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Home » salad » Authentic Greek Salad

Authentic Greek Salad

Published: May 9, 2020 by Louisa Clements · This post may contain affiliate links

This post may contain affiliate links

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15 minutes 10 Comments

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.

A serving bowl of Greek salad

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.

Greek salad in a large white bowl with wooden salad spoons and a white napkin

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.

Close up of Greek salad in a white bowl with dried thyme sprinkled on top.

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.

Greek salad in a white bowl with dried thyme sprinkled on top.
A serving bowl of Greek salad

Authentic Greek Salad

Author: Louisa Clements
4.20 from 10 votes
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. 
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Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
servings icon
Servings: 6

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 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil, extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, more to taste
  • ½ tsp 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.
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment + rating and let me know what you think!
Filed Under: easy, gluten free, salad, side dish, vegetarian
Nutrition Facts
Authentic Greek Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 159 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 517mg22%
Potassium 300mg9%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 485IU10%
Vitamin C 31mg38%
Calcium 91mg9%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any specific dietary concerns, please consult with your healthcare practitioner.

This Authentic Greek Salad is one of my favourite sides to pair with burgers or anything grilled!

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Comments

  1. DJN

    December 07, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    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.
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      December 20, 2022 at 12:09 am

      So glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
      Reply
  2. Shirley Clements

    July 16, 2021 at 10:32 am

    Looks awesome!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
  3. Fiori

    May 09, 2020 at 4:46 pm

    Perfectly authentic! My favourite salad. ?
    ★★★★★

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Louisa Clements

      May 15, 2020 at 10:03 am

      My favourite too, Fiori!
      Reply
  4. Tracey in Hong Kong

    August 06, 2014 at 11:23 pm

    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?
    Reply
    • Lou

      August 15, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      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!
      Reply
  5. Mum

    August 12, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Lovely post!
    Reply
  6. Shirley

    August 12, 2013 at 11:02 am

    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!
    Reply

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Hi, I'm Louisa Clements & welcome to Living Lou. I've been creating simple, fresh & flavorful recipes for the modern kitchen for 12 years.
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