A fresh, colorful medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, red onions, briny olives, and creamy feta, tossed with oregano and olive oil—the perfect rustic Greek salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Classic Greek Village Salad, known as Horiatiki, captures the essence of Mediterranean simplicity and freshness. With no lettuce to distract from the vibrant vegetables, each bite delivers a burst of flavor. The combination of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, all enhanced by a drizzle of quality olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, makes this salad a delightful addition to any meal or a satisfying dish on its own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Add the cubed feta cheese on top of the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the salad with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the elements, or leave it layered for a more rustic presentation.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Capers: Introduce a tangy flavor by adding a tablespoon of capers to the salad.
- Use Different Olives: Substitute Kalamata olives with green olives or a mix of both for varied taste.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an aromatic twist.
- Vinegar Dressing: Replace lemon juice with red wine vinegar for a traditional Greek flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the vegetables may release water over time, slightly altering the texture.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for reheating.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and store them separately. Combine all ingredients and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?
Peeling the cucumber is optional. If the skin is thick or waxed, peeling is recommended. Otherwise, leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is traditional, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a firm ricotta salata for a different flavor profile.
What type of olive oil is best for this salad?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to transform the salad into a more substantial meal.
Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
Yes, feta cheese contains dairy, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Always check for specific dietary restrictions.
Can I add lettuce to this salad?
Traditional Horiatiki does not include lettuce. However, you can add romaine or other greens if desired, though it will alter the classic preparation.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?
To minimize excess liquid, salt the chopped tomatoes and cucumbers separately, let them sit for a few minutes, then drain before assembling the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Conclusion
The Classic Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both flavorful and nourishing. Whether served as a side or enjoyed on its own, this salad brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, celebrating the essence of Greek cuisine.
Print
Classic Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Un mélange frais et coloré de concombres croquants, de tomates juteuses, de poivrons doux, d’oignons rouges, d’olives saumâtres et de feta crémeuse, mélangés à de l’origan et de l’huile d’olive – la salade grecque rustique parfaite.
Ingredients
- 1 tasse de tomates cerises, coupées en deux
- 1 concombre, haché
- 1 poivron jaune, haché
- 1/2 oignon rouge, finement tranché
- 1/3 tasse d’olives Kalamata
- 1/2 tasse de fromage feta, coupé en cubes
- 1/2 cuillère à café d’origan séché
- Sel et poivre au goût
- 3 cuillères à soupe d’huile d’olive extra vierge
- 1 cuillère à soupe de jus de citron frais
Instructions
- Dans un grand saladier, mélanger les tomates cerises, le concombre, le poivron, l’oignon rouge et les olives.
- Ajoutez des cubes de feta par-dessus. Saupoudrez d’origan séché, de sel et de poivre.
- Arroser d’huile d’olive et de jus de citron.
- Mélangez délicatement pour mélanger ou laissez les couches superposées pour une présentation plus rustique.
- Servir immédiatement ou laisser refroidir brièvement avant de servir.
Notes
- Utilisez de l’huile d’olive extra vierge de haute qualité pour une meilleure saveur.
- Ne pas trop mélanger pour préserver la texture de la feta.
- Ajoutez des câpres ou des herbes fraîches comme du persil ou de la menthe pour varier.
- Servir avec du pain pita chaud ou du pain croustillant pour compléter le repas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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