Description
A classic Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki, is a fresh Mediterranean staple made with crisp vegetables, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. This no-cook dish is perfect as a side or light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped into large chunks
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled (optional) and sliced into thick half-moons
- 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced into thin rings
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives, whole or pitted
- 200 grams (7 oz) block of feta cheese, cut into thick slices or large cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional for added tang)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sea salt, if needed
- Optional Protein: Grilled chicken breast or Roast beef strips
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables. Chop tomatoes into wedges or large chunks. Slice cucumber thickly. Cut bell pepper into thin rings or strips. Thinly slice red onion (soak in cold water for 5-10 minutes if desired to mellow sharpness).
- Layer the salad: In a large bowl or platter, layer tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Scatter Kalamata olives on top.
- Add the feta: Place large chunks or slices of feta cheese over the vegetables.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar (if using). Sprinkle with dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper.
- Taste and season: Add a pinch of salt only if needed, as feta and olives are already salty.
- Add protein (optional): Top with grilled chicken or beef strips just before serving if making it a main meal.
- Let it sit: Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
- Use block feta cheese for superior flavor and texture.
- Do not overdress the salad; let the fresh ingredients shine.
- Choose firm, ripe tomatoes.
- Soak sliced red onions in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
- Vegetables can be prepped a few hours ahead and stored separately; assemble and dress just before serving.
- Add fresh mint or parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve with warm pita bread.
- For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free feta-style cheese or marinated tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Greek Salad, Fresh Mediterranean Salad, Horiatiki, Village Salad, Mediterranean Diet Salad, Easy Greek Salad, Classic Greek Salad