LunchSide DishSalad

Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Name: Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: greek
Ingredients: 1 pcs cucumber peeled and sliced; 3 pcs tomato cut into wedges; 0.5 pcs red onion thinly sliced; 1 pcs green bell pepper cored and sliced; 0.5 cup kalamata olive pitted; 150 g feta cheese in a block; 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic Horiatiki salad, a refreshing medley of crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, and a generous slab of creamy feta cheese. Drizzled with robust extra virgin olive oil and fragrant oregano, this simple yet elegant salad is a perfect light meal or a bright accompaniment to any Mediterranean feast.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 15 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 298 kcal

VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

1 pcscucumber, peeled and sliced
3 pcstomato, cut into wedges
0.5 pcsred onion, thinly sliced
1 pcsgreen bell pepper, cored and sliced
0.5 cupkalamata olive, pitted
150 gfeta cheese, in a block
4 tbspextra virgin olive oil
1 tspdried oregano
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

Equipment

Cutting board · Chef's knife · Large salad bowl · Vegetable peeler

The method

Step by step

1
Wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly under cool running water.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure all produce is clean before beginning preparation to remove any dirt or residues.
2
Peel the cucumber, then slice it into thick, half-moon pieces, approximately 1/4-inch thick.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: For a less watery salad, you can scoop out the seeds from the cucumber before slicing, though it's not traditional for Horiatiki.
3
Cut the ripe tomatoes into rustic wedges, aiming for 6-8 wedges per tomato depending on size.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Using a serrated knife can help achieve clean cuts on ripe tomatoes without crushing them.
4
Thinly slice the red onion into delicate rings or half-moons.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: If the red onion flavor is too strong for your preference, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow their pungency.
5
Core the green bell pepper, remove the seeds and white membranes, then slice it into thin strips or rings.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Choose a firm, bright green bell pepper for the best crunch and flavor.
6
In a large, shallow salad bowl, gently combine the prepared cucumber, tomato wedges, thinly sliced red onion, green bell pepper, and whole Kalamata olives.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Arrange the vegetables attractively in the bowl, creating a colorful base for the feta.
7
Carefully place the entire block of feta cheese directly on top of the mixed vegetables in the center of the bowl.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Authentic Horiatiki features a single, generous block of feta, which guests can break apart themselves.
8
Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the feta cheese and all the vegetables.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Invest in a high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil; it's a key flavor component of this simple salad.
9
Evenly sprinkle the dried oregano over the feta and vegetables.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Rubbing the dried oregano between your palms before sprinkling helps to release its aromatic oils.
10
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Taste a small piece of tomato or cucumber before adding salt, as the feta and olives already contribute significant salinity.
11
Serve the Greek salad immediately, allowing guests to mix the ingredients at the table to combine all the fresh flavors.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: This salad is best enjoyed fresh; mixing too far in advance can make the vegetables watery.

Per serving

Nutrition

64%Score

Calories: 297.6kcal
Protein: 7.6g
Carbs: 14.1g
Fat: 24.8g
Fibre: 3.4g
Sugar: 8.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Cook’s note:

This Horiatiki salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple crusty bread to soak up the delicious olive oil dressing. For an extra touch, add a few capers or a splash of red wine vinegar, though traditionally, Horiatiki relies solely on the quality of its fresh ingredients and olive oil. Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light rosé.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 24 hours.

Reheating

This salad is not suitable for reheating. It is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.