A great Greek salad doesn't need complicated ingredients.

In fact, traditional Greek cooking is often about the opposite: simple ingredients that are good enough to stand on their own.

Good olive oil. Ripe tomatoes. Crisp cucumber. Briny olives. Creamy feta. A little oregano.

That's it.

But if you want to make a genuinely delicious Greek salad at home, the ingredients matter.

Here are the Greek pantry staples we recommend looking for—and where to find them in Vancouver.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is the foundation of a Greek salad.

Look for a Greek extra virgin olive oil with a fresh, fruity flavour and a pleasant peppery finish.

At Parthenon Market, you can find several Greek EVOOs, including:

Kefi Organic EVOO 500 ml

Made from handpicked Koroneiki olives, Kefi has a smooth flavour with a mild peppery finish and works beautifully in salads, dressings and everyday cooking.

Shop: Kefi Organic EVOO 500 ml

For a bolder option, ABEA Kolymvari EVOO has a richer flavour and peppery finish that works particularly well with Mediterranean dishes, salads and grilling.

Shop: ABEA Kolymvari EVOO 1 L

 

2. Kalamata Olives

A Greek salad without olives?

That's a hard no.

Kalamata olives bring the salty, fruity flavour that balances the tomatoes, cucumber and feta.

One option at Parthenon is Astir Elia Premium Kalamata Olives PDO, made with Kalamata olives cured in sea salt and water and finished with extra virgin olive oil.

Shop: Astir Elia Premium Kalamata Olives PDO

 

3. Greek Feta

Feta brings the creamy, salty element to the salad.

For the best texture, look for feta packed in brine rather than a dry block.

It works beautifully with:

• tomatoes
• cucumber
• olives
• olive oil
• oregano
• red onion

Basically, the whole Greek salad gang.

 

4. Greek Oregano

This is one of those ingredients that looks insignificant until you taste the difference.

Greek oregano has a strong, aromatic flavour and is traditionally used throughout Greek cooking.

Parthenon carries Inatos Oregano, sourced from Crete, as well as Othrys Farms oregano branches from Greece.

Shop: Inatos Oregano

 

5. Red Wine Vinegar

A little acidity balances the richness of olive oil and feta.

Red wine vinegar is a classic addition to Greek-style salads and can also be used in marinades, dressings and Mediterranean recipes.

 

6. Lemon

Fresh lemon adds brightness and works beautifully with olive oil.

For something different, Parthenon also carries Biolea Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, combining olive oil with bright lemon flavour.

Shop: Biolea Lemon 250 ml

 

Easy Greek Salad

Ingredients

• tomatoes
• cucumber
• red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Greek feta
• extra virgin olive oil
• red wine vinegar
• oregano
• salt
• lemon, optional

Method

Cut the vegetables into large pieces.

Add the olives and feta.

Drizzle generously with Greek extra virgin olive oil.

Add a splash of red wine vinegar and lemon juice.

Finish with Greek oregano and a little salt.

Don't overcomplicate it.

The beauty of Greek food is letting good ingredients do the work.

Where to Buy Greek Ingredients in Vancouver

If you're looking for Greek groceries in Vancouver, Parthenon Market is located in Kitsilano's Greek community at 3089 West Broadway.

The store has been part of Vancouver's food scene since 1967 and carries Greek olive oils, olives, cheeses, herbs, spices, pantry staples and other Mediterranean products.

Looking for Greek ingredients?

Visit Parthenon Market in Kitsilano or shop online.