Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad)
This was my mom’s and grandmother’s go-to salad growing up. I actually was not a fan of it as a child. I think it’s because as a child I was adverse to herbs or anything that was outside of my usual flavor palate.
The ingredients are so simple and fresh here and yet the flavor is one hundred on delivery. The feta, dill and lemon really stand out and will make this a staple in your rotation.
One major aspect of this salad is the thin chop of the romaine lettuce. It defines the salad, so please do not rough chop it if you want to keep it authentic and get the dressing in everywhere. My mom and yiayia also taught me to massage the chopped lettuce with my hands. It softens the fibers and makes the salad easier to chew and digest. This process is actually quite therapeutic and enjoyable.
Thank you for swinging by Hungry Happens! If you create this dish or any other from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe! LOVE YOUR LIFE!
Maroulosalata
Ingredients
- 2 hearts romaine lettuce
- 4-5 scallions, diced
- 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse your lettuce clean then THINLY SLICE. Dry well in your salad spinner.
- Whisk together the oil, lemon juice and salt until smooth and thick.
- Place the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss all together and massage/scrunch the greens with your hands to infuse with the rest of the ingredients and break down its rough characteristics.
My all time fav Greek salad hands down. Simple yet so flavourful. 🥰
We are on the same page Tina! This one totally reminds me of my youth!
don’t care for feta cheese, or cojita cheese…should I leave out, was thinking of some finly shredded mozzarella, not Greek but I’d love an alternative…will the lemon work with it and dill do you think? HELP!
Hi Lisa, Yea just leave the cheese out if you don’t like it. Or mozzarella works too …
It was perfect the way it was! You have bad taste buds LISA!
Hi Lisa. Hey, no one has the exact same palate as another. It’s like Cilantro; there are genes in our DNA that preclude to some people, why cilantro tastes like “soap”! My sister doens not like Feta either, even French Feta which is creamier and a bit less salty. I massage our salad and plate. Then I add whatever cheese the other family members want to add to their own. I would say to you: Try Cottage cheese. or, Goat cheese, AFTER you massage the greens.
Mine too. I love a good horiatiki salad but this is my favorite!!!!
I love this and have made it a few times with no changes. It’s on the weekly menu!!
Thank you!
Fabulous, refreshing to my taste buds and simple 🤩
Hi Anne! Wonderful!! Glad you enjoyed the salad 👏🏽
Super easy to make and really fresh! The whole family loved it!
Hi Nadia, This is a classic salad in the Greek kitchen and I’m so happy to share it with everyone! Thank you for trying it!
This salad is absolutely refreshing! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Hi Chantal! It’s my absolute pleasure and I’m SO happy you liked it!!!
Loved this – okay, I added tomatoes (still kinda greek?) and no fresh dill so used dry – loved it
Also thinking that some Persian cucumbers would be nice too
Many thx
Hi Ruthie, of course you can add tomatoes and its definitely still Greek! Thank you for the rating!
Ingredients say 1/2 block of feta cheese. How many ounces would that be? I see different size blocks of feta cheese
Sorry, that would be about 3.5 to 4 ounces feta.
This salad is outstanding. I’m making it over and over! Love it!!
Thank you!
I’m not a fan of dill. Any alternatives?
Hi Toni, Parsley works or just leave it out…
Loved this so much, even my daughter ate it and loved it. Planning on always keeping the ingredients in the fridge ensures a fantastic salad is never far away 😋 yumm!
Hi Zoe, I agree with you on that! There are certain staple dishes that I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand at all times!
How much dry dill would you use?
Hi Toni, I would do 1 teaspoon and then taste it. You can always add more if needed but you cant remove an ingredient!
Love it!!
hiya. this olive oil looks like egg!! what olive oil did you use to get such a beautiful vibrant yellow and thickness?
Hi Rinni, I only use olive oil imported from Greece. Right now I’m using Kyoord olive oil from Corfu Greece. Its available online.
