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Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Serves 4 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Greek Salad, or Horiatiki, is a staple of the Mediterranean table, often enjoyed during the sun-drenched days of summer. This dish captures the essence of Greek tavernas, where it's typically served alongside grilled meats or seafood. In home kitchens, it's a simple yet vibrant assembly that brings the garden and sea to your plate, with olive oil and lemon as constant companions.

Each bite of Horiatiki is a harmonious blend of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and briny Kalamata olives, accented by the creamy tang of feta and a sprinkle of dried oregano. The salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh, allowing the natural flavors to shine, making it a refreshing counterpoint to heartier fare.

Ingredients

  • 4tomatoes
  • 1cucumber
  • 1red onion
  • 1green pepper
  • 150 gfeta — in a block
  • 100 gKalamata olives
  • 80 mlextra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tspdried oregano
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by washing the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure they are not wet, which helps the salad stay crisp.
  2. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized wedges and place them in a large salad bowl. Peel the cucumber, slice it into thick rounds, and add them to the bowl. This ensures each piece retains its crunch and juiciness.
  3. Slice the red onion thinly to avoid overpowering the salad with its strong flavor. Add the slices to the bowl, separating the rings slightly to distribute the flavor evenly.
  4. Core the green pepper, remove the seeds, and slice it into thin strips. Add these to the bowl, ensuring a balance of color and texture in the salad.
  5. Crumble the feta cheese over the vegetables, allowing some larger chunks to remain for a creamy texture. Scatter the Kalamata olives on top, distributing them evenly for bursts of briny flavor.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Drizzle this dressing over the salad, making sure to coat all the ingredients lightly without overwhelming them.
  7. Using a large spoon, gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients. Be careful not to break the feta or bruise the vegetables, keeping the salad vibrant and fresh.
  8. Serve the Greek Salad immediately, optionally accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful dressing. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, capturing the essence of a Mediterranean meal.