Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

The traditional Greek village salad, known as Horiatiki, is simple, fresh, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s made without lettuce—just crisp vegetables, olives, and creamy Feta cheese.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

3–4 ripe tomatoes (cut into wedges)
1 large cucumber (sliced or chunked)
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
1 green bell pepper (optional, sliced)
½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted or whole)
150–200g Feta cheese (block, not crumbled)

Dressing

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt (lightly, as feta is salty)
Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables

Place tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl.

2. Add Olives

Mix in the Kalamata olives.

3. Season

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and oregano over the vegetables.

4. Dress the Salad

Drizzle olive oil and vinegar. Toss gently to combine.

5. Add Feta (Traditional Style)

Place a large slab of Feta cheese on top (don’t crumble).
Drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle oregano over it.

Serving Tips

Serve immediately for best freshness
Pair with warm pita bread or grilled meats
Best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature

What Makes It “Authentic”?

No lettuce (unlike many modern versions)
Feta served in a block, not crumbled
Simple dressing—no heavy sauces
High-quality olive oil is key

Q&A

Q1: Can I crumble the feta?

Yes, but traditionally it’s served as a whole block on top for presentation and flavor balance.

Q2: What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?

You can use black olives, but Kalamata olives give the most authentic taste.

Q3: Is it healthy?

Very! It’s rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants—perfect for a Mediterranean diet.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables ahead, but add dressing and feta just before serving to keep it fresh.

Q5: What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna work well if you want a more filling meal.

Q6: Why does my salad get watery?

Tomatoes release juice over time. To avoid this:

Serve immediately
Or lightly salt tomatoes separately and drain excess liquid

Q7: Can I skip onion?

Yes, or replace with milder options like spring onions.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.