Imagine a vibrant, sun-drenched Greek island where fresh ingredients burst with flavor, and every bite tells a story of tradition. The Classic Greek Salad, or Horiatiki, is not just a dish—it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in one spectacular bowl. Forget everything you know about ordinary salads; this is a rustic, no-lettuce masterpiece that will revolutionize your understanding of fresh, simple cooking.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Cucumbers, sliced
- Red onion, sliced
- Green bell pepper, sliced
- Feta cheese, in blocks
- Black olives
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Salt
Instructions
- Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, chop ripe tomatoes into large, rustic chunks approximately 1-inch in size. Ensure tomatoes are fresh and at room temperature for maximum flavor.
- Slice cucumbers into half-moon shapes, keeping the skin on for added texture and nutrition. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick.
- Thinly slice red onion into delicate rings or half-rings, creating translucent and sharp-flavored pieces.
- Cut green bell pepper into similar-sized pieces as the tomatoes, removing seeds and stem beforehand.
- In a large serving bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and green bell pepper.
- Place whole block of feta cheese directly on top of the mixed vegetables. Traditionally, the cheese is not crumbled but served as a single block.
- Add whole Kalamata black olives around the feta cheese, distributing them evenly.
- Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil generously over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Sprinkle dried oregano evenly across the salad, using authentic Greek oregano if possible for authentic flavor.
- Season with sea salt to taste, using a pinch to enhance the natural vegetable flavors.
- Do not mix the salad. Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing guests to combine ingredients when serving.
- Optional: Let salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Ingredient Quality is Key: Always use the freshest, ripest vegetables and highest quality extra virgin olive oil. Authentic Greek salad depends on premium ingredients.
- Room Temperature Matters: Serve the salad at room temperature to allow flavors to fully develop and ingredients to shine.
- Cheese Selection: Use authentic Greek feta—preferably made from sheep's or goat's milk—and serve it as a whole block, not crumbled.
- No Mixing Rule: Traditionally, ingredients are layered, not tossed. Let diners combine the salad when serving to maintain the individual vegetable textures.
- Oregano Matters: Use authentic Greek dried oregano for the most genuine flavor profile.
- Olive Choice: Kalamata olives are traditional and provide the most authentic taste experience.
- Timing is Everything: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
