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High-angle smartphone photo of an Authentic Greek Salad in a white bowl featuring tomato chunks and a feta slab.

Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki): The Traditional Village Recipe

Master the Authentic Greek Salad with this traditional Horiatiki recipe. Featuring vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a whole slab of feta cheese, this no-lettuce salad is the ultimate Mediterranean summer staple.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Components
  • 3-4 large vine-ripened tomatoes cut into large irregular chunks (approx 600g)
  • 1 large English cucumber sliced into thick half-moons (approx 300g)
  • 1/2 small red onion sliced into thin translucent rings
  • 1/2 cup whole Kalamata olives approx 10-12 olives
  • 1 slab Greek feta cheese approx 200g block
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 60ml, high quality
  • 1 tsp dried oregano crushed between palms
  • 1 pinch sea salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Chef's Knife For rustic, irregular cuts.
  • 1 Shallow Ceramic Bowl A white bowl makes the colors pop.

Method
 

Assembling the Horiatiki
  1. Using a sharp knife, cut the vine-ripened tomatoes into large, irregular chunks. Slice the English cucumber into thick half-moon shapes. Place both into a shallow ceramic bowl.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion into translucent rings and scatter over the tomatoes and cucumbers. Add the whole Kalamata olives to the bowl.
  3. Place the entire rectangular slab of feta cheese prominently on top of the vegetable mixture.
  4. Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the entire salad. Sprinkle with dried oregano flakes and a small pinch of sea salt. The salad should look glistening and fresh.

Notes

Use room temperature tomatoes for the best flavor profile.
Always use feta stored in brine to ensure the correct creamy texture.