Few dishes capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine as perfectly as the classic Greek salad, or Horiatiki. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor, this dish is a staple in Greek households and on restaurant menus alike. The combination of ripe vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a tangy dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar delivers a refreshing yet satisfying dish that embodies the healthy and vibrant nature of Mediterranean food.
Ingredients for Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
The ingredients of a traditional Horiatiki are straightforward and easy to find, yet they come together in a way that is both harmonious and irresistible:
Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers add a cool bite to the salad.
Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes provide the perfect base. Opt for vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor.
Kalamata Olives: These Greek olives bring a salty, slightly fruity taste that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions add a bit of sharpness and a hint of spice.
Green Bell Pepper: This crunchy addition offers a mild sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty feta is a defining feature of Greek salad. Use high-quality feta, preferably made from sheep's milk.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: As with most Mediterranean dishes, olive oil plays a key role. Choose a cold-pressed, extra virgin variety for its rich flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar: The acidity of the vinegar balances the richness of the olive oil and cheese.
Oregano: Dried oregano, sprinkled over the salad, adds an earthy, aromatic note.
How to Make Classic Greek Salad
Making a Greek salad is as simple as preparing the ingredients and combining them in a bowl. Here’s how to do it:
Chop the Vegetables: Cut the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. The rustic nature of the salad means you don’t need to worry about perfect uniformity—just make sure everything is manageable on a fork.
Add Olives and Feta: Toss in a generous handful of Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese over the top. Some prefer to place a large slab of feta on top of the salad, keeping with traditional presentation.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables. There’s no need to whisk the dressing separately—this salad is meant to be rustic, and the ingredients should speak for themselves.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle dried oregano over the salad, and season with a pinch of salt if needed. Remember, the olives and feta are already salty, so taste before adding extra salt. Serve immediately while the vegetables are fresh and crisp.
The classic Greek salad is a celebration of simple, quality ingredients that come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing lunch or a colorful side dish, this Mediterranean staple brings a burst of sunshine to the table. The next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dish, give Horiatiki a try—you may find yourself transported straight to a sun-drenched taverna on the Greek coast.
