🌿 The Taste of the Mediterranean: Simple, Fresh, and Authentic
The Traditional Greek Salad, known in Greece as Horiatiki (meaning “village” or “peasant” salad), is a refreshing classic that highlights the incredible quality of Mediterranean produce. Unlike many Americanized versions, an authentic Horiatiki focuses on simple, chunky vegetables—no lettuce necessary!—marinated in olive oil and vinegar, and crowned with a generous block of real Greek Feta cheese and Kalamata olives. This recipe is clean, bright, and the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood, or enjoyed as a light, healthy meal on its own.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 2 large Cucumbers, peeled (optional) and sliced into half-moons.
- 1 large Red Onion, thinly sliced into rings.
- 1 pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved.
- 1 cup Kalamata Olives (or mixed Greek olives), pitted or unpitted.
- 1/2 cup Green Olives, pitted.
- 6-8 ounces Authentic Greek Feta Cheese (preferably a block, not pre-crumbled).
- Dried Oregano, for dusting.
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality recommended).
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
The beauty of the Greek Salad is in its simple preparation.
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Place the sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion rings, and halved tomatoes in a large salad bowl.
- Add the Kalamata and green olives to the bowl.
2. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified. A quick shake in a jar works perfectly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. The dressing should be sharp and fragrant.
3. Dress and Toss
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and olives.
- Toss the ingredients gently to coat the vegetables without crushing the tomatoes.
4. The Final Touch: Feta and Oregano
- Transfer the tossed salad to a serving bowl.
- Place the block of Feta cheese right on top of the salad ingredients (as shown in the image). Do not crumble the Feta into the salad; let guests take pieces with their fork.
- Drizzle a tiny bit of extra olive oil over the Feta.
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of dried oregano directly over the Feta cheese and the entire salad.
5. Serve
- Serve immediately. While it can rest for a little while, the crispness of the cucumber and onion is best preserved when served fresh.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the leftover dressing and olive oil (this is known as papadara and is the best part!).
⭐ Pro Tips and Flavor Variations
- The Feta: For authentic flavor, look for Feta sold in blocks that is stored in brine. It has a creamier texture and tangier flavor than dry pre-crumbled Feta.
- Red Onion Soak: If you find red onion too pungent, slice them and soak them in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This removes some of the sharp bite.
- Oil Quality: Since the dressing is so simple, the flavor of the olive oil is prominent. Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you have for maximum flavor.
- No Lettuce: Resist the urge to add lettuce! True Horiatiki does not contain any leafy greens.