Greek Horiatiki Salad
Greek Horiatiki Salad is a refreshing Mediterranean classic that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients without unnecessary additions. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, peppers, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese are brought together with fragrant oregano and rich extra virgin olive oil. The result is a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful salad that's quick to prepare and versatile enough for any meal. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, Horiatiki Salad delivers authentic Greek taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into thick half-moons
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives
- 7 oz (200 g) block of feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly.
- Cut the tomatoes into wedges and slice the cucumber into thick half-moons.
- Thinly slice the green bell pepper and red onion.
- Arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Scatter the Kalamata olives over the vegetables.
- Place the block of feta cheese on top of the salad.
- Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and, if desired, a splash of red wine vinegar.
- Sprinkle with dried oregano, season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Traditional Horiatiki Salad does not include lettuce.
- Authentic recipes use a whole block of feta rather than crumbled cheese.
- Extra virgin olive oil is essential for authentic taste.
- Kalamata olives provide the traditional Greek flavor.
- Red wine vinegar is optional but adds a pleasant tang.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the vegetables intact.
- Serve fresh for the best texture and flavor.