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Greek

Horiatiki (Traditional Greek Salad)

The authentic Greek village salad, featuring fresh summer vegetables and a block of feta, dressed simply with high-quality olive oil and oregano.

Horiatiki (Traditional Greek Salad) — Greek — ChefSnap
15 minsPrep
0 minsCook
4Serves
EasyDifficulty
320 kcal per serving10g protein 12g carbs 28g fat
Watch it made — Horiatiki (Traditional Greek Salad)Watch it madeChef Billy Parisi · 7:44

Ingredients

Method

  1. Wash and cut the tomatoes into wedges and the cucumber into thick half-rounds.
  2. Slice the red onion thinly and cut the green pepper into rings or strips.
  3. Combine tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and peppers in a shallow bowl or serving platter. Add the Kalamata olives.
  4. Place a large slab of feta cheese on top of the vegetables.
  5. Generously drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano over the cheese and vegetables. Serve immediately.

Common questions

Can I substitute feta with another cheese in Horiatiki salad?

Yes, but keep it salty and crumbly. Aged goat cheese or Turkish beyaz peynir can work. Avoid soft fresh cheeses like mozzarella, which melt into the vegetables and lose the classic Greek salad texture and briny flavor.

How far ahead can I prep Horiatiki before serving?

You can cut the vegetables a few hours ahead and chill them separately. For best texture, assemble and dress the salad right before serving so the tomatoes stay juicy and the cucumber and peppers stay crisp.

What are the most common mistakes when making Horiatiki?

The biggest mistakes are overmixing, using low-quality tomatoes, and drowning the salad in dressing. Also avoid crumbling the feta too early; it should sit in a slab on top. Too much oregano can overpower the fresh vegetables.

How should I store leftover Greek salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The vegetables will release juice and soften, so the texture won’t be as good. If possible, keep feta separate and add a little fresh olive oil before eating.

What is the best way to serve Horiatiki salad?

Serve it cold or cool, on a shallow platter or bowl, with crusty bread for dipping into the tomato juices and olive oil. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or roasted potatoes and works best as a side dish.