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Classic Horiatiki Greek Salad

A refreshing and vibrant traditional Greek salad (Horiatiki) featuring ripe vegetables, salty feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 large Cucumber English or 2 small field, peeled partially (optional), sliced into half-moons
  • 3-4 medium Tomatoes ripe, cut into wedges or large chunks
  • 1/2 small Red Onion thinly sliced into rings or half-moons
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives pitted
  • 4-6 oz Feta Cheese block, crumbled or cut into large chunks
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Oregano chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare Vegetables
  1. Wash and thoroughly prepare all vegetables. Slice the cucumber into half-moons. Cut the ripe tomatoes into wedges or large, rustic chunks. Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons. Seed the green bell pepper and cut it into 1-inch pieces.
Assemble Salad Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.
Prepare Dressing
  1. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until thoroughly combined and emulsified.
Dress and Serve
  1. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  2. Arrange the feta cheese, either crumbled or in large chunks, on top of the dressed salad. If using, sprinkle with fresh chopped oregano for an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

For a truly authentic Horiatiki experience, leave the feta in a single large block on top of the salad for guests to break off pieces. Some prefer to add a small splash of cold water to the dressing for a slightly milder tang. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.