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The Best Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

The Best Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

A crisp, vibrant, authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) is more than a recipe — it’s a taste of Athens, Santorini, and the sun‑kissed Mediterranean.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh vegetables
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes — approximately 600 g cut into large wedges.
  • 1 large cucumber — approximately 300 g sliced into thick half-moons.
  • 1 small green bell pepper — thinly sliced into rings.
  • 1 small red onion — thinly sliced.
  • 80 g Kalamata olives — preferably whole or pitted according to preference.
Feta and seasonings
  • 150 g Greek feta cheese — ideally a good-quality feta kept in brine.
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil — approximately 60 ml.
  • 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar — optional according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano.
  • A small pinch of sea salt — use sparingly because feta and olives are already salty.
  • Freshly ground black pepper — optional.
For serving
  • Warm crusty bread pita, or a traditional Greek bread such as χωριάτικο ψωμί.

Equipment

  • Large serving bowl
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
  1. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly and dry them well.
  2. Cut the tomatoes into large wedges or irregular chunks. Avoid cutting them too small, because generous pieces retain their texture and release flavorful juices into the bowl.
  3. Slice the cucumber into thick half-moons. You can leave the peel on, partially peel it, or peel it completely according to your preference.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion and green bell pepper.
Step 2: Build the salad
  1. Place the tomatoes in a large serving bowl. Add the cucumber, green pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  2. Gently mix the vegetables once or twice. Do not overmix, as the tomatoes can become crushed and watery.
Step 3: Add the seasoning
  1. Sprinkle the dried oregano over the vegetables. Add a small pinch of salt and black pepper if desired.
  2. If you are using red-wine vinegar, drizzle it over the vegetables. Let the tomatoes sit for a few minutes so their juices can mingle with the seasoning.
Step 4: Add the feta
  1. Place the feta cheese in a thick slab or large piece on top of the vegetables.
  2. A whole piece of feta is a traditional presentation and allows diners to break off pieces as they eat. You may crumble it if that is more convenient, but a slab gives the salad a more classic village-salad appearance.
Step 5: Finish with olive oil
  1. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle a little more dried oregano over the top.
  2. The tomato juices, olive oil, and seasonings will collect at the bottom of the bowl, creating a delicious mixture that can be enjoyed with bread.
Step 6: Serve immediately
  1. Let the salad rest for approximately 5 minutes at room temperature, then serve.
  2. Enjoy it with warm bread, grilled meat, fish, or another Mediterranean side dish.

Video

Notes

This authentic Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki, brings together fresh Mediterranean vegetables, creamy feta, Kalamata olives, and fragrant oregano. Its simple ingredients and refreshing flavors make it a perfect choice for a light meal or a delicious side dish.