Authentic Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki or Greek village salad is made with cucumber, tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta, thyme, olive oil and vinegar. This post was originally published on August 12, 2013 and updated on May 9, 2020.
I grew up spending my summers in Greece. My mom, a professor, would take us to visit our family. We’d spend weeks in a small village on the island of Kefalonia, on the west side of Greece.
It’s not the white and blue houses you see on postcards, but instead, it’s a luscious green island with yellow and white sandy beaches and pastel coloured houses with terracotta roofs. Ours was a bright, sunshiney yellow.
Every meal starts with a Horitatiki, the Greek village salad. It comes with no dressing–there is olive oil and vinegar on the table for you to dress as you please. A big hunk of feta on top. I am happy eating an entire plate to myself for lunch.
What is Greek cuisine?
Greek cuisine is a quintessentially Mediterranean style of cooking. It leans on incredibly fresh and delicious produce, fish and meat, cooked in a way that highlights each ingredient. With Middle Eastern, Ottoman and Italian influences, there are lots of bright herbs, and of course, olive oil.
My style of cooking is very much influenced by my Mediterranean background, it’s where I feel most comfortable in the kitchen.
So much so that the first story I developed for Chatelaine was a Greek mezze platter. I’ve also made creative versions of Greek salad by adding watermelon–trust me, it’s delicious.
My favourite Greek recipes
Since you’re here, I figure you must be interested in some Greek recipes. Chicken souvlaki and homemade tzatziki would round out this Greek salad perfectly.
What is the key to good homemade Greek salad?
Honestly, fresh vegetables make the biggest difference. Use the most local vegetables that you can get your hands on. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, this is where you want to use your more expensive “finishing oil”.
Always add more acid than you think. I like to use white wine vinegar, but red wine vinegar will work as well. It brightens everything up.
Dried thyme or oregano are key to a traditional Greek salad. Thyme is my favourite; but either works. Rub it between your fingers to release the aromatic oils before sprinkling overtop of your salad.
Authentic Greek Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil, extra virgin
- 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Combine cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives and feta in a large bowl. Toss with salt, olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with dried thyme and serve.
This Authentic Greek Salad is one of my favourite sides to pair with burgers or anything grilled!
Sue
Why do you give volumes for some ingredients, but not for others? Cucumbers come in many sizes
Louisa Clements
Hi Sue! Apologies, this recipe should call for an English cucumber, I will clarify in the recipe. I hope you enjoy!
ScottS
I’ve experimented over the years and I like cumin and fresh lemon juice for the acid (rather than vinegar) and olive oil. Where vegetables are concerned, I’ll often use what’s at hand (with varying results). :)
Barbie
I love all recipe’s 👏🏽👏🏽🫶🏽👌🏾✨
Louisa Clements
Thank you Barbie!
DJN
Hey L. Couldn’t wait for summer. As I thought the perfect salad. Paired with a cold chkn leg. Next time with your Greek lamb chops. Will sort the best & freshest ingredients over summer + wine to accompany. Ty. Keep warm.
Louisa Clements
So glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Shirley Clements
Looks awesome!
Fiori
Perfectly authentic! My favourite salad. ?
Louisa Clements
My favourite too, Fiori!
Tracey in Hong Kong
I was so pleased to see your Greek Salad looking like a Greek Salad unlike the hybrids that so many people seem to make these days! Curious though as to why you used thyme and not oregano?
Lou
Hi Tracey, I know what you mean about it looking like a Greek salad! I use thyme in mine because thyme grows like crazy on the the island my family comes from. I actually spent lots of time when I was growing up picking the fresh herbs and drying them out for salads and other dishes!
Mum
Lovely post!
Shirley
Gorgeous photos; they made me feel like I was there, relaxing on the beach! I have all of the ingredients for this salad but I don’t have the feta cheese as I don’t care for it…I must keep trying it (perhaps in small bits & pieces) & hopefully, I will get to like (even love) it as everyone I know, “loves” it!