• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Marilena's Kitchen

Mediterranean Cooking With an Accent

  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Classes
    • Private Cooking Classes
    • Personal Chef
    • Culinaria Cooking School Classes
    • Customer & Student Reviews
  • Let’s Work Together
  • Portfolio
  • Travel

Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

June 8, 2023 by Marilena Leavitt 8 Comments

Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

This classic Greek lettuce salad (maroulosalata) is one of the most popular salads in Greece along with the better-known Greek peasant salad (the tomato, cucumber and Feta salad that everybody knows and loves).  No matter how big or small the meal, a simple lettuce salad such as this one is sure to make its way to a Greek table for lunch or dinner.

This flavorful salad is enjoyed in Greece throughout the year, but it is especially delicious in early summer when young lettuce is at its best.  It is made with thinly sliced lettuce, chopped green onions, snipped fresh dill, and some crumbled Feta cheese.   Everything is tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette just before serving .

Ingredients for the Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

The star of this simple recipe is crisp Romaine lettuce – the fresher the better.  If possible, choose tender lettuce hearts.

Lettuce hearts

Besides the lettuce, this recipe will need:

  • Green onions (you can also use scallions for a mild onion flavor)
  • Fresh dill
  • Extra virgin olive oil (use the best finishing olive oil for this)
  • Lemon juice (or, red wine vinegar)
  • Sea salt
  • Greek Feta (made with sheep’s milk and sold as a solid block in brine)
  • Olives such as Kalamata (completely optional, but they add a great tangy flavor)

Lettuce salad ingredients

Four Tips for the best Classic Greek Lettuce Salad:

  1. The lettuce is traditionally sliced very thinly; almost shaved.  Do not use your hands to tear it and do not rough-chop the lettuce
  2. Do not replace the lettuce hearts for mixed greens or other greens, like kale
  3. Use fresh dill and not dried
  4. Toss the salad with the vinaigrette just before serving to avoid a soggy salad

How to make the Classic Greek Lettuce Salad

  • Stack several lettuce leaves one on top of another and slice them as thinly as possible with a sharp knife

How to slice lettuce

  • Place the lettuce in a bowl, or on a platter, along with sliced green onions and minced fresh dill

Layering lettuce salad

  • Toss gently with the vinaigrette, add the Feta and the olives, and gently toss again

Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

What to serve with the Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)

This classic Greek lettuce salad is a delicious salad to enjoy on its own, but for a complete meal, you can add a simple protein like tuna, cooked chicken, or, even top it with a couple of soft boiled eggs.  In Greece this salad is typically served alongside any simple grilled meat dish, lamb chops, meatballs, pork, or of course, with any kind of fish.  The simplicity of this salad is what makes each ingredient shine and paired with the lemony vinaigrette, every bite explodes with flavor!

5.0 from 2 reviews
Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)
 
Save Print
Prep time
10 mins
Total time
10 mins
 
A refreshing Greek salad with tender lettuce hearts, green onions, fresh dill, Feta cheese, olives and a lemony vinaigrette.
Author: Marilena Leavitt
Recipe type: Salad
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 2 med. romaine lettuce hearts, very thinly sliced
  • 4 med. scallions, white part and most of the green part, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 4 oz. Greek feta, crumbled
  • 10 --- Kalamata olives, pitted, cut in half (optional)
  • For the vinaigrette:
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3-4 TBSP. lemon juice or red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp. sea salt
Instructions
  1. Wash and dry very well the lettuce heart leaves. Slice them very thin (about ¼”) and place them in a large serving bowl. Top the lettuce with the sliced scallions and the fresh dill and set aside (you can do this a couple of hours ahead of time, cover and refrigerate.)
  2. In a small jar with a tight lid, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake to emulsify. The dressing can also be done ahead of time.
  3. When you are ready to serve the salad, combine the greens with the vinaigrette and toss to combine. Top with the crumbled Feta and olives (if using), taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed. Serve at once with some crusty bread on the side.
3.5.3251

THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING ALONG AND FOR READING THIS POST! 

If you are not already following my blog, please subscribe to Marilena’s Kitchen to have every new post delivered straight to your e-mail box! 

I would love to know if you plan to make any of these recipes, please leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram @marilenaleavitt so I can see what you made!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Filed Under: Greek, Salads Tagged With: Classic Greek Lettuce salad, Greek cuisine, greek salad, lemon vinaigrette, lettuce salad, maroulosalata, mediterranean, salad, vegetarian

Previous Post: « 10 Favorite Recipes to Make in June
Next Post: Crab, Spinach, and Feta Filo Triangles »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy says

    June 10, 2023 at 9:48 AM

    This is great!

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      June 12, 2023 at 11:11 AM

      Thanks Kathy, it is such a delicious salad!

