Traditional Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki Salata)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Traditional Greek Village Salad, known as Horiatiki Salata. This refreshing salad features juicy, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed together in a fragrant olive oil dressing. Topped with creamy Greek feta cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal on a warm day. Serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it on its own for a healthy, satisfying option that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2 (5 ounces each, sliced into wedges)
Red Onion
1 medium (quartered and thinly sliced)
Green Sweet Pepper
1/2 (deseeded and sliced thinly)
Cucumber
1/4 (thinly sliced)
Black Olives
6-8 (whole)
Greek Feta Cheese
4 ounces (quartered and sliced)
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (for sprinkling)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
Salt
to taste
Fresh Ground Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and preparing all the vegetables. Slice the tomatoes in half, then cut each half into thick wedges.
2
Quarter the red onion and thinly slice each quarter.
3
Remove the seeds from the green pepper, then slice it thinly.
4
Thinly slice the cucumber as well.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, sliced onion, green pepper, cucumber, and black olives.
6
Drizzle 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the salad mixture and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
7
Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring each piece is coated with the oil and seasoning.
8
Next, arrange the quartered slices of feta cheese on top of the salad.
9
Finish by drizzling the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the feta and sprinkle dried oregano on top.
10
Serve fresh at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
5.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Horiatiki Salata?
Horiatiki Salata is a traditional Greek Village Salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving of this Traditional Greek Village Salad.
Is this Greek Salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian and uses only plant-based vegetables and dairy-based feta cheese.
What kind of cheese is used in a traditional Horiatiki?
Traditional Horiatiki uses Greek Feta cheese, typically served in slices or quarters on top of the salad.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for ripe, juicy tomatoes, which are sliced into thick wedges for the best texture and flavor.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
The recipe does not specify peeling; you should thinly slice the cucumber to maintain its crisp texture.
What goes into the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a simple combination of olive oil, salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried oregano.
Can I use different types of olives?
The recipe uses whole black olives, which provide the classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be quartered and then thinly sliced before being added to the mix.
Is there lettuce in a Traditional Greek Village Salad?
No, a traditional Horiatiki Salata does not contain lettuce; it focuses on tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
How do I serve the feta cheese?
Instead of crumbling, arrange quartered slices of feta cheese on top of the salad before serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 8.5 grams of fat, primarily from the olive oil and feta cheese.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
The recipe specifically calls for dried oregano to be sprinkled on top for its concentrated fragrance.
What is the best serving temperature for Greek Salad?
For the best flavor, serve the salad fresh at room temperature.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients total, including vegetables, cheese, oil, and seasonings.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged for healthy eating and is a staple of the nutritious Mediterranean diet.
What color of pepper is best for this salad?
The recipe uses green sweet peppers, which provide a crisp and slightly tart flavor.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil, split between the dressing and a final drizzle over the feta.
Can this be served as a main meal?
Yes, it is perfect as a light meal on a warm day or as a side dish for grilled meats.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
The salad contains approximately 5.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I slice the tomatoes for this recipe?
Slice the tomatoes in half first, then cut each half into thick, rustic wedges.
Is there any protein in this salad?
Yes, there are approximately 2 grams of protein per serving, largely provided by the feta cheese.
Should the vegetables be tossed before adding cheese?
Yes, toss the vegetables with oil and seasoning first, then arrange the feta on top.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prepare the green sweet pepper?
Remove the seeds from the pepper and then slice it thinly before adding it to the bowl.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include Mediterranean, Greek Cuisine, Vegetarian, and Side Dish.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the vegetables in advance and toss them just before serving.
Why is it called 'Village' salad?
The term 'Horiatiki' means 'from the village,' referring to the rustic, simple origins of the dish.
Is salt and pepper necessary?
Yes, seasoning generously with salt and fresh ground pepper is essential to bring out the vegetable flavors.
What makes this salad 'traditional'?
Its tradition stems from using local Greek staples like olives, feta, and extra virgin olive oil without fillers like lettuce.