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Visual details of Authentic Greek Salad components: thick cucumber half-moons and vibrant red tomato chunks lightly coated in oil.

Authentic Greek Salad: The Ultimate Traditional Horiatiki Recipe

This Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) features chunky tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and salty Kalamata olives topped with a signature block of feta cheese and extra virgin olive oil. A healthy, traditional Mediterranean staple perfect for summer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Authentic Ingredients
  • 4 large Ripe Tomatoes cut into chunky irregular wedges
  • 1 large English Cucumber unpeeled, sliced into thick half-moons
  • 1 small Red Onion thinly sliced into rings
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata Olives whole, with pits
  • 7 oz (200g) Feta Cheese one thick rectangular block
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil highest quality available
  • 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano crushed between palms
  • 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Shallow Ceramic Bowl Traditional for serving Horiatiki
  • 1 Sharp Chef's Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Cut the tomatoes into large, irregular chunks and place them into a shallow bowl, ensuring all juices are included.
  2. Slice the unpeeled cucumber into thick half-moons and add to the bowl with the tomatoes.
  3. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion rings and the whole Kalamata olives over the base vegetables.
Season and Finish
  1. Pour the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the vegetables. Add a pinch of sea salt and toss gently to coat.
  2. Place the thick block of feta cheese on top of the salad mound. Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle generously with dried oregano.

Notes

Use room temperature vegetables for the best flavor.
Always use a block of feta rather than crumbles to stay authentic to the Horiatiki style.