      Reply
  2. Sandy Mied says

    July 27, 2023 at 9:51 PM

    Tried this salad, along with one of our family favorites (the easy filo roll ups with feta, roman and pecorino) for dinner tonight. Delicious.

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      August 13, 2023 at 11:55 AM

      That is wonderful – I am so glad to know you liked this simple salad so much, Sandy! I am writing to you from Greece and this salad is a delicious part of almost every meal here!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Greek Beef Stew and Baked Orzo Recipe (Yiouvetsi) - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    November 9, 2023 at 11:46 PM

    […] that cheese, some grated Parmesan cheese will do.  A hearty red wine, good crusty bread, and a Greek lettuce salad, are almost always present […]

    Reply
  2. Easy Sheet-Pan Salmon with Roasted Potatoes - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    March 7, 2024 at 11:46 PM

    […] be paired with a variety of other side dishes such as a bed of lemony arugula, or, a favorite green salad.  Salmon is also so delicious served over steamed rice, couscous, or, […]

    Reply
  3. 4th of July Recipes with a Mediterranean Twist - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    July 3, 2024 at 7:09 AM

    […] Greek Lettuce & Feta Salad (maroulosalata) […]

    Reply
  4. Greek Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (Makaronia me Kima) - Marilena's Kitchen says:
    March 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM

    […] nice seasonal salad is a great combination with this favorite pasta dish!  During the winter, the classic Greek lettuce salad (maroulosalata) would be another timeless combination.  During the summer, you cannot go wrong with a […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Marilenas-Kitchen-Author-Bio
marilenas-kitchen-author-bio

more about me

Search

Marilena Leavitt

INSTAGRAM

Grilled lamb patties with tzatziki, juicy roasted Grilled lamb patties with tzatziki, juicy roasted mini peppers and homemade fries cooked in olive oil! 🤗 Rich, well-seasoned, and with assertive Mediterranean flavors, this is a favorite family meal, perfect for grilling season! 💯👩🏻‍🍳🍷
.
✨Recipe linked in profile! ✨
.
.
.
#lamb #grilledmeat #americanlamb  #bbq #greekfood #greekrecipes #grillingseason #allrecipes #lambpatties #Mediterraneandiet #food #fromscratch #yummyfood #greekfoodblogger #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #ilovefood @thefeedfeed #homecooking #comfortfood #huffposttaste #greekchef #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #onthetable #marilenaskitchen
Easy puff pastry bundles with fresh asparagus, goa Easy puff pastry bundles with fresh asparagus, goat cheese and honey drizzle 💚 These delicious mini treats can be assembled ahead of time and are perfect for any spring gathering and celebration!😋💚
.
✨Recipe linked in bio and on my blog [marilenaskitchen.com]✨
.
.
.
.
#appetizers #springappetizer #asparagus #puffpastry  @fillofactory #homemade #foodblogger #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #f52grams #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #f52community #comfortfood #huffposttaste #greekchef #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #lovefood #onthetable #foodphotography #allrecipes #matilenaskitchen
Classic French Niçoise salad with tuna 🥗a deli Classic French Niçoise salad with tuna 🥗a delicious dish from Nice on France's Mediterranean coast! ☀️ Simple, seasonal ingredients and a zesty lemon dressing, this vibrant salad is a great choice for a light, warm-weather meal. So good! 😋
.
👩🏻‍🍳 New recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in profile! 👩🏻‍🍳
.
#salad #nicoisesalad #eatingwell #wholefoodnutrition #eattherainbow #fromscratch #goodmoodfood #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #droolclub #healthygood #myfoodphotography #eatrealfood  #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #chefsofinstagram #marilenaskitchen
Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh b Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh berries 🍓A delightful springtime dessert that is light, seasonal, and elegant at the same time 🌼 Crispy filo layers form the base, with a delicious almond pastry cream custard, fresh strawberries and toasted almonds on top - so delicious! 🍓
.
A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#springdessert #strawberries #tarts #baking @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweettreats #bakingfromscratch #dessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #Easterdessert #bakedwithlove #mothersdaydessert #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versi Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versions of the traditional Greek Easter bread (tsoureki), a bread that everyone makes for Easter in Greece! 🧡 It is a brioche-like, slightly sweet, yeasted bread made using eggs, milk, and butter. 🧡 A delicious breakfast bread, the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea! 🧡☕️ 🫖☕️
.
✨ New recipe on the blog, linked in profile and in stories 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
#breadrolls #bread #Greekbread #Easterbread #tsoureki @kingarthurbaking #braidedbread #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #foodfluffer #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #sweetreats #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen 