I was able to get the same Yello from plain old trader Joe’s olive oil! guess ive never whisked it before lol. thanks
What you are seeing in the photo is the olive oil whisked with the lemon juice and salt (so it’s emulsified and looks thicker.)
super duper tasty!!
YESssss glad you liked it!!
Just made this with dry dill. So good! Can’t wait to try it with fresh dill. Amazing! Thanks for sharing
SO happy you liked the salad!! And thank YOU for the rating!
Loved, loved, LOVED this salad! So easy to make and so much great flavor! This will become a regular in the rotation in our house!
Can this be made ahead?
This was so fresh tasting and delicious!! Refreshing!!
Hi Kathy thanks for trying the salad! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
Very tasty and simple ingredients. Chopping the lettuce was the most time consuming but overall a simple recipe to serve anywhere!
Hi Kacey, definitely a classic salad! thanks so much for trying it!!
I added some shredded rotisserie chicken to this and it made it into a full meal. a side of crusty bread and you can’t go wrong!
Hi Britt, Ive done that too with this salad! The best meal! ESPECIALLY with that crusty bread!!!
great salad!! even the teenager liked it. I added cucumbers.
This salad is FABULOUS!!! Deceptively simple but the freshness of the ingredients really shine. Will be making this often. Thank you!
Exactly, It’s beautiful and deliciously tasty! Thank you for the comment!
Hey, question?! I put my lettuce in the salad spinner and pat dried it, and it was still really watery- even after I incorporated all the ingredients. Just wanted to see if you had any recommendations to make it more dry? Thanks!
Hi Georgia, My mom chops it and lets them sit out on the counter and air dry …
I will try that! How long does she let it air dry for? Thank you!😊
Made it for dinner tonight! Legit so simple and yummy!
Hi Sophie! LOVE IT! Glad you enjoyed this salad!
after finding this recipe I’ve made this salad 3 times in the last week! so delicious!
Hi Emily! That’s awesome and im glad it struck a chord with you in a good way!!
Just prepped this for my salads for the week and it is DELICIOUS! So refreshing and easy to prep. Topped with sunflower seeds and pita crisps to make it a little more filling.
Hi Sarah, OMG we speak the same food language! Love your add ins!
Outstanding recipe!
Hi Julie, Thanks so much!! Glad you liked the salad~
I’m wondering if you’re able to give another measurement for the fresh dill? It’s sold in bunches of varying size, so I’m not sure how much to use.
Thank you!
Hi Katie, Yes, I would do about 1/3 cup dill!
This is delicious!! It’s my go to salad.
Thank you Stella for your wonderful Greek recipes.
I found this recipe 2 months ago, we now eat the 4-5x a week, I found goat feta and that was a game changer, thank you
This is such a simple salad but has tons of flavor! The second time I made it I added chicken, black olives, and cucumbers. That was very tasty also. Thanks for sharing this recipe, it will wake up my lunches at work.
Hi Susan, I’m so happy you liked the salad and upgraded it with your own personal touch! Sounds delicious!
Amazing! Thanks
Wonderful! I’m glad it was a win!
I came across this recipe on a random FB post. I decided to try it and have now made it at least 6 times in a month! Love it. I occasionally add grilled chicken breast and have it for dinner.
Hi Elizabeth! That’s what I’m talking about! I eat it like that too!
Hi! My hubby is allergic to Lemon. Is there a alternative or no? 🙁 bummer.
Hi Olga, YES, you can use red wine vinegar instead of lemon.
Love this salad! I’ve made 3 times in one week!
Hi Maricely, LOVE your name btw! Thank you for the kind review!!
LOVE OUR LIFE!!! Fa-nominal and super simple!! Made it like 6 times and will keep going! Thanks Stella, love all your recipes!!
Hi Michelle, It’s my pleasure! I’m so happy you liked my family’s salad! ALL the best to you!
A new favorite! So easy yet so flavourful.
