Go Back
Bowl of fresh {{ $('Fetch Recipe Data').first().json["Main Keyword"] }} with feta, olives, and tomatoes.

Greek Salad (Traditional Horiatiki Recipe)

A truly authentic Greek salad, known as Horiatiki, features fresh, ripe vegetables, robust Kalamata olives, and a generous slab of creamy feta cheese, all simply dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of red wine vinegar. It's a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of Greek cuisine.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 ripe plum tomatoes cut into wedges
  • 1 large cucumber peeled (optional), halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
  • 1 small red onion very thinly sliced or cut into rings
  • 1 green bell pepper cored, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch thick strips or rings
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted
  • 1 block authentic Greek feta cheese 7-8 oz, preferably from sheep's or goat's milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped (optional)
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil high quality
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar optional, some prefer without or a squeeze of lemon
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano Greek variety preferred
  • Pinch sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Salad Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato wedges, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and green bell pepper strips. Add the Kalamata olives.
  2. Gently toss the vegetables and olives to combine. Do not overmix to avoid bruising the tomatoes.
Dress and Assemble
  1. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the vegetables. If using, add the red wine vinegar. Sprinkle generously with dried oregano, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Place the entire block of feta cheese directly on top of the salad. Traditionally, it's served as a whole slab, not crumbled into the salad.
Serve
  1. If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious juices at the bottom of the bowl.

Notes

For the most authentic experience, do not peel the cucumber. Also, a traditional Horiatiki rarely includes lettuce or other leafy greens. The feta cheese is typically served as a whole slab on top, allowing each diner to break off pieces. A good quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the flavor of this simple salad. Some traditionalists do not add red wine vinegar, relying solely on the tomato juices and olive oil. Feel free to adjust to your preference.