Salads > Vegetable Salads (Non-Leafy) > Cucumber Salads > Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe

Classic Greek Cucumber Salad (Horiatiki)

This authentic Greek cucumber salad, known as Horiatiki, is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. It's packed with fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a simple olive oil dressing. This recipe is easy to make and requires no cooking!

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 2 medium Cucumber
  • 2 large Tomato
  • 1/2 medium Red Onion
  • 1/2 medium Green Bell Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives
  • 4 oz Feta Cheese
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Slice the red onion thinly. Remove the seeds from the green bell pepper and chop it into similar sized pieces as the cucumbers and tomatoes.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and green bell pepper. Add the Kalamata olives to the bowl.

Dress the Salad

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl.

Add Feta and Serve

Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. Gently toss everything together to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later. Chilling for a short time allows the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Best Salad

  • Use the freshest, highest quality ingredients you can find.
  • Don't overdress the salad; you want the flavors of the vegetables to shine through.
  • If you're not serving the salad immediately, add the feta cheese just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

    • Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

    Calories: 80kcal
    Carbohydrates: 5g
    Protein: 3g
    Fat: 6g
    Saturated Fat: 2g
    Cholesterol: 15mg
    Sodium: 200mg
    Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

    Other Considerations for Nutrition

    This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese. The sodium content can be reduced by using less salt and rinsing the Kalamata olives.

    ← Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad Classic Heirloom Tomato Salad with Balsamic Glaze →

    FAQ

    • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

      Yes, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the dressing and feta cheese just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
    • What if I don't have Kalamata olives?

      You can substitute another type of olive, such as black olives, but the flavor will be slightly different. Kalamata olives provide a distinct, briny flavor that is characteristic of Greek salad.
    • Can I use a different type of vinegar?

      Red wine vinegar is the traditional choice for Greek salad, but you can also use white wine vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, so adjust the amount to your taste.