Hi Mel, LOVE IT! Thanks for trying the salad!
Just made this salad tonight, 10/10! The lemon and olive oil are PERFECT
so easy and so delicious! paired it with salmon. it was a hit my family loved it.
Hi Ciara, So Happy the whole family enjoyed! Thanks for rating it too!
Delicious and so easy! I have made this recipe several times since discovering it recently.
Hi Katie, Thanks so much for trying my family salad recipe! And thanks for the review as well!
hi,
is there something else I can substitute for lemon juice? Sadly, my hubby is allergic to citrus.
👍👍👍
This salad is perfect! Quick and easy! Trying my hand at homemade falafel to accompany it.
I have been making this weekly soooo good!
Absolutely delicious and so refreshing! Thanks for the tip about slicing the lettuce thinly. This recipe is a keeper
Wowza!! Best salad ever!! And so simple! This was a big hit with my family tonight! I marinated chicken breast in a Greek blend (Pinterest) air fryer it and topped their salads with the chicken for a complete meal. My sons work out and play sports; they are always looking for healthy high protein meals. Now all that feta my husband buys at Costco won’t get wasted 😝
I tried this recipe and was hooked! Simple to make and simply delicious. Thank you for sharing
Reminds me of my yiayias salad so much, so good! i ate it with chicken and potatoes.the best! Thanks Stella
Hi Litsa, this salad is perfect with chicken and potatoes!!! Same goes for me… my yiayia’s go-to salad recipe! Ahhhhhh
Love this salad so much, I could eat it everyday! Thanks for such a simple, yet flavorful recipe.
Hi Nora, thank you for trying out the recipe! It’s a definite pleaser!
Loved this salad! Will certainly be adding this as a regular dish, thanks for sharing 🙂
I can’t get over how delicious this salad is! I made tzatziki at the same time and had some shredded cucumber left over from that. Instead of throwing it away I tossed those in as well as some minced red onion. And don’t toss out any leftovers – it’s even yummier on the second day!
Love it….trying to replicate the salad from The Mediterranean Snack Bar, one of the all-time great restaurants in Huntington, NY.
I may have erred by adding cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes, but everything else I followed exactly.
How many ounces of feta cheese should I add? I put one four ounce container of crumbled feta….should I add more?
Thank you!
So good!! It’s in my weekly salad rotation now.
Hi Cyril, Glad it resonates with you! Thanks for the rating too!
Isn’t there supposed to be Greek yogurt in the dressing?
https://hungryhappens.net/creamy-prasini-salata-greek-green-salad/
Hi. I found this salad dressing much too sour. Would you be able to update the recipe to give the lemon measurements in cups/ml rather than ‘1 lemon’? Thank you
Hi Louise, I’m sorry you didn’t like the dressing. I hope you try it again with less lemon. In addition, you can swap in 1 tablespoon of champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar for the lemon. That also tastes amazing!
Hi, I made the dressing but I’ve been making salad for 1. I’m finding that using less is better, not as sour. Hope this helps because I’ve been loving it.
Hi, what is the white cream that you put with the olive? Thank you
Hi Elizabeth, this post is my Maroulosalata. You are referring to my Creamy Prasini Salata. I will link it below for you! Thank you!
https://hungryhappens.net/creamy-prasini-salata-greek-green-salad/
Can you add chicken to make this a meal?
yes!!!
My mom made this salad all the time growing up ! I make it today, EVERYDAY, cause I take it to work ! I usually add some grilled chicken or salmon to make it a whole meal too, I love it !!
Hi Katerina, That’s my mom’s name! Thanks for sharing your experience with the salad!!!
Love this salad, the simplicity of the dressing is awesome. Massaging the lettuce to infuse the flavor is definitely key
Hi Rachel! GLad you like the salad and the massage!!
I’ve made this at least 10 times in the last two months since seeing it on Instagram. It’s so simple and addictive!
Hi Kelly, Glad its a success for you! And thank you so much for the review!
