Authentic Greek Salad Recipe (Horiatiki)

This authentic Greek Salad Recipe is a simple Mediterranean classic made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives and block feta. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and dried oregano brings everything together.

Traditional Greek salad is called Horiatiki. Unlike many Western versions, authentic Horiatiki is made without lettuce. The vegetables are cut into large pieces and the feta is traditionally served as a block on top of the salad.

This easy Greek salad makes a refreshing side dish for grilled chicken, fish, shrimp or crusty bread. It is also delicious as a light vegetarian lunch.

What Is an Authentic Greek Salad?

Authentic Greek salad, or Horiatiki, is a traditional Greek salad made from fresh tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives and feta cheese. The salad is finished with extra virgin olive oil and oregano.

One of the biggest differences between traditional Greek salad and American-style Greek salad is that authentic Horiatiki does not contain lettuce. The vegetables are usually cut into large, rustic pieces rather than finely diced.

Ingredients for Greek Salad

Because Greek salad uses a small number of ingredients, choosing fresh, flavorful produce makes a big difference.

• Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers work especially well because they are crisp and have thin skin.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
• Green bell pepper: Use a fresh green pepper for traditional color and crunch.
• Kalamata olives: These briny Greek olives provide classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Block feta: Use feta packed in brine when possible. Traditional Greek salad is served with the feta as a block.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil because it forms the base of the dressing.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness to the salad.
• Dried oregano: Essential for the classic Greek flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Season carefully because feta and olives are already salty.

How to Make Greek Salad

Making Greek salad is quick and simple. Cut the vegetables into large pieces, arrange them in a bowl, add the olives and feta, then finish with olive oil, lemon juice and oregano.

For the best flavor, let the assembled salad rest for about 10 minutes before serving. The tomato juices combine with the olive oil and oregano to create a naturally flavorful dressing.

Greek Salad Dressing

This Greek salad uses a simple dressing rather than a heavy creamy dressing. Combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and dried oregano with a little salt and black pepper.

You can mix the dressing separately in a small jar, or drizzle the ingredients directly over the vegetables. For an authentic-style salad, avoid overpowering the fresh vegetables with too much dressing.

What Makes This Greek Salad Authentic?

• No lettuce in the traditional Horiatiki version.
• Large, rustic pieces of fresh vegetables.
• Kalamata olives instead of generic black olives.
• Block feta rather than finely crumbled feta.
• Extra virgin olive oil and oregano.
• Fresh seasonal tomatoes are the main flavor.

What to Serve with Greek Salad

Greek salad works well with grilled meats, seafood, bread and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

• Serve it with Garlic Butter Shrimp for an easy seafood meal.
• Pair it with Garlic Bread Bites for a simple lunch or appetizer.
• Add it alongside grilled chicken, fish or steak.
• Serve it with hummus and pita as part of a Mediterranean spread.
• For another fresh option, try our Tuna Salad Recipe .

How to Store Greek Salad

Greek salad tastes best shortly after it is assembled. If you are preparing it ahead, store the chopped vegetables, dressing and feta separately and combine them shortly before serving.

Leftover assembled Greek salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The vegetables may release additional liquid and become softer over time.

Greek salad is not suitable for freezing because cucumber and tomatoes lose their texture after freezing and thawing.

Greek Salad Variations

• Greek Salad with Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Greek Salad with Chickpeas: Add chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
• Vegan Greek Salad: Replace feta with a plant-based feta alternative.
• Greek Salad with Lettuce: Add romaine for a Western-style Greek salad.