Authentic Greek Salad Horiatiki Salata

Authentic Greek Salad A Taste of Sunshine Greek Food

By Kendra ThompsonJuly 8, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of sunshine? Are you searching for new greek food side dishes ? Honestly, this Authentic Greek Salad is the taste of summer on a plate.

It's simple, fresh, and the perfect tangy feta and vegetables combo.

Brief Overview

Horiatiki, or "village salad," hails from Greece. It's traditionally a quick lunch for farmers. This salad is super easy and takes only 15 minutes.

This recipe makes 4-6 servings, perfect for a family meal or a potluck.

Main Benefits

This salad is packed with nutrients. This healthy greek side dishes option is loaded with vitamins from the fresh veggies.

It's ideal for a BBQ, a picnic, or just a light lunch. What makes it special? It's not your average salad! No lettuce needed, it's all about the fresh veggies and that amazing block of feta.

Plus is one of the best summer salad recipes to make.

Ingredients: Let's get real with the goods!

You'll need ripe tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives , feta, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Don't skimp on the olive oil it makes all the difference! Seriously, this is one of those sides with dinner that is gonna be a total game changer!.

Making the Magic Happen: Authentic Greek Salad Recipe

First, chop your veggies. Toss them in a big bowl. Next, place the block of feta right on top. Add your olives around the feta.

Lastly, whisk the dressing and pour it over everything. Seriously, don't crumble the feta! Let people break it up themselves.

It tastes way better, trust me.

Ingredients & Equipment: Getting it Right

Let's talk about what you need for this amazing Authentic Greek Salad . Honestly, the ingredients really matter here. This isn't some fancy meal.

It's all about letting quality Feta And Vegetables flavors shine. You can also serve it for your next Easy Sides For A Party

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Ripe Tomatoes: 2 large (about 600g/21oz ). Heirlooms are amazing, if you can find them.
English Cucumber: 1 (around 200g/7oz ). Peel it or don't, your call!
Green Bell Pepper: 1 (about 150g/5.3oz ), seeded and chunky.
Red Onion: 1 small (around 80g/2.8oz ), thinly sliced.
Greek Feta: 4 ounces ( 115g ). Get the good stuff, from sheep's milk if possible.
Kalamata Olives: ½ cup ( 80g ), pitted.
Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup ( 60ml ). Greek olive oil is the best.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.

For tomatoes, find the ripest ones you can. Seriously! If they smell amazing, they're ready. Good quality feta makes a huge difference. Don't go cheap!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Greek Touch

Oregano is a must. It's the quintessential Greek food side dishes flavor. Olive oil and red wine vinegar create that classic tang.

No need for anything complicated! Consider this Healthy greek side dishes next time.

If you like a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. For Sides With Dinner it's perfect. Don't forget the generous salt and pepper.

If you don't have red wine vinegar, lemon juice can work in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple

You really don't need much.

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large bowl

A good knife makes chopping easier. If you don't have a fancy bowl, any bowl will do. Seriously! This Greek salad recipe is all about keeping it real.

You can add it to the menu of Greek Dinner Side Dishes . Enjoy these Summer salad recipes .

Authentic Greek Salad: A Taste of Sunshine!

Craving some sunshine? This authentic Greek salad recipe, also known as Horiatiki, is just the ticket! Honestly, it's less of a recipe and more of an assembly.

It's seriously simple, even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen. Perfect with pretty much any Greek Dinner Side Dishes.

It's so fresh!

Prep time is about 15 minutes , and there's zero cooking involved. That’s right, zero!

Prep Steps: The Secret to Success

The secret to amazing greek food side dishes ? Top-notch ingredients. Start with 2 large ripe tomatoes , 1 English cucumber , 1 green bell pepper , and 1 small red onion .

Wash and chop them. Simple! Having everything prepped and ready to go is essential mise en place, and it makes things so much quicker.

Slice the tomatoes into wedges. Halve and slice the cucumber. Cut the bell pepper into chunks and thinly slice the red onion.

For safety, use a sharp knife and always curl your fingers when chopping.

step-by-step Sunshine

Toss the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl.
Place a 4 ounce block of good quality Greek feta cheese on top.
Scatter ½ cup of Kalamata olives around the feta.
Whisk together 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Serve immediately and experience the authentic greek sides.

Pro Tips: From Greece With Love

Use the best ingredients! The tomatoes must be ripe and juicy. Don’t overdress! A little dressing goes a long way.

Want Easy Sides For A Party ? Make this ahead of time, but dress it right before serving to keep it fresh.

Want a Mediterranean side dishes or Healthy greek side dishes or maybe just some Summer salad recipes ? This covers all the bases!

One common mistake is crumbling the feta too early. Don’t do it! The block stays fresher. If you're looking for Greek appetizers sides , this salad is a winner.

Don’t forget the Feta And Vegetables are the stars! This Horiatiki is a perfect Sides With Dinner to share with friends and family! Enjoy your Greek salad recipe !

Recipe Notes

Right then, let’s have a proper chat about this cracking Greek salad recipe . Honestly, there's more than one way to skin a cat, isn't there? So, let's run through some bits and bobs, shall we?

We'll look at serving it up like a pro, keeping it fresh, how to mix it up, and why it’s actually quite good for you.

Serving Suggestions: Your Horiatiki in Style

Right, presentation matters. Forget chucking everything in a bowl. I love to plate this up by arranging the tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers nicely.

Then, slap the feta on top like a boss before drizzling the dressing over. This Mediterranean side dishes looks amazing! Try some greek food side dishes ideas

Thinking of what to have with it? This salad is a classic sides with dinner . It goes brilliantly with grilled lamb chops, proper authentic greek sides like lemon potatoes, or even just some crusty bread for mopping up all those lovely juices.

And a nice crisp glass of white wine. Sorted! This is truly one of the best summer salad recipes. For Greek Appetizers Sides I serve it with Tzatziki sauce.

Also, I love making an easy sides for a party.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Real

Right, you've got leftovers? Ace! This salad is best eaten fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for a day or two.

Thing is, the tomatoes will soften a bit. Store it in an airtight container. And don't dress it until you're ready to scoff it! Honestly, freezing isn’t the best idea.

The veggies will go all soggy. Nobody wants that!

Variations: Get Your Twist On

Okay, so fancy a change? You know, I sometimes add a pinch of chilli flakes for a bit of a kick.

Or, chuck in some fresh mint or parsley. Makes it a bit different, doesn’t it?

Now, if you're a veggie, just swap the feta for some marinated tofu or even a vegan feta alternative. Still tastes great! I've even used lemon juice when I've run out of red wine vinegar.

Works a treat! And, if you want some feta and vegetables , try adding some roasted bell peppers.

Nutrition Basics: It’s Actually Good for You!

Okay, so this isn’t just a tasty number, it's actually quite healthy. We are talking rough estimates of 250 calories per serving, it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

The olive oil is good for your heart, and the vegetables are full of all sorts of good stuff. Just watch out for the saltiness of the feta and olives! This is one of those healthy greek side dishes we can all enjoy!

Honestly, give it a go. It’s dead easy and tastes amazing! And if you're thinking of Greek Dinner Side Dishes, you won't be disappointed. You know?

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this recipe an authentic greek food side dish, and not just a regular salad?

Great question! This is a Horiatiki salad, meaning "village salad," and it's different from what many restaurants call "Greek salad." The key difference is the absence of lettuce and the presence of a big slab of feta on top.

It's rustic, simple, and focuses on the amazing flavors of fresh Mediterranean ingredients, just like they'd serve in a taverna on a Greek island. No iceberg lettuce here, mate!

Can I make this Greek salad ahead of time, or will it get soggy?

Ideally, this Horiatiki salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you need to prep ahead, chop the vegetables and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Wait to add the feta, olives, and dressing until just before serving.

This will help prevent the salad from becoming soggy and keep the flavors fresh. Think of it like a proper British cuppa, best enjoyed fresh!

What are some good variations for this Greek food side dish recipe if I don't have all the ingredients?

No worries if you're missing a few things! If you don't have Kalamata olives, any other type of olive will do in a pinch, but the flavor will be different. Red wine vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or even lemon juice. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add capers or artichoke hearts! Just make sure the subs compliment each other.

How should I store leftover Greek salad, and how long will it last?

Leftover Greek salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware that the tomatoes and cucumber will release moisture, making the salad a bit watery. It's best consumed within 1-2 days. You might want to drain off some of the excess liquid before serving the leftovers.

Think of it like leftover fish and chips, still edible the next day but not quite as fantastic!

Is this a healthy Greek food side dish, and what are the main nutritional benefits?

Absolutely! This Greek salad is packed with nutrients. It’s a good source of vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and the feta cheese contributes some protein and calcium.

Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if your feta and olives are particularly salty. It's a proper win-win; tasty and good for you!

The recipe says "good quality feta" - what does that actually mean?

Ah, a crucial point! By "good quality" feta, we mean feta that's been traditionally made in Greece, ideally from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. The texture should be firm but creamy, and the taste should be tangy and slightly salty.

Avoid the crumbly, dry feta that's often sold in blocks it won't have the same flavor or texture. Treat yourself it's worth the splurge!