Salads > International Salads > Mediterranean Salads > Greek Salad (Horiatiki) Recipe
Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
A classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) made with fresh, simple ingredients: ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. This is the taste of summer in Greece!
Ingredients
- 2 large Ripe Tomatoes
- 1 large Cucumber
- 1/2 medium Red Onion
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives
- 4 oz Feta Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Preparing the Vegetables
Cut the tomatoes into wedges or large chunks. Peel and slice the cucumber into thick rounds or half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion. Add the Kalamata olives (whole or halved) to a large bowl.
Assembling the Salad
Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl with the olives. Gently toss the vegetables together.
Adding the Feta and Dressing
Place the feta cheese on top of the vegetables in a single block or large piece (do not crumble it). Sprinkle with dried oregano. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately. Traditionally, Horiatiki is served without mixing the dressing in, allowing each person to enjoy the flavors as they wish. Crusty bread is often served alongside to soak up the delicious juices.
Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Other Considerations for Nutrition
Horiatiki is naturally gluten-free. The sodium content comes primarily from the feta cheese and olives. Consider using low-sodium feta cheese to reduce the sodium content. The salad is rich in healthy fats from the olive oil.
FAQ
-
Why is the feta not crumbled in Horiatiki?
Authentic Greek Salad traditionally features a block of feta cheese on top, allowing the flavors to meld gradually. The diner can then break off pieces of feta to their liking. -
Can I add lettuce to Greek Salad?
No, a traditional Horiatiki does not contain lettuce. It relies on the simple combination of fresh vegetables. -
What is the best type of olive oil to use?
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Greek olive oil is preferred but any good quality extra virgin olive oil will work.