Easy, Dairy-Free Greek Salad Without Lettuce

The ingredients for Greek salad arranged on a bowl.

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Allergen Info

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Greek salad is a longtime favorite in our family—a dish we can always count on to be a hit at potlucks and gatherings! Our traditional Greek salad keeps things super simple and satisfying, focusing on tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and, of course, creamy feta cheese.
And yes, this Greek salad without lettuce lets the other ingredients shine—just pure Mediterranean goodness.

When we first learned about Ryder’s dairy allergy, we thought our Greek salad days might be over. But then we discovered VioLife’s Just Like Feta, and it was game on! This cheese alternative is so good, even Ryder specifically requests our dairy-free Greek salad again and again. It’s such a joy seeing him enjoy this vegan Greek salad right alongside us, knowing his allergies won’t get in the way.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Greek Salad

Greek salad, or “horiatiki,” as it’s known in Greece, has roots that go deep into Mediterranean cuisine.
Traditionally, this salad is all about showcasing fresh, ripe vegetables, with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta taking center stage.
While variations exist, the classic Greek salad does not contain lettuce—a fact that may surprise those who are more familiar with Western-style salads.
Greek salad captures the essence of traditional Greek flavors in every bite, and we’re proud to keep our version as close to the original as possible, with just a small twist to accommodate Ryder’s dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits

This easy, dairy-free Greek salad is not only delicious but also loaded with nutritional benefits! Each ingredient brings its own health boost:

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which can support heart health and skin health.
Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them refreshing and light.
Olives and olive oil provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which support healthy cholesterol levels.
Onions contain antioxidants and vitamins that support immune health.

Together, these ingredients create a salad that’s both satisfying and nutrient-dense.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

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If you’re preparing this dairy-free Greek salad ahead of time, here are a few tips to keep it fresh:

Chop the vegetables in advance and store them separately from the dressing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Combine the ingredients just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just know that the tomatoes and cucumbers will release some moisture, so the texture might soften a bit.

Serving Ideas

This dairy-free Greek salad is versatile and pairs well with so many dishes. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve it:

As a side dish with our Comforting and Hearty Moussaka.
In a pita wrap with creamy hummus for a quick and tasty lunch.
As part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with baba ghanoush, olives, and warm pita bread.
On top of rice or quinoa for a light, Mediterranean-inspired bowl.
With grilled or baked salmon for a complete meal that balances freshness with heartiness.

Note: We use VioLife Just Like Feta, a fantastic option for our dairy-free Greek salad from a Greek-based company in Thessalonica.

Why We Love VioLife Just Like Feta

For our dairy-free Greek salad, we’re big fans of VioLife’s Just Like Feta! This dairy-free feta has a creamy, tangy flavor that closely resembles traditional feta, and it holds up well in salads, adding the perfect texture to each bite. Made with coconut oil, it’s a tasty option that’s also free from the major allergens.

However, there are plenty of other dairy-free feta alternatives to try.

Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Feta Crumbles – Another coconut-based option, this dairy-free feta comes in pre-crumbled form, making it easy to sprinkle over your salad.
Daiya Deliciously Dairy-Free Plant-Based Feta Style Block – This feta-style block is also made with coconut oil and can be sliced or crumbled to your liking.
You can even go crazy and make your own dairy-free feta at home!

Possible Variations

Here are a few ideas to change things up while keeping that authentic Greek flavor:

Include Fresh Herbs: Swap basil for fresh dill or parsley for a different herbal twist.
Try Different Olives: Use a mix of Kalamata and green olives for a variety of flavors.
Add Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers add crunch and color to the salad.
Add Capers: For a salty, briny kick, add a handful of capers.
Swap Lemon for Red Wine Vinegar: This can bring a slightly different tang that pairs well with the Mediterranean flavors.
Add Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts can add a bit of richness and are great for extra texture.

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Dairy-Free Greek Salad Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups tomato, diced (Aim for a larger dice around 1 inch or small wedges. The goal is to be able to get a little of everything in a single bite.)
2 cups cucumber, diced (We prefer English cucumbers for their thin skin and few seeds, but any variety will work)
2/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced (We mix up the cut between small dice or longer slices, but a thinner cut helps the onion marinate with the other ingredients quickly.)
1/2 cup dairy-free feta cheese, crumbled (We recommend VioLife Just Like Feta- contains coconut.)
1 cup Kalamata olives, halved (We’re big on olives—experiment with the amount to suit your taste!)
2 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped
Juice of one lemon (add zest if you want an extra lemony kick)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt to taste

Four medium sized tomatoes on the vine being held.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, slice the red onion, halve the olives, and roughly chop the basil.

Step 2: Combine the Vegetables

In a large bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced red onion.

Step 3: Add the Feta, Olives, and Herbs

Add the crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, fresh basil, and sprinkle in the dried oregano.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Squeeze the lemon juice over everything, adding the zest if desired. Drizzle the olive oil on top.

Step 5: Gently Toss

Toss the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring each ingredient is well-coated with the dressing.

Step 6: Season

Finish by adding salt to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

This easy Greek salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can chill it for a short time if you’d like.