Sooooooo delicious. Simple but packed with flavor. Thank you for sharing! I found you on TikTok.
Good Morning! I’m taking this for a pot luck event – how long is recommended to include dressing? Will it get soggy? Should I wait until I get to the event to add the dressing?
Thank you! I’m sure it will be a hit!
nelb from Chattanooga
Please keep the dressing separate from the salad until ready to serve! ENJOY at your event!! Happy Holidays!
This salad was delish! Will for sure be a staple in our house, thank you!
Hi Jessica, glad it was enjoyed and thank you for the rating!
Lemons and romaine hearts are all sizes! Can you provide volume measurements. Approximate weights would help too! I’ll learn to eyeball it eventually, but I didn’t have a yiayia! Thanks!
Looks amazingly delicious! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks!! I gave it 5 stars because I know for sure that we’ll love it!
Hi Carol, You will LOVE this salad! and Thank you for the rating of course!!!!!
I can’t wait to make this. Thank you!
Enjoy the salad!
So easy and so tasty. Made for my parents who have been visiting Greece for over 20 years. It will also be added to every barbecue I ever make in the future, like ever. Thank you!
Absolutely delicious! Easy to make and so healthy. I will be adding this salad to my cooking rotation and make it forever. So happy to find this website!! Thank you!!
hi Stella, how far in advance could you make this salad? thank you!
I forgot to say…I did scroll through many of the comments before posting but I couldn’t find an answer.
The recipe includes “one lemon.” would that be a large or small lemon?
This was so good!
I don’t know how I stumbled upon this recipe/your blog but I’m so happy!! Made this salad tonight and it is so good. I’ve been adding fresh dill to my salads lately but this is the perfect combo of salad ingredients. I will be making this on repeat! Thanks and happy new year!
Excellent and audacious in its simplicity. A fine salad.. it was perfect!
Delicious! I added a pinch of stevia to the dressing just to reduce how sour it is. I also added grilled chicken and cucumbers to it! I will definitely make this again!
This salad looks so good to me! l’m making up my grocery list. The hardest thing for me to do is find the best flavored to find the best feta cheese. l have found that the ones l’ve tried are too salty. l found one that is sheep cheese on amazon but it comes in a 4 lb. block packed in salt water. l’m just one person and 4 lbs. is impossible to eat up.
Hi, can you recommend a good olive oil? The ones i buy taste somewhat rancid. I would love to try this snd so many others on your page.
Thank you.
This has become my go-to salad. Love it! Fresh & simple. ***chef’s kiss***
I LOVE this salad!!! I’ve been topping with chopped Kalamata olives and pepperoncini slices, too. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
If I’m not a huge fan of really tangy/salty feta, is there a mild version you would recommend? I know little to nothing about different feta cheeses. Maybe a regular and a mild suggestion? Thank you!
I would do parmesan or cotija cheese here
Ridiculously tasty. I added chopped chicken for a meal. The dill and feta blow my mind in this salad!
Simple to make and simply divine! My taste buds are dancing! Wow!
I absolutely love this salad and my husband is head over heels with this salad. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
It was delicious! Thought it was a bit wet though. Next time I would use less oil…
We made the recipe exactly as written and it was amazing!! Afterwards we did add extra lemon to the dressing. We all love lemon. Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe!
Hi LInda, this is a lemon lovers dream salad for sure! Glad it was enjoyed!!!!
Loved it. Have made twice this week!
Hi Suzanne, That’s awesome – a repeat offender!!!
This was a huge hit with my family. I had to make more since my family wanted a second bowl. Thanks for this great recipe! It was fabulous.
This salad is our antidote to all the holiday indulgences – so crisp and fresh and bright. We’ve been making it weekly, tonight we had it with a little salmon and your zucchini fries on the side. Loved!
