Authentic Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)
After a delightful trip to Greece, I discovered the true essence of Greek salad, known as Horiatiki. This vibrant dish brings together the freshest, high-quality ingredients without the addition of lettuce, showcasing the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and creamy feta cheese, it's a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect as a refreshing main dish for one or a shared side for two to three people, this salad fits beautifully into various dietary preferences. The secret lies in the quality of the olive oil and the freshness of each ingredient, making every bite a culinary journey to Greece.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
1 medium (halved and thickly sliced)
Cucumber
1 (sliced to 1/4 inch (peeling is optional))
Green Bell Pepper
1 (cored, seeded, and sliced into rings)
Red Onion
1-2 slices (separated into rings)
Kalamata Olives
5-10 (whole)
Greek Feta Cheese
1/4 lb (sliced thickly)
Dried Greek Oregano
to taste (sprinkled liberally)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
to taste (served on the side)
Instructions
1
Start by washing all the vegetables to ensure they are clean and fresh.
2
On a large serving platter, arrange the halved and thickly sliced tomatoes evenly.
3
Add the sliced cucumber in a circular pattern around the tomatoes.
4
Layer the green bell pepper rings and red onion slices to create a colorful display.
5
Sprinkle the kalamata olives across the top for added flavor.
6
Place thick slices of Greek feta cheese atop the salad, ensuring they cover the vegetables nicely.
7
Generously sprinkle with dried Greek oregano to enhance the flavors.
8
For the finishing touch, serve high-quality extra virgin olive oil on the side, allowing everyone to drizzle to their liking.
9
Dig in and savor each bite - a taste of Greece!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Horiatiki?
Horiatiki is the traditional Greek name for an authentic village salad, known for its vibrant Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients.
Does authentic Greek salad contain lettuce?
No, an authentic Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki) does not include lettuce; it focuses on tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, Greek feta cheese, dried oregano, and extra virgin olive oil.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be halved and then thickly sliced for a rustic, village-style presentation.
Should I peel the cucumber for a Greek salad?
Peeling the cucumber is optional; however, it should be sliced to about 1/4 inch thickness.
How is the feta cheese served in an authentic Horiatiki?
Instead of being crumbled, the Greek feta cheese is sliced thickly and placed atop the vegetables.
What type of olives are used?
This recipe specifically uses 5 to 10 whole Kalamata olives for their distinct Mediterranean flavor.
What kind of oil is best for this salad?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for the best flavor, typically served on the side for drizzling.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this Authentic Greek Village Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Horiatiki salad is naturally gluten-free.
What herb is used to season the salad?
Dried Greek oregano is sprinkled liberally over the vegetables and feta to enhance the Mediterranean profile.
How many people does this recipe serve?
It can be served as a refreshing main dish for one person or as a shared side dish for two to three people.
How should the green bell pepper be prepared?
The green bell pepper should be cored, seeded, and sliced into rings.
How is the red onion prepared?
The red onion should be sliced and then separated into rings before layering onto the salad.
What is the secret to a great Greek salad?
The secret lies in using the highest quality olive oil and the freshest possible vegetables.
How do you arrange the salad on a platter?
Arrange tomatoes first, then cucumber, followed by layers of bell pepper, red onion, olives, and finally the feta slices.
Is there a specific dressing to mix?
There is no pre-mixed dressing; the flavors come from the juices of the vegetables combined with dried oregano and a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I use any bell pepper color?
While this authentic recipe calls for green bell pepper rings, the focus is on fresh, crisp vegetables.
How much feta is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of Greek feta cheese, sliced thickly.
Should the vegetables be washed?
Yes, the first step of the instructions is to wash all vegetables to ensure they are clean and fresh.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy, vegetable-forward dish rich in healthy fats from olive oil and olives.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as a Mediterranean Greek salad or side dish.
Can I prepare this in advance?
It is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and the creamy texture of the feta.
Do I need to seed the tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes are simply halved and sliced, keeping the juices as part of the salad's natural dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this authentic version.
Is the onion amount flexible?
The recipe suggests using 1-2 slices of red onion, separated into rings, but this can be adjusted to taste.
What kind of platter should I use?
A large serving platter is recommended to properly arrange and display the colorful layers of vegetables.
Does the recipe include salt?
Salt is not listed as a primary ingredient, as the feta cheese and Kalamata olives provide significant natural saltiness.
What makes this salad 'village-style'?
The rustic preparation of thickly sliced vegetables and whole slabs of feta, rather than a finely chopped or tossed salad, defines the village style.
How do you finish the dish?
The dish is finished by sprinkling with oregano and serving with olive oil on the side for drizzling.