Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this recipe. I am telling you, the Authentic Greek Village Horiatiki Salad is not just a dish. It’s a sun-drenched, flavor-packed revelation in a bowl!
Forget everything you think you know about “Greek salad.” We’re not talking about a sad bowl of lettuce with a few olives tossed in. Oh no. We’re going straight to the source. To the village tavernas where this masterpiece was born. It’s the perfect companion to a main course like this Crockpot Greek Chicken with lemon and oregano.
This is the real deal. It’s crunchy, it’s juicy, it’s salty, and it is bursting with life. It’s the ultimate healthy dinner, the perfect summer salad, and a vegetable side dish that will absolutely steal the show. Come to Mama!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Greek
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 as a side
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
I fell head-over-heels with this salad on a tiny island in the Aegean Sea. The waiter brought it to our table, and I swear, the tomatoes smelled like sunshine.
There was no fancy dressing. No lettuce in sight. Just these glorious, chunky vegetables and a slab of feta on top. One bite and I was a changed woman. I knew I had to learn its secrets and bring it home to you!
My Shopping List for This Recipe
This salad is all about incredible ingredients. You want everything to be the best you can find. It’s clean eating at its most delicious and simple.
Think ripe, think vibrant, think bold. Here’s what you need to hunt down.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Gather your veggies, my friend! This is the fun part. Get everything washed and on your cutting board. We’re about to make magic.
- 4 large, ripe tomatoes on the vine
- 1 English cucumber (or 2-3 Persian cucumbers)
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 200g (about 7 oz) block of Greek feta cheese
- 1 cup Kalamata olives
- 2-3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons dried oregano (Greek oregano is best!)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon capers
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Ready? This is where the magic happens. We’re not tossing this salad. We’re assembling it with love. Trust the process!
Authentic Greek Village Horiatiki Salad Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Authentic Greek Village Horiatiki Salad Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Pat them dry.
- Core your tomatoes and cut them into big, chunky wedges. We want substance!
- Slice the cucumber into thick half-moons. No wimpy slices here.
- Cut the green pepper into rings or thick strips. De-seed it first.
- Peel the red onion and slice it into very thin half-rings. This gives the perfect sharp bite.
- On a large, flat platter (not a deep bowl!), arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, and onion. Scatter the olives and capers (if using) over the top.
- Place the whole block of feta right in the center of the veggies. Do not crumble it! This is non-negotiable.
- Drizzle the glorious olive oil all over everything. Be generous!
- Sprinkle the dried oregano over the feta and veggies. Then, add a good pinch of sea salt over the vegetables only (the feta is already salty).
- Serve immediately! Let everyone dig in and break off pieces of that creamy feta with their fork.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you’ve mastered the classic, play around! It’s your kitchen. Make it an adventure.
Add some creamy avocado slices for extra richness. It’s a dream with the salty feta.
Throw in a handful of peppery arugula right before serving if you really miss your greens. I won’t tell the Greek grandmothers.
For a protein boost, add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top. Instant healthy dinner! If you love easy chicken recipes, you must try this Slow Cooker Tandoori Chicken with an authentic spice blend.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This salad is best eaten right away. But if you have leftovers, I’ve got tips.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The veggies will get a bit softer, but it’s still tasty.
Do not freeze this salad. The vegetables will turn into a sad, watery mess when thawed. Just make it fresh!
There’s no reheating needed. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 8g
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
I beg you, please don’t! The block is essential. It’s creamier, less salty, and it makes the salad feel special. Crumbled feta is often drier and meant for baking. Go for the block!
Why no lettuce?
Because this is a VILLAGE salad! Horiatiki means “villager’s.” Lettuce was a luxury in the villages. They used what they grew: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions. It’s tradition, and it’s perfect.
What if my tomatoes aren’t super ripe?
This is the one time I’ll say it’s okay to cheat. Leave them on the counter for a day or two. If they’re still bland, a tiny pinch of sugar can help wake up their flavor. But ripe summer tomatoes are the true star.
And there you have it! Your passport to a tiny Greek taverna, right on your dinner table. This salad is everything I love about greek food: simple, honest, and exploding with flavor. For another savory, olive-studded slow cooker option, this Crockpot Chicken with Olives is a must-try.
It’s more than a recipe. It’s a feeling. It’s sunshine and sea breeze in a bowl. Making it is a joy, and sharing it is even better.
I am obsessed, and I know you will be too. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
