Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki Recipe)
Greek Salad, or Horiatiki, is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, oregano, and olive oil. It’s a simple salad that’s fantastic on its own for a light meal or as a side or appetizer.
It’s no secret that my recipes lately have been majorly influenced by our Greece trip earlier this summer. After returning, I’ve made renditions of some of my favorite eats from our time there: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, Watermelon, Feta and Bulgur Salad, and Eggplant Lasagna.
And now, the salad that I tried to eat almost daily when we were in Greece– Horiatiki, a traditional Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, olives and red onions. It’s not like the Greek salad that we often think of here, with lettuce (or with potato salad!)
This combo is salty, crunchy, and juicy—once you make it, it’s incredibly crave-able. I had it right off the plane at our first dinner and ordered it at almost every spot afterward. I was always in the mood for lots of fresh tomatoes and feta!
You almost don’t need a recipe for this one as it’s so straightforward, but there are a few tips for success. Scroll down to read, or head to the end for the full recipe.
Greek Salad Ingredient Notes
The beauty of this recipe is the simple, fresh ingredients. It’s also what makes or breaks it. I only recommend making it when you can get good, juicy tomatoes.
The same is true for good olive oil. I’ve been loving these squeeze bottles from Grazia and California Olive Ranch for drizzling on good olive oil with control.
I also prefer to buy the good feta in brine that’s in blocks, not already crumbled. You can get this at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or most grocery stores. Traditionally, this salad is served with big hunks or slices of feta on top. At least, that’s how we were always served in Greece.
Tips for Success
I learned this tip from my mom years ago whenever she made tomato salad: salt your tomatoes first and let them sit for 15-20 minutes.
This draws out the juices from the tomatoes and omits the need for adding any additional acid. Just a good drizzle of olive oil afterwards and that’s the only dressing you need!
More Fresh Tomato Recipes
- Heirloom Tomato Salad
- Corn, Tomato, and Mint Salad
- Creamy Pasta with Tomato and Zucchini
- Sun Gold Tomato Pasta
More Summer Salad Recipes
If you try this Greek salad recipe, make sure to come back to leave a comment and a rating. Your feedback helps other readers and seeing you make my recipes makes my day.
Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound tomatoes, (halved if cherry tomatoes, or largely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese in brine, sliced into planks or into large cubes
- Good quality olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
Instructions
- Place the tomatoes into a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Toss together, then let sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to be pulled from the tomato.
- Add the cucumbers, red onion, and olives and toss to combine.
- Divide the salad among 4 plates and top with the feta. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on the oregano. Serve immediately.