This salad was the best, and absolutely scrumptious ! Simple to make and all fresh ingredients. The first time I tired it with fresh dill, I ate the salad right alway..didn’t quite like it. I put the salad to aside. About an hour later, I took another bite….my taste buds burst open. I was in heaven. It fits perfectly in my Keto diet. Thanks for sharing this wonderful healthy salad.
Soooooo delicious!!!!
Loved this! My dad is from Bulgaria and makes something very similar with radishes! Do you happen to know the calories in each serving ?
This is fast, easy and so delicious!
Seriously yummy!! Added a couple of celery stalks and a boiled egg on top. Delish!!!
I meant I added 2 celery stalks chopped and into the salad 🙄😅
absolutely delicious
This is delicious, any idea of the calories in a serving? I
So good! Second time I made it I added leftover diced chicken breast. Will be in our rotation!
DEELICIOUS!!!
How many calories are in a cup of this salad?
absolutely deeelicious – i also use manchengo cheese and it’s great 😊
Sounds delicious with the manchego!! Happens to be one of my favorites!
Have made this several times the last few months – each with various additions I had around (one or two, but not all) including tomato, cucumber, celery, red onion, egg, chickory, sumac and “Aussie Magic” (a blend of goat and sheep’s milk from Meredith Dairy, Australia.). Delicious every time.
This salad is phenomenal! Hand mixing all the ingredients together really brings the flavors out. I topped with steak tips. This will be in the weekly rotation for sure!
This is so easy, delicious and I now make it weekly! Sometimes I make greek chicken to serve on top! A definite keeper!! Thank you!!
Hi Lisa, So happy you liked this salad recipe! Its a family favorite! Cheers!
I’m so happy I found this simple and tasty salad. I only made it for the first time a week ago and have had it 3 times since. My family requested it 2 nights in a row. I served it alongside Ottolenghi dishes, one lamb and one Chicken. Also had it for brunch with a simple bacon and egg pie. Went equally well with all. Thanks 😊
Easy and delicious! One of my number one go to’s now!!!
Glad you liked the salad and thanks for the kind rating!
We eat this at least three times a week!
Love it!!
This is the best recipe for this salad. I’ve seen recipes where it called for vinegar instead of lemon and it’s not the same. Thank you for sharing this. So delicious!
I’m obsessed with this salad. I’ve made it four days in a row now!
Did not want to share! Wanted to eat entire thing all at once. Haha. Did have enough leftover though to eat next day and it was still so good!
Forgot to add rating to my previous review 🤦🏽♀️ Salad so good I will be making once a week!
I could eat this everyday. So so so so delicious
Made this salad for dinner. Delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Stella! You are a God send. This salad is so amazing. I tried it as the recipe provided. My friends & family enjoyed it. Another time I did it again & added bacon bits oh wow. Keep it coming Stella.
If you have a cook book I will order, does Amazon have it?
I decided to make this after seeing the video in my feed. I’m so glad I did! I added some grilled rosemary balsamic chicken because I had this as my dinner. Easy to put together with so much flavor! Highly recommend if you love dill and feta! Will make again for sure.
I’ve been making this every day for the last week in a single serving for lunch. It’s so simple, healthy, and fresh. I add cannellini beans to make it a more filling meal, (and for the extra fiber). I love Mediterranean influenced food, and this is no exception. Delicious!
HI Kate, so happy you love this salad and I need to try it with the beans next time!!! thanks for the kind rating and comment!
Oh my God! Best salad ever!!! I’ve made it for my MIL and both of my sons families. Everyone loves it and asked me for the recipe. My MIL said she could eat it every day. I seriously make this around 3 to 4 times a week now. I serve with either Shrimp or Salmon. Delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible healthy low calorie salad!!!! Love it!!
HI Annette, SO glad it was enjoyed and shared by all! Thanks for the sweet feedback!!
Tried it today, wonderful burst of flavor, and my husband had seconds! Always a win. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for the kind review!
love this! it’s now my favorite go to salad!!!
