Experience the authentic flavors of Greece with this classic 15-minute Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki).
This refreshing Mediterranean dish combines fresh vegetables and premium feta cheese into a protein-rich, low-carb masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.
At just 206 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or seeking a quick, healthy meal, this time-honored Greek recipe delivers both simplicity and sophistication to your table.
Ingredients for Traditional Greek Salad
- Tomatoes: 3 ripe ones, cut into wedges for maximum juiciness
- Red Onion: 1 medium, sliced into rings for perfect distribution
- Cucumber: 1 whole, cut into thick half-moons for crunch
- Green Pepper: 1 fresh, sliced for added crispiness
- Olives: 16 black or green, adds Mediterranean authenticity
- Feta Cheese: 200g block, authentic Greek variety preferred
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon for tangy flavor
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup of high-quality oil
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon for traditional Greek aroma
- Sea Salt: To taste, remember feta is already salty
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Thoroughly wash and strain all vegetables until completely clean
- Cut and Slice: Cut tomatoes into wedges, slice onion into rings, and cucumber into thick slices
- Combine: Place all cut vegetables and olives in a large mixing bowl
- Season: Add a light sprinkle of sea salt, drizzle with olive oil and vinegar
- Mix: Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors
- Final Touch: Top with feta cheese block, sprinkle dried oregano, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil
Serving Suggestions
This bright and colorful Greek salad shines as both a main dish and a side! For a light summer lunch, serve it with warm pita bread or crusty sourdough for scooping up all those tasty juices.
Want to make it a heartier meal? Add some grilled chicken or shrimp on the side. The salad pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean dishes like spanakopita, souvlaki, or grilled fish.
Variations
While this classic Greek salad recipe is perfect as-is, you can switch things up based on what you have on hand.
Try sweet bell peppers in any color instead of just green. If you’re not a fan of raw onions, try soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes to make them milder.
For a different twist, you can cube the feta instead of leaving it in a block. Just remember – authentic Greek salad never includes lettuce!
Storage Tips
For the freshest taste, it’s best to eat your Greek salad right away. If you need to prep ahead, you can cut all the vegetables and store them separately in airtight containers for up to 24 hours.
Wait to add the olive oil, vinegar, and feta until just before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents the tomatoes from getting mushy.
Already dressed the salad? It will keep in the fridge for about 2 days, though the vegetables will soften over time.
Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki / Xoriatiki)
Equipment
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 medium red onion sliced into rings
- 1 cucumber sliced into thick half-moons
- 1 green pepper sliced
- 16 black or green olives
- 200 g feta cheese (7 ounces)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- As said before, the secret to make a delicious Greek salad is in the ingredients: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy feta cheese, good quality extra virgin olive oil and some tangy black olives will really make a difference.
- To make this Greek salad recipe (Horiatiki), start by preparing your vegetables. Wash thoroughly and strain the vegetables. Cut the tomatoes into wedges, slice the onion into thin rings, cut the cucumber in thick slices and place everything in a large bowl. Don’t forget to add the olives as well.
- Season with salt and pour over the extra virgin olive oil and vinegar. Toss everything together, so that the flavours mix. Be careful not to add too much salt, as the feta cheese and the olives are salty enough.
- Greek salad (Horiatiki) is always served with feta cheese on top, a drizzle of olive oil and dried oregano. Enjoy your delicious Greek salad as a side dish or as a light summer meal with lots of crusty bread aside!