Summer's warmth calls for light, refreshing dishes that burst with flavour. And what better way to answer that call than with a classic Greek Village Salad, or Horiatiki? This vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a simple yet zesty dressing transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this iconic salad is incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to brighten any meal.
In this post, we'll guide you through creating the perfect Horiatiki, sharing tips on choosing the best ingredients and crafting a dressing that sings.
This Greek village salad was one of my favorite dishes during my vacation in Crete, along with the Greek eggplant dip and the amazing Greek Moussaka With Eggplant and Potatoes.
Jump to:
Ingredients
A classic Greek salad, or horiatiki, is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that shine when combined. Each component brings its own unique flavour and texture to create a harmonious and refreshing dish that's perfect for warm weather.
- Two Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes form the base of the salad, providing sweetness and essential vitamins. Choose flavourful varieties like beefsteak or heirloom for the best taste.
- Half English Cucumber: Crisp cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and cool counterpoint to the tomatoes. Look for firm cucumbers with smooth, dark green skin.
- One Red Onion: Sliced red onion lends a sharp, pungent note that balances the sweetness of the other vegetables. Its vibrant colour also adds visual appeal to the salad.
- One Yellow Pepper: Sweet yellow pepper contributes a subtle sweetness and a burst of sunshine-yellow colour.
- 200 g Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy feta cheese is the crowning gloury of a Greek salad. Crumbled over the vegetables, it adds a rich, salty dimension that ties the flavours together.
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil, preferably from Greece, is essential for the dressing. Its fruity notes and smooth texture complement the fresh vegetables.
- Half Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the dressing, enhancing the flavours of the salad.
- 1 tablespoon Oregano: Dried oregano, a staple herb in Greek cuisine, imparts an earthy, slightly bitter flavour that complements the other ingredients.
- Sea Salt & Ground Pepper: A pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the natural flavours of the vegetables and cheese.
How to Make the Greek Village Salad?
As I mentioned earlier, this recipe truly shines in its simplicity. It's a testament to the fact that deliciousness doesn't always have to be complex or time-consuming. In fact, even those who are just starting their culinary journey can whip up this delightful dish in a matter of minutes.
Once the vegetables are washed and dried, thinly slice the onion and place it in a large bowl. This will be the base for your salad.
Next, prepare the yellow pepper. Remove the stem and seeds, then cut it into bite-sized pieces or thin slices and add them to the bowl.
I peeled the English cucumber, leaving some stripes of peel for a more visually appealing salad. After cutting it lengthwise in two, I sliced it. Some people prefer to remove the pith to make it drier, but I left it in as it was quite thin.
I cut the tomatoes into chunky pieces to prevent them from falling apart in the salad, then added them to the bowl.
Among the ingredients, I only have the olives left to add to the bowl, after which we will season the salad. I put olives with pits because I think they are more aromatic and tastier.
You can season the salad directly in the bowl, as I did, or mix the dressing separately and then pour it over the ingredients. I seasoned the salad with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, plenty of oregano, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
I mixed everything gently with a spoon, so as not to crush the tomato pieces, until the seasonings coat all the ingredients. Now I put the feta cheese, torn into pieces, on top, and for decoration, I sprinkled a little oregano and a little olive oil on top.
Test With More Herbs
Elevate the freshness with a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or mint. These herbs add brightness and aromatic complexity to the salad.
Salad Variations
The classic Greek village salad (Horiatiki) is a delicious starting point, but there are countless variations to explore, each with its own unique twist on the Mediterranean flavours. Here are some Greek salad variations to try:
- Capers and Anchovies: Add a briny punch to your salad with capers and chopped anchovies. This variation adds a salty, savory dimension that complements the feta beautifully.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grill some eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers for a smoky char and extra depth of flavour. Toss the grilled vegetables with the rest of the salad ingredients and enjoy a warm-cold contrast.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest over the salad just before serving. The citrus oils add a fragrant touch that elevates the overall experience.
- Avocado: For a creamy twist, add diced avocado to the salad. The creamy texture and subtle flavor of avocado pair well with the other ingredients.
Serving the Horiatiki
The most common way to serve the Greek village salad is in a large bowl or platter, allowing everyone to admire the vibrant colors and textures. Arrange the ingredients artfully, with the feta crumbled generously on top.
For a lighter option, arrange the Greek salad on a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce leaves. This adds volume and a touch of extra freshness.
Accompany grilled meats, fish, or kebabs with a generous portion of Greek village salad. Its refreshing flavours and vibrant colours provide a perfect counterpoint to richer main courses.
Storage
Greek village salad is at its peak of freshness and flavor when enjoyed right after it's made. The vegetables are crisp, the feta creamy, and the dressing hasn't had time to make anything soggy.
If you plan to consume the entire salad within a few hours, keep the vegetables and dressing separate. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and the dressing from wilting the fresh herbs. Store both in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Top Tip
Remember, the beauty of a Greek village salad lies in its simplicity and freshness. By using high-quality ingredients and following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying salad that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
FAQ
Even though the base of a Greek salad is made up of low-calorie vegetables, the addition of feta cheese and olive oil can significantly increase its calorie count. A ¼ cup serving of feta cheese can contain around 100 calories, and one tablespoon of olive oil has approximately 120 calories.
Greek salads can certainly be part of a healthy weight-loss diet. The key is to be mindful of portion sizes, choose lower-calorie options for ingredients like feta cheese, and enjoy it as part of a balanced meal plan.
Feta cheese can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. It offers a variety of beneficial nutrients and can be a good source of protein and calcium. However, it's important to be mindful of its sodium and saturated fat content and choose reduced-fat options if necessary. As always, a balanced and varied diet is key to good health.
Related
Looking for other delicious salad recipes? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favourite dishes to serve with Greek village salad:
Greek Village Salad
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 chopping board
- 1 knife
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pc red onion
- 1 pc yellow pepper or bell pepper
- ½ pcs English cucumber
- 2 pcs tomatoes ripe
- 200 g feta cheese
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- ½ pcs lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground
Decoration
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
Instructions
- Wash and dry the vegetables, then thinly slice the onion and place it in a large bowl.
- Remove the stem and seeds of yellow pepper, then cut it into bite-sized pieces or thin slices and add them to the bowl.
- Peel the English cucumber, leaving some stripes of peel for a more visually appealing salad. After, cut it lengthwise in two, and sliced it.
- Cut the tomatoes into chunky pieces to prevent them from falling apart in the salad, then add them to the bowl.
- Add the olives and seasoned the salad with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, oregano, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Mix everything gently with a spoon, so as not to crush the tomato pieces, until the seasonings coat all the ingredients.
- Add the feta cheese, torn into pieces, on top, and for decoration, sprinkle a little oregano and a little olive oil on top.
Vasile says
Delicious summer salad.
Vasile says
So delicius
..