Greek Salad Recipe (Traditional Horiatiki)

With this simple Greek salad recipe, you can make an authentic Greek salad, or Horiatiki, using just a handful of fresh ingredients, high-quality olive oil, and a dash of vinegar.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Patmos and Kos Islands in Greece, where I fell in love with the people, the local shops, and the charming little restaurants. In one cozy family-run restaurant, I enjoyed a fresh salad that opened my eyes to what a truly traditional and simple Greek salad should be! And that’s exactly what I’m recreating for you here.

This Greek salad recipe is the epitome of simplicity, showcasing the crispy, fresh vegetables without any lettuce or fillers. Much like Bulgaria’s Shopska salad or Italy’s Caprese, this classic table salad uses just a few basic ingredients but has become a beloved dish worldwide.

In Greece, Horiatiki (Greek village salad) is typically served in early spring to summer and during mid-autumn, making full use of seasonal produce like crispy cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and green bell peppers. I know you’ll love it as much as I do!

Ingredients for Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

This Greek salad recipe uses only a few easy-to-find ingredients. When making it, you’ll need:

Tomatoes: Use Roma or vine tomatoes. These tomatoes remain firm when ripe, making them a perfect match for the crispy peppers and onions in the salad.
Cucumber: I prefer English cucumbers because they are sweeter. If you only have regular cucumbers, make sure to peel off their bitter waxy skin.
Onion: Red onions have a mild, sweet flavor that’s perfect for eating raw. If you want to mellow their sharpness further, quickly soak the onion slices in ice water with a little vinegar.
Olives: Briny Kalamata olives are my favorite traditional Greek salad ingredient, but any high-quality olives will work.
Sweet Peppers: Use firm, smooth green bell peppers, the only type of sweet pepper traditionally used in a Greek salad.
Feta Cheese: If possible, use high-quality Greek feta cheese. Opt for a block of feta that has been brined, as this enhances the flavor and allows you to use large chunks of feta as the centerpiece of the salad.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a flavorful Greek extra virgin olive oil.
Red Wine Vinegar: A small amount of vinegar adds the perfect acidity, making a simple dressing without needing to mix.
Seasoning: This salad is lightly seasoned with just a pinch of coarse salt and dried oregano.

How to Make Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Making this Greek salad is incredibly simple. Just grab a bowl and follow these steps:

Prepare the Onion (Optional): Slice a red onion in half and cut it into thin rings. If you prefer a milder taste, fill a small bowl with ice water, add about 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar, and place the onion slices in the water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other vegetables.
Prepare the Vegetables: Cut 4 medium-sized tomatoes into small wedges. Peel the cucumber, then slice it into strips and cut those into half-moons. Slice the green pepper into rings.
Season the Vegetables: Place all the chopped vegetables and a handful of pitted Kalamata olives in a large serving bowl. Remove the onion slices from the ice water and add them to the bowl with the rest of the veggies. Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of dried oregano and a pinch of kosher salt over the salad.
Dress the Salad: Pour ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and 1–2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
Finish and Serve: Tear or cut large chunks of feta cheese and place them on top of the salad. Finally, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of oregano on top. Serve and enjoy!

What to Serve with Greek Salad

This simple Greek salad recipe is versatile, which is part of why it’s so popular. You can serve it as a starter or as a side dish to accompany any main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like kebabs, souvlaki, or lamb chops. It can also be enjoyed as a light meal on its own with some pita bread.

Enjoy the freshness, simplicity, and flavors of Greece right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-make, delicious Greek salad!