Greek Salad

Introduction

The Greek Salad, also known as Horiatiki in Greece, is a vibrant, refreshing, and colorful salad that celebrates the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine. Made with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, sharp red onions, tangy feta cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, it is a dish that shines with natural flavors and minimal effort.

What sets Greek Salad apart is its freshness. Unlike many salads that rely on creamy dressings, this one is dressed simply with olive oil, oregano, lemon, and sometimes a splash of red wine vinegar, allowing the ingredients to truly shine. It’s light yet satisfying, healthy yet indulgent, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or fresh bread.

This salad is more than just food—it’s a cultural experience. Each bite transports you to the sun-drenched coasts of Greece, where meals are shared family-style and every dish is a celebration of nature’s bounty.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Greek Salad because it is the definition of fresh, wholesome, and effortless cooking. It’s one of those dishes that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or dozens of ingredients to make something truly delicious. With just a handful of crisp vegetables, creamy feta, briny olives, and a drizzle of golden olive oil, you get a bowl that feels light yet completely satisfying.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect on its own as a refreshing lunch, but it also works beautifully as a side with grilled meats, seafood, or even a simple piece of bread. It’s just as fitting for a casual weekday dinner as it is for a summer barbecue spread.

And then there’s the flavor balance—sweet tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, peppery onions, salty olives, and tangy feta all tied together with olive oil and oregano. Every bite is bright, clean, and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and healthy, which makes it a recipe I feel good about making again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

The Greek Salad is a must-try because it is a perfect example of Mediterranean simplicity done right. Every ingredient shines on its own while harmonizing beautifully with the others: juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Lightly dressed with olive oil, oregano, and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice, it’s a salad that feels fresh, vibrant, and satisfying in every bite.

It’s also a dish that proves healthy food can be incredibly flavorful. Greek Salad is naturally packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion—whether as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or part of a Mediterranean mezze platter, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Another reason it’s a must-try is its speed and ease. It comes together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep, yet the result is elegant and full of bold, bright flavors. If you’re looking for a salad that’s refreshing, wholesome, and bursting with authentic Greek flavor, this is one you simply cannot miss.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: None
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~220 calories per serving
• Course: Salad / Side Dish
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped or cut into wedges
• 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives
• 6 oz (170 g) feta cheese, cut into blocks or crumbled

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Wash and chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
   • Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Olives and Feta:
   • Add Kalamata olives.
   • Place blocks of feta cheese on top (or crumble, if preferred).
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Assemble Salad:
   • Drizzle dressing over the salad.
   • Toss gently until everything is coated.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with an extra sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with warm pita bread or crusty sourdough for a light lunch.
• Serve as part of a mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, and dolmas.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Always choose good quality feta cheese—preferably in brine for extra creaminess.
• For authenticity, keep feta in large blocks rather than crumbling.
• Don’t overdress—Greek Salad should be lightly coated, not drenched.

Variations

1. Greek Salad with Lettuce – Though not traditional, you can add romaine for extra crunch.
2. Protein-Packed Greek Salad – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
3. Avocado Greek Salad – Add avocado slices for creaminess.
4. Quinoa Greek Salad – Toss with quinoa for a hearty, complete meal.
5. Greek Pasta Salad – Mix with cooked pasta for a refreshing summer dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Salad: Best eaten fresh; refrigeration causes tomatoes and cucumbers to release water.
• Leftovers: Store undressed salad in the fridge for up to 1 day. Once dressed, consume within a few hours.
• Dressing: Can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Do not freeze.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Small whisk (for dressing)
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Conclusion

The Greek Salad is a timeless, vibrant, and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With its crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and simple yet flavorful dressing, it proves that healthy food can be exciting and indulgent at the same time. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a main course, this salad is guaranteed to bring color, freshness, and authenticity to your table.