Authentic Greek Salad
15 Minutes, Fresh & Healthy

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Published
June 1, 2025
Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this authentic horiatiki salad that celebrates the pure, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. This traditional Greek village salad is a masterclass in simplicity, allowing each ingredient to shine in its natural glory.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly under cool running water. Cut the ripe tomatoes into generous wedges, keeping them chunky to maintain their juicy texture. Slice the English cucumber into thick half-moons or chunks—there's no need to peel it as the skin adds color and nutrients. Slice the red onion into thin rings or half-moons, separating the layers for even distribution throughout the salad.
- 2
Arrange the Salad
On a large serving platter or in a wide, shallow bowl, arrange the tomato wedges and cucumber chunks. Scatter the red onion slices over the vegetables. Add the Kalamata olives, distributing them evenly throughout the salad. The key to an authentic Greek salad is keeping the ingredients in large, visible pieces rather than chopping them small.
- 3
Add the Feta
Place the block of feta cheese directly on top of the salad in the traditional style. You can either keep it as one impressive slab or break it into large chunks. Authentic Greek salad never has crumbled feta—the cheese should be substantial and creamy. Use genuine Greek feta made from sheep's milk for the most authentic flavor.
- 4
Dress and Season
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the entire salad, ensuring it reaches all the vegetables. Add the red wine vinegar for brightness. Sprinkle dried oregano over everything, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a gentle toss or serve as is, allowing diners to mix their own portions.
Pro Tips
- 💡Use only the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find—they're the star of the dish
- 💡Authentic Greek salad never contains lettuce—it's all about the tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta
- 💡Invest in quality extra virgin olive oil; it makes all the difference
- 💡Let the salad sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
- 💡Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and tomato juices
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate values)
285
Calories
8g
Protein
12g
Carbs
24g
Fat
References & Resources
Helpful resources for nutrition data, food safety guidelines, and cooking techniques:
- USDA FoodData Central — Comprehensive food composition & nutrition database
- FDA Food Safety — U.S. food safety regulations and guidance
- USDA FSIS — Food Safety and Inspection Service
- WHO Food Safety — Global food safety information and resources
- USDA MyPlate — Dietary guidelines and healthy eating tips
- Serious Eats — In-depth recipes, techniques, and science of cooking
- Wikipedia: Cooking — Overview of cooking history, methods, and science
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