If there’s one recipe that proves simple ingredients can be absolutely stunning, it’s Horiatiki, the classic Greek village salad. Fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, creamy feta, and a bold red wine vinaigrette come together in minutes for a salad that tastes like summer in the Mediterranean.
This is the kind of dish that doesn’t need fancy techniques—just good ingredients and a light hand. It’s perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a base for a protein-packed main meal.
What Is Horiatiki?
Horiatiki is the traditional Greek salad, made without lettuce and dressed simply with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Instead of crumbled cheese, it’s topped with a thick slab of sheep’s milk feta, just as it’s served in villages throughout Greece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes
- No cooking required
- Naturally gluten-free & low carb
- Fresh, vibrant, and satisfying
- Easily customizable for a main dish
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 oz grape tomatoes, halved
or 3 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped (about 9 oz) - 1 small cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 (4-oz) triangle high-quality sheep’s milk feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
How to Make Greek Village Salad
- Prepare the vegetables
Place the tomatoes (including any juices), cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, and olives into a large bowl. Toss gently to combine. - Assemble the salad
Transfer the vegetables to a serving platter or shallow bowl. Place the feta cheese on top in one large piece. - Dress and season
Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with oregano and coarse sea salt. Add capers if using. - Serve immediately
Serve fresh at room temperature for the best flavor.
Make It a Main Dish
To turn this salad into a full meal, simply add 4 oz cooked protein per serving, such as:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Seared salmon
- Shrimp
- Chickpeas for a vegetarian option
Tips for the Best Greek Salad
- Use ripe tomatoes – Flavor matters here.
- Don’t overmix – Let the feta stay intact.
- Sheep’s milk feta only – It’s creamier and more authentic.
- Serve at room temperature – Cold dulls the flavors.
Storage Notes
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, keeping the feta separate if possible.
Easy Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
This Easy Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad) is a fresh, authentic Mediterranean salad made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and a generous slab of creamy feta cheese. Finished with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano, this no-lettuce Greek salad comes together in just 15 minutes and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, seafood, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
-
6 oz grape tomatoes, halved
or 3 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped (about 9 oz) -
1 small cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch pieces
-
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces
-
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
-
⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
-
1 (4-ounce) block high-quality sheep’s milk feta cheese
-
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
-
½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
-
½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
-
1 tablespoon capers (optional)
Instructions
-
Add the tomatoes (with any juices), cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, and olives to a large bowl. Gently toss to combine.
-
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or shallow bowl.
-
Place the feta cheese on top in one large piece.
-
Drizzle evenly with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
-
Sprinkle with oregano, coarse sea salt, and capers if using.
-
Serve immediately at room temperature.
Notes
-
For an authentic Greek salad, serve the feta as a slab rather than crumbled.
-
Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
-
This salad is traditionally served without lettuce.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Category: SALAD
- Method: NO COOK
- Cuisine: MEDITERRANEAN
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use English cucumber?
Yes! English or Persian cucumbers work well and don’t need peeling.
Is lettuce ever used in Horiatiki?
Traditionally, no. Authentic Greek village salad is lettuce-free.
Can I crumble the feta?
You can, but serving it as a slab is more traditional and keeps it creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Horiatiki Greek Village Salad is proof that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, bringing it to a summer gathering, or enjoying it as a light meal, this timeless salad deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Simple. Fresh. Perfectly Mediterranean.
