Introduction
Classic Greek Salad, known in Greece as Horiatiki, is one of the most iconic Mediterranean dishes ever created. It’s crisp, vibrant, juicy, and naturally refreshing. This salad captures the heart of Greek cuisine: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a focus on fresh produce. Every bite tastes like sunshine, sea breeze, and summertime. Whether you serve it as a side or a full meal with crusty bread, this dish delivers pure, honest, Mediterranean comfort.
Ingredients
2 cups cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Kalamata olives
1/4 cup green olives
1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp dried oregano
For the Dressing
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 small garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Add everything to a bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, onion, Kalamata olives, and green olives.
- Add the feta: Add the cubed feta cheese gently on top so it remains firm and doesn’t crumble too much.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
- Finish with herbs: Sprinkle dried oregano and chopped fresh parsley on top.
- Toss lightly: Gently mix the salad so the flavors distribute without breaking the feta cubes.
- Serve immediately or let it chill: For a deeper flavor, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Methods
The key to a truly authentic Greek salad is simplicity. Each ingredient must be fresh and cut into rustic, larger pieces. The olive oil should be high-quality and full-bodied. The feta must be made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, which gives the authentic briny, tangy taste. No lettuce is used in a true Greek salad, and the dressing is always simple and vibrant.
History
The Greek salad finds its roots in the rural villages of Greece, where farmers prepared meals using the freshest ingredients from their land. It became popular in the early 20th century as tourism in Greece grew. Visitors fell in love with the bold flavors and crisp textures. Today, it stands as one of the most internationally loved salads in Mediterranean cuisine.
Benefits
Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and cucumbers
Loaded with healthy fats from olive oil
High in calcium and protein from feta cheese
A great hydrating salad due to high vegetable water content
Low in calories but full in flavor
Supports heart health and digestion
Formation
This salad is built layer by layer: vegetables at the base, olives and feta in the center, and a bright, tangy dressing to tie everything together. The oregano brings Greek authenticity, while lemon and vinegar add the perfect acidic balance.
Lovers
This salad is loved by people who enjoy Mediterranean eating, healthy meals, refreshing flavors, and quick recipes. It’s the favorite of those who prefer clean eating without sacrificing taste. Greek food lovers especially consider this salad non-negotiable in any meal.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 180
Protein: 5–7 g
Carbohydrates: 8–10 g
Fat: 14–16 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sodium: 450–600 mg
Conclusion
Classic Greek Salad is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can become something vibrant and unforgettable. Fresh, crisp, and satisfying, this salad brings Greek sunshine straight to your plate. It’s quick to make, delicious to eat, and endlessly refreshing. Whether for lunch, dinner, gatherings, or healthy weekly meals, this timeless Mediterranean dish will always deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
If you want, I can also create
A bigger version
A fancier restaurant-style version
A weight-loss Mediterranean version
Or a Greek salad wrap, bowl, or meal prep version.