Horiatiki Salad
Horiatiki Salad, or Greek Village Salad, is a vibrant and refreshing dish made with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a simple olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or Mediterranean dishes. The flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny olives come together to create a satisfying and healthy dish that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine.
Equipment
- 1 Large Salad Bowl
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Measuring Spoon (for oregano, salt, and pepper)
- 1 Salad Tongs or Wooden Spoon (for mixing)
Ingredients
- 4 large Tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 large Cucumber sliced into half-moons
- 1 small Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata Olives about 20 olives
- 1 Green Bell Pepper sliced into strips
- 200 g Feta Cheese cut into large blocks
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, slice the cucumber into half-moons, and thinly slice the red onion and green bell pepper.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.
- Place the blocks of feta cheese on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) over the salad.
- Sprinkle the oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper on top.
- Gently toss the ingredients together, making sure to keep the vegetables intact and not to break the feta cheese blocks.
- Serve immediately, or store the salad without the dressing for later use.
Notes
- Feta: Use block-style feta for the most authentic texture and flavor. If you use crumbled feta, the salad will not have the same traditional appearance.
- Vinegar or Lemon: You can choose either red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice, but lemon juice will provide a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add extra vegetables like radishes, artichokes, or olives for a unique twist.
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container without the dressing. It will keep for up to 1-2 days. Add the dressing just before serving for the best results.
- Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with plant-based feta for a vegan version of the salad.