Greek Salad, or Horiatiki, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. This salad is famous for its simple yet delicious combination of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, green bell peppers, creamy feta cheese, and plump Kalamata olives.
Drizzled with a tangy olive oil and oregano dressing, this dish is not just a salad; it's a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It's the kind of recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for quick lunches, a side dish at dinner, or even a healthy snack.
Why This Recipe Works
What sets this Greek Salad recipe apart is its commitment to freshness and authenticity. Each ingredient is chosen for its quality and contribution to the overall flavor of the dish. The combination of juicy, ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers offers a refreshing base, while the sharpness of the red onions and the saltiness of the Kalamata olives create a delightful contrast. The creamy feta cheese adds a luxurious texture and tanginess that ties all the elements together beautifully. This balance of flavors and textures is what makes the salad not just good, but unforgettable.
Moreover, this recipe sticks to the traditional way of preparing Greek Salad, which emphasizes simplicity and the use of raw, uncooked vegetables. This not only preserves the nutrients in the ingredients but also makes the dish incredibly easy and quick to prepare. It's perfect for anyone looking for a healthy meal option without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and salt, enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables rather than overpowering them. This approach to the salad ensures that it's not only delicious but also nourishing and accessible to make, regardless of your cooking skills.
Ingredients
Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy, ripe tomatoes are a must. They add color and sweetness. If tomatoes are out of season, cherry tomatoes can be a good substitute.
Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, they add a crunchy texture. If regular cucumbers are too bitter, English cucumbers are a great alternative.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and color. If red onion is too strong, soaking slices in water before using can mellow the flavor, or use sweet onions as a substitute.
Olives (Kalamata): These dark purple olives are meaty and rich in flavor. If Kalamata olives are not available, black olives can be used but will slightly change the flavor profile.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it's traditionally made from sheep's milk. Cow's milk feta can be used as a substitute, though it may be milder in flavor.
Tips
- Cut the vegetables into large chunks to keep the salad hearty and satisfying.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Season with salt sparingly; the olives and feta add natural saltiness.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
How to Serve
Greek salad is not just a side dish; it's a vibrant addition to any meal that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. Its freshness and simplicity make it a perfect complement to grilled meats or a wholesome stand-alone dish for a light lunch.
- As a refreshing starter before a hearty meal of lamb or chicken kebabs.
- Piled high on top of a warm pita bread with a drizzle of tzatziki for a light, Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
- Accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful dressing, making for a satisfying, low-effort dinner or lunch.
Similar Recipes
Greek Salad
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives
- 200 g feta cheese cut into cubes or crumbled
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a few capers or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the tomato wedges, sliced cucumber, red onion, and olives.
- Gently mix in the feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all the ingredients.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with capers or chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
• Add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
• Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
• Season with salt sparingly; the olives and feta add natural saltiness.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors.