Greek Horiatiki Salad Recipe

Name: Greek Horiatiki Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 5 large tomatoes; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; sea salt to taste; 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 small green bell pepper, sliced; 0.5 medium cucumber, sliced; 0.25 cup Greek black olives; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 (8 ounce) package feta cheese

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

5 large tomatoes
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoons dried oregano
1 small green bell pepper, sliced (Optional)
medium cucumber, sliced (Optional)
cup Greek black olives
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 (8 ounce) package feta cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cut tomatoes into wedges over a large serving bowl so that any extra juices land in the bowl with the tomato wedges.

Step 2: Add the sliced onion and oregano to the bowl. Season liberally with salt and mix everything together.

Step 3: Allow the tomatoes to rest at room temperature for at least 20 to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to release their juices. This will help create a natural dressing.

Step 4: Just before serving, mix in the bell pepper, cucumber, and olives (if using).

Step 5: Top the salad with feta cheese and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Cook's Note

Don't skip the salting and resting step! The tomatoes' acidic juices combine with the olive oil to create the perfect dressing, so there's no need to add vinegar or lemon juice. Stir the tomatoes occasionally while resting to encourage more juice to be released.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 233
Total Fat: 18g (23% DV)
Saturated Fat: 6g (30% DV)
Cholesterol: 25mg (8% DV)
Sodium: 486mg (21% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 14g (5% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 7g (13% DV)
Vitamin C: 46mg (51% DV)
Calcium: 189mg (15% DV)
Iron: 3mg (14% DV)
Potassium: 662mg (14% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Greek Horiatiki Salad, often simply known as the Greek Salad, is a staple of Greek cuisine and widely loved around the world for its fresh, vibrant flavors and simple ingredients. This salad is not just a meal but a reflection of the Greek lifestylerefreshing, wholesome, and prepared with the finest local ingredients.

Origin and History

The origins of Greek Horiatiki Salad trace back to the rural areas of Greece, where it was a common dish made from ingredients easily found in local gardens. "Horiatiki" translates to "village" in Greek, and the salad was traditionally made by Greek farmers and peasants using what they grew in their own fields. It has been a part of Greek cuisine for centuries, with variations seen across different regions. The modern version of the salad as we know it today became popular internationally in the mid-20th century, especially after the rise of Mediterranean cuisine on the global food scene.

Regional Variations

Though the basic ingredients remain the same, there are some regional variations of the Greek Horiatiki Salad. In some areas, especially in the Cyclades islands, the salad may feature capers or use small cherry tomatoes, while on the mainland, a larger, more rustic tomato variety is typically preferred. Some regions even add green beans or roasted peppers, giving the dish a unique local twist. Regardless of these small variations, the essence of the saladthe combination of fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and Kalamata olivesremains constant.

What Sets It Apart

Unlike many other "salads" served worldwide, Greek Horiatiki Salad does not contain lettuce. The key distinction is its reliance on hearty, fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, combined with the rich flavor of feta cheese and the brininess of olives. Furthermore, the dressing is made naturally from the tomato juices, olive oil, and oreganono vinegar or lemon is needed. This simple approach, using minimal ingredients, results in a salad that is both refreshing and full of flavor, making it stand out from other salads like the ubiquitous Caesar Salad or garden salad.

Where Its Typically Served

Greek Horiatiki Salad is often served as a side dish in Greece, particularly alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a mezze platter. Its also a popular dish during summer months, offering a light and healthy option for those seeking relief from the heat. You will find it served in nearly every taverna, cafe, and restaurant across Greece. Whether enjoyed by the beach or in the bustling heart of Athens, it is a quintessential part of the Greek dining experience. It's also a favorite at summer barbecues and picnics around the world, especially in countries that embrace Mediterranean cuisine.

Interesting Facts

The combination of olive oil, tomatoes, and feta cheese is considered the perfect balance of fat, protein, and carbohydratesmaking this salad both healthy and satisfying.
In Greece, its customary to serve the feta cheese in large blocks rather than crumbled or sliced, giving the salad a more rustic and authentic feel.
While most Greek salads feature Kalamata olives, variations of the salad exist with other types of olives depending on the region or availability.
Greek Horiatiki Salad is sometimes called a "farmer's salad" due to its origins in rural Greece, where fresh, local produce was always at hand.

Enjoy making this iconic salad, and experience a taste of Greece in every bite!

FAQ about Greek Horiatiki Salad Recipe

Greek Horiatiki Salad is best served fresh, as the vegetables lose their crispness over time. However, if you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 1-2 days. Note that the salad may become a bit soggy as the tomato juices continue to mix with the olive oil.

Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time. Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to combine the salad and add the feta cheese, olives, and olive oil just before serving to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

Yes, you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. For example, if you don’t have Kalamata olives, you can substitute them with green olives or any other variety of olives. You can also skip the green bell pepper if you don’t like it, or replace it with another type of pepper or a different vegetable like radishes.

If you don't have Greek feta cheese, you can substitute it with any other type of feta, such as French or Bulgarian feta. The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it will still provide the necessary creamy element to the salad.

Salting the tomatoes helps to release their natural juices, which combine with the olive oil to form a flavorful dressing. This method eliminates the need for vinegar or lemon juice, resulting in a lighter, more authentic Greek salad.

You can absolutely add other ingredients to personalize your salad. Some common additions include capers, anchovies, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. However, traditional Greek Horiatiki Salad typically keeps it simple with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, and feta.

While extra-virgin olive oil is the traditional choice for Greek Horiatiki Salad, you can use a different type of olive oil if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that high-quality olive oil adds a lot of character to the salad.

To add a bit of spice to your Greek Horiatiki Salad, you can include sliced fresh chili peppers or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Be careful with the amount, as it can easily overpower the other flavors.

Yes, you can make the salad without olives, though they do contribute to the authentic flavor of the dish. If you choose to skip them, you might want to add a bit more salt or another tangy ingredient like pickled onions to balance the flavors.

Greek Horiatiki Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for summer gatherings, BBQs, or picnics. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to grilled meats, fish, or pita bread.

Comments

Jr Rencher

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I lived in Greece for 2years and YES!! this is the real thing !! When I got home everyone kept presenting a bowl full of lettuce with the other veggies and calling it a "Greek Salad" and I would say no it's not. But thank you for putting it on line for the rest to see.

Just Tabitha me

03/29/2021 05:13:54 PM

I really enjoyed this, especially since it wasn’t “lemoned” to death!!! Even the cucumber (not exactly a fan) tasted wonderful!!! One hint though, which my daughter told me about! I’m having motor difficulties with my hands, so she suggested I use my potato peeler to slice purple onions with!!! It gives me SO much more control!!! Also, I made the tomato chunks smaller, since most salad offerings are cut too large for some folks! I used an heirloom tomato I have been saving, and it was the best “Greek Salad” I’ve ever experienced! Thank you for sharing!!!

Domo

08/27/2021 05:31:41 PM

This is such a delicious summer salad! It is light, but very flavorful. We used tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers from our garden which give it the best flavor. We serve it alongside a grilled steak or chicken and it compliments the meat very well. It makes quite a large amount, so with the leftover amount I added bowtie pasta and chicken to make a pasta salad...it is amazing!

Brian

08/28/2023 07:34:37 PM

Good recipe, but I wish recipes like this included weights. Example: How much do 5 large tomatoes weigh? Websites seem to indicate a large tomato is 10 ounces, so I used 50 ounces of smaller tomatoes. Wow, I can feed a small army with how much this makes. Should that have read "5 large Roma tomatoes"? Having weights listed would really help. Also, 1/2 medium cucumber seems really light for a salad like this.

DREGINEK

09/03/2021 03:04:55 AM

I followed this recipe to a T! It is amazing! While I didn’t- will do next time! Have some bread on hand to dip (naan, French, breadsticks- whatever!). I loved every bite and since it makes a lot (for 2) I am hoping it stands well overnight for me to polish off tomorrow! My only change! I happened to have some fancy garlic infused olive oil I received as a gift - which I used. While I don’t think that is required - I loved the touch of flavor it added. Kudos to an awesome recipe!!

Mardy

08/07/2024 09:43:21 PM

Scrumptious! I knew the trick of using salt to get fruits & veggies to release their juices but I'd never considered making "dressing" with simply tomato juices, salt, a bit of dried oregano, & olive oil! And omitting the lettuce made this salad so much better! Around northern Indiana, even most decent Greek restaurants put lettuce in their salads. Still tasty, but this salad is superb! I cut the feta into several large chunks rather than just 2 slabs to simplify serving. This was a real hit at our dinner party!

Sue R.

06/27/2025 01:13:18 AM

MAKE THIS! A wonderful fantastic recipe! Didn’t have any Kalamata olives, but definitely would add another flavor layer and plan add in the future, otherwise followed the recipe. The secret to salting the tomatoes is the key to what makes this so great! Husband said to make this again and kept praising how wonderful it was!

Stella

08/19/2025 05:15:16 AM

I think it's great ty for sharing

Judy

03/25/2025 03:49:27 PM

This is such an easy recipe to follow and the end result is amazingly delicious. Letting the tomatoes sit is truly the key.

Jack Moore

08/09/2024 08:26:01 PM

Made it twice already — obsessed.

Elmo

01/28/2024 11:26:48 PM

This is exactly as I remember the Greek salads I ate while backpacking the countryside in Greece. After trying this recipe you can never go back to what passes as Greek salad in this country,

RichW

01/23/2024 10:01:10 PM

Loved this salad.I didn't use olives or green peppers and didn't let the tomatoes sit long enough and it was still delicious .Gonna be making this salad quite often from now on.Also it was very quick and easy to make.

Leslie Wentzell

08/26/2023 01:32:08 PM

I used one large tomato and there was close to four servings. Ican't imagine how much salad you'd get with five large tomatoes.

ProudWok3494

07/19/2022 09:23:17 PM

This is so simple and sooo good.

Orlando Palma

11/07/2021 09:04:32 PM

THIS IS THE BEST GREEK SALAD RECIPE EVER!!! ?? ?? ?? ?? ???? I loved the trick with the salt for realise the tomates juices, the balance of ingredients are so beautiful who thought, my family enjoyed very much this salad, thanks for sharing and I recommend to make it, it's very easy.

Jill G

10/13/2021 09:35:56 PM

This was so tasty and an excellent way to use up garden tomatoes and cucumbers. Adding olives as noted in the recipe added a great taste, and the feta cheese also added a unique flavor. I made this several times during the summer growing season.

Cook Time: 55 minutes