🥗 Classic Greek Salad
A Refreshing Taste of Greece
Description
This Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) is a celebration of Mediterranean simplicity and freshness. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty olive oil–vinegar dressing, every bite bursts with bright, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it brings the taste of the Greek islands straight to your table.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced (preferably English or Persian cucumber)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup green olives
- ½ cup feta cheese, cubed (or crumbled, if preferred)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash and slice cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, onion, Kalamata olives, and green olives. - Add the Feta:
Gently toss in the cubed feta cheese, keeping the pieces intact for that signature Greek look. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. - Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine. - Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra pinch of oregano if desired. Serve immediately, or chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for a cooler, more refreshing flavor.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil — it’s the heart of any Greek salad dressing.
- Traditional Greek salads don’t include lettuce — the crisp veggies and feta shine on their own.
- For authenticity, use block feta made from sheep’s milk, not pre-crumbled feta.
- Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add a few capers or roasted red peppers for a twist.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes 2–3 servings as a main dish or 4–5 servings as a side salad.
🔢 Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Approximate values, assuming 3 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
🌿 Health Benefits
- 🫒 Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and olives provide monounsaturated fats that promote cardiovascular health.
- 🍅 Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley support glowing skin and cell health.
- 🧀 Calcium & Protein: Feta cheese offers bone-strengthening nutrients.
- 🧅 Anti-inflammatory Ingredients: Onion, oregano, and olive oil have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- 🥗 Low-carb & nutrient-dense, making it great for weight management and clean eating.
❓ Q&A Section
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can chop the veggies and prepare the dressing separately up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving to keep it crisp.
Q2: Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
A: Absolutely — lemon juice or white wine vinegar works beautifully for a brighter flavor.
Q3: What can I serve this salad with?
A: It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, lamb, gyros, or seafood — or enjoy it alongside pita bread and hummus.
Q4: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes! Simply omit or replace the feta with vegan feta or marinated tofu cubes.
Q5: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2 days in an airtight container, though the vegetables will soften over time.