Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) - Easy Traditional Recipe

Learn how to make Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki). In this easy traditional recipe, we use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet red onion, Kalamata olives, and a big slab of creamy feta, all brought together with the best extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Greek oregano.

Check Out The Recipe Video Below

Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) - Easy Traditional Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

Tomatoes – 4–5 medium ripe, juicy ones (ideally room temperature, not fridge-cold)

Cucumber – 1 large (Persian or English cucumber if possible)

Red onion – ½ medium

Kalamata olives – a generous handful (whole, pits optional)

Feta cheese – ~200g (block, not crumbled)

Extra virgin olive oil – about 4–6 tablespoons

Red wine vinegar – 1–2 tablespoons (optional but common in villages)

Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon (Greek oregano if possible)

Sea salt – to taste

Freshly ground black pepper – optional

Method

1. Tomatoes – Cut into irregular wedges. Greek salads are rustic, not uniform cubes. Let the juice drip into the bowl — it becomes part of the dressing.

2. Cucumber – Peel partially (stripes) for aesthetics, slice into medium-thick rounds or half-moons.

3. Red onion – Slice very thin. If you want a milder flavour, soak slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.

2. Assemble the salad

• In a wide shallow bowl (not a deep mixing bowl), combine tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.

• Season with salt and black pepper.

• Scatter in the olives.

3. Dress the salad

• Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. This isn’t “just for flavour” it is the dressing.

• Add red wine vinegar if desired (more common in northern Greece).

• Sprinkle dried oregano over everything.

4. Add the feta

• Place a whole block of feta right on top (don’t crumble)

• Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with oregano.

5. Serve

• No tossing - each person digs in and mixes on their plate.

• Serve immediately with crusty bread to mop up the juices.