Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Name: Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 medium tomatoes (ripe, cut into wedges); 1 cucumber (sliced); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 1 medium green bell pepper (sliced into rings); 100 g Kalamata olives (pitted); 200 g feta cheese (block); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

25 min 4 servings Easy

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Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

A refreshing Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta — no lettuce.

Prep

15 min

Total

25 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Greek salad, or Horiatiki, is a staple in Greek cuisine, celebrated for its simple yet bold flavours. Unlike other salads, the authentic Greek salad does not contain lettuce. Instead, it showcases a medley of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, paired with briny olives and a generous slab of creamy feta cheese. The dressing is straightforward yet full of flavour, made from extra virgin olive oil and dried oregano. This salad is a testament to the beauty of fresh ingredients and uncomplicated preparation, making it an ideal dish for warm weather or as a refreshing side to any meal.

Ingredients

Servings

Salad

Dressing

Instructions

Prepare the tomatoes

Sprinkle the tomato wedges with salt and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes to drain excess moisture.

Pro tip: This step enhances the flavour of the tomatoes.

Combine vegetables

In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, red onion, and green bell pepper with the drained tomatoes.

Pro tip: Ensure vegetables are evenly mixed for balanced flavours.

Add olives

Gently fold in the Kalamata olives with the vegetables.

Pro tip: Use pitted olives for easier eating.

Prepare the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Pro tip: Use freshly ground black pepper for a more robust flavour.

Dress the salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Pro tip: Toss just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.

Add feta

Place the block of feta cheese on top of the salad.

Pro tip: Leave the feta as a slab for a traditional presentation.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavour.</li><li>Salting the tomatoes draws out excess moisture and enhances taste.</li><li>Always use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.</li><li>Leave the feta as a slab on top for a traditional presentation.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this authentic Greek salad with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, and is perfect for a summer picnic or a light lunch. To make ahead, prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance, but combine them just before serving to maintain freshness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.