This is ridiculously simple to make but my favorite salad of all time, and it’s gotten rave reviews from all who’ve tried it. Love making flatbread and stuffing it with this salad and grilled chicken = heaven!!!
Delicious !!! Easy and every body loved it!!
Hi Nicole, glad you all enjoyed the salad! Thanks for trying it!
This was so simple and super delicious
Hi Leanne, glad you liked the saald!
My dyslexic brain read it as, “fill, leta and demon” 🙂 This salad sounds so good; I will be trying it very soon!
HI Erika, oh dear! The video should help then!!
SO delicious!!! I can’t stop making this recipe!!!
this salad makes me look like a good cook!
This salad is the best I have ever tasted❤️ I have used a lot of your recipes and they have all turned out wonderful. Thank you and please keep the recipes coming. 🥰
Hi Vivienne, that’s fantastic! Glad you liked it!
I didn’t have any lemons on hand, but lots of calamansi. Turned out so refreshing and light! Added some chickpeas as well. Can’t wait to try with lemons next time 🙂
So simple but so delicious. Made to serve with your lemon Parmesan chicken. Will definitely repeat both!
Hi! Any suggestions for something to use to replace scallions? I want that same crunch and freshness but one of the people I’m making it for tomorrow has an onion allergy.
Hi Marianna, I’m sorry for the late reply, just leave it out is my advice ORRR celery works too!
DELICIOUS!!! Thank you for the recipe 🙂
I made this lovely salad the other day, it is an easy summer fresh salad packed with flavor. I love your recipes and instagram feed, it makes me want to cook lovely meals. Your recipes make me as you say “Love your life”
Incredibly refreshing summer salad! It’s so simple to make and is light on a hot day. This will be a staple in our home.
so yummy! I make it all the time!
I found this recipe last year and got addicted to it, and I waited all winter for fresh dill to come back in season just so I could have this again! Soo tasty. I add a bit of sugar and cracked pepper to the dressing and it tastes so amazing
I made this recipe for a covered dish. I added 1/2 tsp of minced garlic. LOVED it!! Got many requests for the recipe. Thanks.
Hi Christine, Sounds amazing with the garlic! thanks for sharing!
This has become our go-to recipe for every day dinners. We love it and it’s so easy to make.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks so much for trying it!
Light, fresh and delicious!!! I added 1/2 a bunch of dill instead and it turned out just to my liking! So quick and easy to make, the whole family loved it!
Hi Autumn, Glad you liked it so much!
Favorite salad. Make it at least one a week
Hi Chantel, I can’t blame you!
wow wow wow!
love it!
I made this for the 4th and it was enjoyed by all, even all three of my brothers! I did add a little honey to tame the fresh lemon juice, but again it was a great hit.
Hi Karen, happy it was enjoyed by all!
Probably become a staple here, like your feta orzo soup!!
HI Stephanie, same here too!
My favourite salad of all time!
Hi Julie, I love to read that! Thanks for the rating!
Delicious!!!
Hi Cleo, oh yes!
delicious and light! I didn’t have dill on hand so I used parsley from my garden and it was fantastic! a new staple
Hi Tessa, so good with parsley! love the feedback!
Oh my gosh how refreshing!! This salad tastes better with every bite. I did sprinkle with the littlest amount of white sugar because the lemon & oil was slightly too sour for me and WOW!!!
Hi Robyn, thanks for sharing your feedback – will try sugar or honey next time!
Can’t wait to try! You can’t really meal prep this as a side can you? I would think it would get wilted. Maybe prep the salad part and separate the dressing to mix in when ready to eat?
Made it once, making again! everyone loved it! Love your recipes, your reels and the fact they are quick and easy and authentic is a bonu! I’m going to try they 3 ingredient yogurt cake, and either the zucchini lasagna or zucchini brownies. Oh and the tzatziki sauce 🙂 Thank you Stella!
Hi Claudia, That’s awesome! I’m glad it was a win with everyone! Thank you for trying out my recipes and supporting the blog!