Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad

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When the sun is high and your appetite craves something fresh yet full of flavor, nothing hits the spot quite like a Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad. This iconic dish isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about simplicity, color, and the celebration of Mediterranean living. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, it’s the kind of salad that doesn’t need leafy greens to shine.

Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side to grilled meats, Horiatiki brings authentic Greek village flavor straight to your table. Drizzled in extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with oregano, it’s a burst of sunshine in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Horiatiki Salad

This salad comes together effortlessly with no cooking involved and relies purely on top-notch, raw ingredients. The crunch of cucumber, tang of feta, and aromatic olive oil dressing make it a memorable starter or side dish. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian!

What Kind of Feta Should I Use?

Always reach for block feta in brine, preferably made from sheep’s milk for the creamiest texture and true Greek taste. Avoid pre-crumbled feta—it tends to be dry and lacks the rich flavor that this salad deserves.

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Ingredients for the Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad

Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for that sweet burst of flavor. A mix of cherry and heirloom varieties adds vibrant color and texture.

Cucumbers: They bring the essential crunch and coolness. Persian or English cucumbers work best to avoid bitterness.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions add a sharp, savory bite and beautiful color contrast.

Kalamata Olives: Salty and robust, they infuse the salad with a signature Mediterranean taste.

Feta Cheese: Blocks of brined feta are key. They add creaminess and a salty tang that balances the fresh veggies.

Dried Oregano: A classic herb in Greek cuisine that enhances the aroma and depth.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high-quality EVOO for the dressing—it’s the soul of this salad.

Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Just a pinch to highlight all the natural flavors.

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How To Make the Traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad

Step 1: Slice the Vegetables

Start by slicing 2 cups of ripe tomatoes into wedges or thick chunks. Then slice 1 cup of cucumber into 1/4-inch rounds and thinly slice half a red onion.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In a large shallow bowl or platter, layer the tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion evenly. Add 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives throughout the salad.

Step 3: Add the Feta

Place three thick slices (about 4 oz total) of feta cheese on top of the vegetables. Do not crumble them; the presentation with blocks is traditional.

Step 4: Season and Drizzle

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano over the entire salad, then drizzle generously with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve Fresh

Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor. No need to toss—let guests grab a little of everything!

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How to Serve This Horiatiki Salad

This salad feeds 4 people as a side or 2 as a light main dish. Serve it alongside grilled meats like souvlaki or lamb chops, or pair it with warm pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch. It’s also perfect as part of a mezze spread.

Best Way to Store Leftovers

Greek Horiatiki Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The tomatoes and cucumbers will release water, so the salad might lose some of its crispness over time. Keep the feta separate if possible to preserve its texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones?
Yes! Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a fun bite. They’re especially good if you’re serving this salad as a light lunch.

Is it okay to use crumbled feta?
Technically yes, but it won’t have the same creamy texture or bold flavor. Blocks of feta are the authentic and preferred choice.

Can I add lettuce or greens?
Traditional Horiatiki does not include lettuce. But if you’re adapting it, a handful of arugula or baby spinach could work nicely.

What can I serve this with for a complete meal?
Pair it with grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or spanakopita. Add warm bread and you’re set for a balanced Mediterranean meal.

Is this salad vegan?
Not as-is due to the feta cheese, but you can substitute with a plant-based feta to make it vegan-friendly.

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Want More Salad Ideas with Mediterranean Vibes?

If you love this Greek salad, you’ll enjoy these other fresh dishes:

• Mediterranean Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad
• Pomegranate Christmas Salad
• Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad
• Mediterranean Shrimp and Avocado Salad

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with block feta or try something new? Add a twist with capers or extra herbs?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other eat better, one salad at a time.

Explore even more Mediterranean dishes on Life With Livia – where you’ll find daily inspiration and tasty ideas for every season.

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