Greek Salad (Horiatiki) Recipe – Greek Special
Greek Salad Horiatiki, also known as the Greek village salad, is a refreshing and authentic dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This salad features ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, green bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and a generous block of feta cheese, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with dried oregano. Traditionally, the feta is served in a slab on top of the salad, allowing diners to enjoy its creamy texture with each bite. The simplicity of this salad makes it a perfect side dish or light meal, capturing the essence of Greek cuisine.
- Prep Time10 min
- Total Time10 min
For the Salad:
- 3 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, cut into a block or crumbled
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Prepare the Vegetables:
Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
Place them in a large salad bowl along with the Kalamata olives.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently.
Place the block of feta cheese on top or crumble it over the salad.
Serve:
Garnish with extra oregano and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve immediately with warm pita bread or grilled meats.
Recipe Notes:
Tomato Selection: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices.
Cucumber Preparation: Peel the cucumber partially to retain some of its skin, which adds texture and nutrients.
Feta Cheese: Opt for high-quality Greek feta cheese, preferably made from sheep’s milk, for an authentic taste.
Olives: Kalamata olives are traditional, but other briny olives can be used if preferred.
Serving Suggestion: Pair the salad with warm pita bread or grilled meats for a complete meal.
