Horiatiki Salata
Greek Village Salad
An authentic Greek village salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and a generous slab of feta cheese, all dressed with extra virgin olive oil and fragrant oregano. This salad is traditionally made without lettuce, focusing on the fresh, vibrant flavors of its core ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Ripe tomatoes(Medium to large, such as Roma or beefsteak, at room temperature for best flavor.)
- 1 Cucumber(English or Persian cucumber, about 8-10 inches long. No need to peel if the skin is thin and unblemished.)
- 1/2 Red onion(Medium-sized, thinly sliced. Adjust amount to your preference.)
- 200 g Feta cheese(A block of good quality Greek feta, preferably sheep's milk, for placing whole on top.)
- 100 g Kalamata olives(Pitted or unpitted, preferably brine-cured for authentic flavor.)
- 60 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Use a high-quality olive oil for the best taste.)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano(Greek oregano is preferred if available.)
- 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar(Optional, for a touch of acidity.)
- to taste Sea salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and core the tomatoes, then cut them into generous wedges or thick slices. Wash the cucumber, trim the ends, and cut into thick half-moons or chunks. Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If using a very large cucumber or one with thick skin, you may wish to peel it first.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Assemble the salad base: In a large, shallow serving bowl or platter, artfully arrange the cut tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion rings. Aim for an appealing, rustic presentation.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add the feta and olives: Gently place the block of feta cheese directly on top of the arranged vegetables. Scatter the Kalamata olives around the salad, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Dress and season: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the entire salad. Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over the feta and vegetables. If desired, add a splash of red wine vinegar, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The saltiness of the feta and olives may be sufficient, so taste before adding extra salt.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Serve immediately: Horiatiki is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the flavors to meld for just a few minutes before serving. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious dressing.
⏱️ 0 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Authenticity note: Traditional Horiatiki salad does not contain lettuce. The focus is on the fresh, robust flavors of the vegetables, feta, and olives.
- ✓Feta presentation: For the classic look, use a single, solid block of feta placed on top, rather than crumbling it into the salad.
- ✓Ingredient quality: The success of this simple salad relies heavily on the quality of its ingredients. Use the ripest tomatoes, freshest cucumber, best feta, and a flavorful extra virgin olive oil.
- ✓Room temperature ingredients: Allowing tomatoes and feta to come to room temperature before preparing the salad enhances their flavor and texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few tablespoons of capers for an extra briny kick.
- Include thinly sliced green or red bell peppers for added crunch and sweetness.
- A small amount of fresh mint or parsley can be added for a herbaceous note.