Horiatiki (Traditional Greek Salad)
This traditional Greek salad, known in Greece as “Horiatiki” (village salad), is a fresh, rustic dish made with simple, high-quality ingredients. The flavors of the tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, red onion, and Kalamata olives are bright, fresh, and well-balanced. A large slice or block of creamy feta cheese rests on top. The salad is seasoned with dried oregano and dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar.
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Tips for Making a Traditional Greek Salad
Tomatoes
I typically use Campari tomatoes because they’re consistent in quality and availability at my grocery store. If you prefer a different type of tomato (or better yet, if you have garden fresh tomatoes), adjust the amount based on how big your tomatoes are. If you use cherry or grape tomatoes, you’ll need more (about 3 cups sliced in half). If you use larger tomatoes (like beefsteaks), you’ll need fewer tomatoes.
About the olive oil & feta
This salad is made with simple ingredients. So the quality of your ingredients (or lack thereof) will shine through. I use an extra virgin olive oil and block feta in brine. Depending on where you live, your local supermarket (or Costco) might sell block feta. If not, search for an international supermarket near you.
Do i have to leave the feta in a block?
When you’re making this salad for guests, leave the feta in block form for a more impressive look (and to showcase just how much feta you’re using). Don’t have anyone to impress? Feel free to crumble the feta or break it into smaller blocks if you prefer.
Traditional Greek Salad
Equipment
- Salad bowl
Ingredients
- 8 small tomatoes *See Note 1 cut into bit-sized wedges
- ½ an English cucumber sliced into half moons
- 1 small red onion cut in half and sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper cored, seeded, and cut into strips
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 4 oz block feta in brine *See Note 2
Instructions
- Add the vegetables and olives to a large salad bowl.8 small tomatoes *See Note 1, ½ an English cucumber, 1 small red onion, 1 small green bell pepper, ¼ cup Kalamata olives
- Add all remaining ingredients, except the feta, to the bowl. Gently mix the salad to combine.1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Top with the block of feta and serve.4 oz block feta in brine *See Note 2
