Name: Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 large tomatoes; 1 cucumber; 1/4 red onion; 1/2 green bell pepper (optional); 1/2 cup Kalamata olives; 100 grams feta cheese; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Pinch of sea salt

The Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad is everything a summer dish should be: simple, fresh, and absolutely vibrant. This rustic salad skips the leafy greens and dives straight into the juicy heart of Mediterranean flavors. With crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, tangy red onions, creamy feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano, every bite feels like a sunny getaway to a seaside Greek taverna.

Unlike American-style salads that often feature a mix of greens and heavy dressings, this one keeps it straightforward. It highlights the quality of each ingredient, marrying them together with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s the kind of dish that turns a modest table into a Mediterranean feast, perfect as a starter or a side.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad

You’ll fall for this salad’s honesty and bold flavors. It’s no-frills yet endlessly satisfying. The saltiness of the feta paired with the coolness of cucumber, and the burst of juice from sun-ripened tomatoes is pure harmony. Plus, it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and takes just minutes to prepare with no cooking required. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a quiet meal, it brings freshness and elegance to any plate.

What Kind of Feta Cheese Should I Use?

Authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk (or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk) is your best bet for this salad. It’s rich, tangy, and crumbles beautifully over the vegetables. Look for feta that comes in a block and is stored in brine, not the pre-crumbled kind, for maximum flavor and authenticity.

Ingredients for the Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad

When it comes to this salad, every ingredient matters. It’s important to use the freshest, highest-quality produce you can find, as the simplicity of the recipe relies on their natural taste.

Tomatoes: Juicy and ripe tomatoes are the star here, adding natural sweetness and bright color.
Cucumbers: Their crisp texture offers a refreshing crunch that balances the softer ingredients.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and color contrast.
Kalamata olives: These bring a deep, briny depth that anchors the salad.
Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it’s the key element that ties all the ingredients together.
Green bell pepper: Optional, but adds a subtle bitterness and extra crunch.
Dried oregano: This simple herb delivers a classic Greek flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and binds the flavors together.
Sea salt: Just a pinch to enhance everything.

How To Make the Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Veggies

Start by slicing the tomatoes into wedges or thick chunks. Peel the cucumber in stripes, then slice it into half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion and green bell pepper (if using). Combine all of these in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add the Olives and Feta

Add the Kalamata olives over the salad. Place a thick slab or large chunks of feta cheese on top rather than crumbling it, which is how it’s traditionally served.

Step 3: Season and Dress

Sprinkle the dried oregano generously over the top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and add a pinch of sea salt. Give everything a gentle toss just before serving to lightly coat the vegetables without breaking up the feta.

How to Serve and Store Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad

This salad is best served fresh and slightly chilled. It can be made 15 to 30 minutes ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re planning to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, note that the tomatoes will release juices over time, which might water down the texture. This recipe serves 4 as a side dish or 2 as a light main.

What to Serve With Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad?

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

Juicy and smoky skewered chicken pairs effortlessly with the freshness of the salad.

Warm Pita Bread

Perfect for scooping up every bit of olive oil and feta left at the bottom of the bowl.

Lemon Roasted Potatoes

Crispy and golden with a tangy punch of citrus, they bring warmth and depth to your meal.

Tzatziki Sauce

Cool, creamy, and garlicky, it complements the cucumbers in the salad beautifully.

Spanakopita

This flaky spinach and feta pie brings another layer of Greek flavor to the table.

Grilled Lamb Chops

Rich and savory, they contrast wonderfully with the crispness of the salad.

Falafel

A vegetarian option that adds protein and a touch of spice to round out your plate.

Stuffed Grape Leaves

Also known as dolmas, their herbal, lemony filling is a classic Greek sidekick.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fresh picks:

Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad with creamy chunks and citrus zing.
Old Fashioned Pea Salad for a comforting Southern spin.
Zesty Taco Pasta Salad when you want Tex-Mex in a bowl.
Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for potluck perfection.
Creamy Corn Dip that doubles as a salad or appetizer.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can revisit it whenever you need a taste of the Mediterranean.

Tell me how yours turned out! Did you skip the onions or add a splash of lemon juice? Your versions inspire me and other readers too, so don’t be shy to share.

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Conclusion

Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad is more than a salad; it’s a celebration of summer’s best ingredients. It brings color, texture, and simplicity to your table without needing fancy techniques or ingredients. Whether it’s part of your weekly menu or your next gathering, it delivers on flavor every single time.