Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki Recipe)

Greek Salad, also known as Horiatiki, is a quintessential dish of Greek cuisine that brings together fresh ingredients in a simple yet flavorful way. This rustic salad highlights the natural flavors of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, combined with olives, onions, and a drizzle of olive oil. With minimal seasoning, this salad is all about celebrating the quality of the ingredients. It’s a perfect side dish for any Mediterranean meal or a light and refreshing meal on its own.

Ingredients:

4 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 medium cucumber, sliced into half moons (peeled or unpeeled, based on preference)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin rings
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted or whole
200g (7 oz) feta cheese, block form preferred (not crumbled)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the vegetables:

Start by slicing the tomatoes into wedges. If the tomatoes are particularly juicy, you can discard some of the seeds to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
Peel and slice the cucumber into half moons or rounds, depending on your preference.
Thinly slice the red onion and green bell pepper into rings.

Assemble the salad:

In a large salad bowl or platter, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.

Add the feta:

Place the block of feta cheese on top of the salad. In traditional Greek salads, the feta is left in one large piece and crumbled by diners themselves when served. This helps preserve its texture and flavor.

Drizzle with olive oil:

Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the salad. You can also add a splash of red wine vinegar if you like a slightly tangier taste, but this is optional and depends on personal preference.

Season and garnish:

Sprinkle the dried oregano over the salad and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be careful with the salt as feta is naturally salty.

Serve immediately:

Greek salad is best served fresh and at room temperature. You can pair it with crusty bread, pita, or grilled meats like souvlaki or gyros.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Use ripe, in-season tomatoes: The key to a great Greek salad is using fresh, ripe, and flavorful tomatoes. When tomatoes are at their peak, they bring a natural sweetness and richness to the salad.
Traditional feta: Opt for authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. It has a creamier texture and a tangier flavor compared to cow’s milk feta.
Don’t skimp on the olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is essential in Greek salad, providing richness and enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables. Use a high-quality olive oil for the best results.
Keep it simple: Traditional Horiatiki doesn’t include lettuce or other greens. It’s all about letting the core ingredients—tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta—shine.
Serve the feta as a block: Instead of crumbling feta over the salad, it’s more authentic to serve it as a whole block on top, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Add capers: Some regions of Greece add capers to their Horiatiki, offering an extra tangy burst of flavor.
Add some greens: Although not traditional, you can add romaine lettuce or spinach to bulk up the salad for a heartier version.
Serve as a light meal: Pair this salad with grilled meats, a piece of flatbread, or a bowl of tzatziki for a simple and satisfying Mediterranean meal.

Conclusion: A Taste of Greece on Your Plate

The Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki) is a dish that beautifully captures the essence of Greek cuisine—simple, fresh, and full of flavor. With just a few high-quality ingredients, this salad is a healthy and refreshing option for any meal. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, it’s a timeless recipe that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.