.
Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt dressing: seasonal, bright and tender vegetables that pair so well with this delicious, creamy dressing! So, so good! 🥗🥬🥒🌿
.
🌿Recipe linked in bio & on the blog: [Marilenaskitchen.com]👩🏻‍🍳🌿
.
.
.
#springsalad #summersalads #vegetarian #healthyrecipes #salad #homemadefood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #yogurtdressing #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #eathealthy #eattherainbow 
.
.
Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, s Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, shallots, fresh herbs and Feta cheese 🌿🌀 A delicious spring recipe inspired by the classic Greek spanakopita. Wholesome, flavorful vegetarian dish, perfectly crispy and flaky in every bite! 🌿
.
🌿This is a new recipe, in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
🌿 Recipe linked in profile and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] 👩🏻‍🍳
.
.
#savorybaking #filo #filopastry  #appetizer @fillofactory #bakingtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #spinachpower #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #fillofactory #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeast #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond f My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond flour and semolina flour. 🍊🍊 A super moist, not too sweet “snack cake”, with a great nutty flavor and a pronounced citrus flavor. So, so good, perfect with a cup of coffee and a great treat to have around the house for anytime of the day! 🍊🍊
.
✨Recipe linked in profile, and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] ✨
.
.
#orangecake #coffeecake @kingarthurflour #bakelove #dessertsofinstagram #snackcake #mediterraneancuisine #bakefromscratch #fromscratch #greekfoodblogger #almondcake #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #droolclub #thecookfeed #thebakefeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #f52food #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautescuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #onthetable #allrecipes #foodphotography
Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a d Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a delicious and healthy recipe, full of good plant-based protein and fiber, a staple in the Mediterranean diet! ✨💯😋
.
✨New recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and with their skin removed
2-3 cloves garlic
¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
pinch of ground cumin
pinch of Cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp. sea salt
⅓ cup ice-cold water 
.
(Full recipe on my site)
.
.
#hummusrecipe #pitachips #homemadepitachips #savoryfood #easydips #partyfood #gamesnacks  #appetizerideas #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #buzzfeast #homemade #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #snack #foodphotography
Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles fil Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles filled with Feta cheese and a tiny amount of spearmint 💙✨Crispy filo layers and sharp Greek Feta, such a delicious flavor and texture combination! 😋 Nobody can resist this favorite Greek snack! ✨💙🇬🇷
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
~ INGREDIENTS:

• ½ lb. Greek feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ lb. ricotta cheese (full fat) or Greek anthotiro (if you can find it)
•1 large egg, beaten
• ¼-½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• ½ lb. filo dough, thawed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, for brushing on the filo 
.
.
.
#filoappetizers #gamedayfood #tiropitakia #τυροπιτάκια  #greekfood #greekrecipes #filo #tiropitakia #greekgastronomy #filosnacks #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #Greeksnack #greekfoodblogger #foodandwine #thefeedfeed @dodoni_international #mediterraneanlifestyle #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #greekchef #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #fetacheese #yummyfood #allrecipes #lovefood #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-r Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-roasted chicken with small red potatoes and lots of fresh lemon and garlic! A super simple and delicious recipe! ✨😋👌
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#roastedchicken #sundaydinners #comfortfood #chickenrecipes #familymeals #buttermilkchicken @ciaosamin #saltfatacidheatcookbook
Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of F Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of Fontina cheese, a delicious dish - not only for breakfast or weekend brunch, but also for those busy weeknight evenings!  So, so good! 😋🌶️🌿🧀 🍠
.
✨Full recipe up on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#frittata #breakfastrecipes #savorybreakfast #brunchtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #myfoodphotography #mediterraneandiet #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delici Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delicious and easy holiday appetizer! A box of good quality filo shells, some smoked salmon, and a simple custard of eggs & cream is all you need to make these flavorful little savory bites! 🥂🎄😋
.
🎄A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory🎄
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], also linked in stories!✨
.
.
.
#appetizerideas #holidayappetizer #brunchideas #filoappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #filodough #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography
A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puf A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puff Pastry Parmesan Cheese Straws with fresh rosemary and sesame seeds! ✨😋 Crispy and flaky, savory and so flavorful, they are the perfect addition to a holiday buffet and any charcuterie board! ✨🧡💯
.
This new recipe is a collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡
.
✨Find the recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#cheesestraws #puffpastryrecipes #appetizerrecipe #vegetarianappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red onion slivers, ready to be wrapped in toasted pita bread! An all-time favorite family meal! 😋🥙 💙🇬🇷
.
✨Recipe linked in profile! 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
.
.
#Greekmeatballs #keftedakia #greekcuisine #comfortfood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed  #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #yummyfood #weeknightmeals #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #saveurmag #appetitejournal #allrecipes #marilenaskitchen
Follow on Instagram

PINTEREST

Archives

my foodgawker gallery

Terms of Use

© Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d