Go Back
A close-up of an authentic Greek salad recipe, showing juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and a large block of feta cheese.

Greek Salad Recipe (The Ultimate Authentic Guide)

This is the ultimate authentic greek salad recipe (Horiatiki), made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, and a block of feta. No lettuce, just pure, vibrant flavor ready in 15 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 295
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound ripe tomatoes cut into large wedges
  • 1 English cucumber cut into thick half-moons
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • 7 ounces block of feta cheese in brine drained
For the Simple Greek Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large salad bowl
  • 1 Small bowl or jar For dressing
  • 1 Chef's knife

Instructions
 

  1. Prep the Vegetables: Chop the tomatoes into large, bite-sized wedges. Cut the cucumber into thick half-moons. Thinly slice the green bell pepper and the red onion. Add all prepped vegetables to a large salad bowl.
  2. Add the Olives: Scatter the pitted Kalamata olives over the vegetables in the bowl.
  3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Dress the Salad: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are lightly coated. Taste and add more dressing or salt if needed.
  5. Add the Feta: Place the entire block of feta right on top of the salad, or break it into large, rustic chunks over the top. Do not crumble it finely. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the feta and finish with an extra sprinkle of oregano.
  6. Serve Immediately: For the best and freshest taste, serve the salad right away.

Notes

Use Block Feta: Always choose block feta in brine for the best creamy texture and authentic flavor.
Don't Add Lettuce: A traditional Greek salad (Horiatiki) does not contain lettuce. The focus is on the fresh, chunky vegetables.
Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after being dressed to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
QR Code linking back to recipe