Simple Summer Salad With Feta Recipe
Introduction
This Simple Summer Salad with Feta is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for warm days. Combining crisp greens, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’s both light and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1 large lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/4 to 1/2 pounds crunchy lettuce (Little Gem, red or green leaf, or romaine), gently torn or chopped into bite-size pieces
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 4 medium radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 1/2 cup thick, full-fat yogurt (preferably Greek or Icelandic)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves and tender stems
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smooth. Season lightly with flaky salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Gently mix in the lettuce, baby arugula, sliced radishes, and cubed avocado. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 2: On the bottom of a large salad bowl or shallow platter, combine the yogurt, honey, crumbled feta, and half of the chopped parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then spread it out in an even layer.
- Step 3: Pile the dressed salad mixture on top of the seasoned yogurt layer. Garnish with the remaining parsley and a few more grinds of black pepper. When serving, scoop deeply to ensure each portion includes some of the creamy feta yogurt from the bottom.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of lettuces for varied texture and flavor, such as butter lettuce or baby spinach if arugula isn’t available.
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a different subtle sweetness.
- Add toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch.
- For a vegan version, replace the feta with a plant-based cheese and use coconut or almond yogurt instead of dairy yogurt.
Storage
Store the salad components separately for best freshness: keep the dressed greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The yogurt-feta mixture can also be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Combine just before serving to maintain crispness and texture. Leftovers can be gently reheated or served cold depending on preference.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, goat cheese or ricotta salata make great alternatives with similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor that complement the salad well.
What can I do if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with yellow mustard or a small amount of prepared horseradish for a similar kick, or simply omit it and add a pinch of black pepper to maintain some seasoning depth.
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Simple Summer Salad With Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Simple Summer Salad with Feta, combining crisp lettuce, peppery arugula, crunchy radishes, creamy avocado, and a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing. Finished with a rich yogurt, honey, and feta base for a flavorful and satisfying light meal or side dish perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 large lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 1 1/4 to 1/2 pounds crunchy lettuce (Little Gem, red or green leaf, or romaine), gently torn or chopped into bite-size pieces
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 4 medium radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
Feta Yogurt Base
- 1/2 cup thick, full-fat yogurt (preferably Greek or Icelandic)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves and tender stems
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smooth and emulsified. Season lightly with flaky salt and a few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad: Gently mix the torn lettuce, baby arugula, thinly sliced radishes, and cubed avocado into the dressing. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Make the Feta Yogurt Base: In a large salad bowl or shallow platter, combine the thick full-fat yogurt, honey, crumbled feta, and half of the chopped parsley. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then spread it evenly along the bottom of the bowl or platter.
- Assemble the Salad: Pile the dressed salad mixture on top of the layered yogurt and feta base in the bowl. Garnish with the remaining parsley and a few fresh grinds of black pepper for finish and color contrast.
- Serve: When serving, scoop generously from the salad ensuring each portion has a good amount of the creamy feta yogurt base along with the fresh salad for a balanced bite.
Notes
- Use thick, full-fat Greek or Icelandic yogurt for the best texture and flavor contrast with the feta.
- For a vegetarian diet, ensure the feta cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.
- This salad is best served immediately to keep the lettuce crisp and avocado fresh.
- Variations can include adding toasted nuts or seeds for additional texture.
- Use flaky salt for a delicate crunch and to enhance flavor without overpowering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: summer salad, feta salad, avocado salad, lemon dressing, no-cook salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, yogurt salad

