Greek salad into a standout meal that balances tradition with innovation.
FAQ Section
What bread pairs well with Greek salad?
Pita bread, crusty baguettes, and olive-studded focaccia all make excellent choices.
Is a Greek salad a balanced meal?
It’s a great base, but adding a source of protein, like chicken or chickpeas, makes it more filling.
What wine goes with Greek salad?
A crisp white wine or a light red wine like Beaujolais complements the tangy Greek salad dressing.
What fish to serve with Greek salad?
Grilled fish like mackerel or cod pairs wonderfully with the fresh flavours of a traditional Greek salad.
How can I make an easy Greek meal with salad?
Combine a Mediterranean Greek salad with grilled meats, tzatziki, and warm pita for a quick dinner.
What dressing is best for Greek salad?
A mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano is traditional and complements the fresh ingredients perfectly.
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