Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)

Experience the vibrant taste of Greece with this traditional Greek Village Salad, known as Horiatiki. Originating from the sun-soaked landscapes of the Mediterranean, this salad represents the essence of Greek cuisine: fresh, wholesome ingredients combined to create a refreshing dish. With ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers from Crete, tender onions, sweet bell peppers, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy barrel feta, each bite offers a burst of flavor. The salad is dressed simply with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, ensuring the natural taste of the ingredients shines through. Traditionally enjoyed during the summer months, Horiatiki embodies the communal spirit of Greek dining, often served alongside grilled meats or seafood, making it a staple at festive gatherings and family meals alike.

Time to complete

Prep

20min

Cook

0 minutes

Wait

0 minutes

Total

20min

Ingredients (Makes 4 portions)

Fresh Produce

  • 600 g ripe but firm tomatoes
  • 2 tender cucumbers from Crete
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 small bell peppers

Olives and Cheese

  • 70 g Kalamata olives or throumpes
  • 150 g barrel feta cheese or sour cream from Crete

Condiments

  • 1 tablespoon capers, salted and well drained
  • 70 ml extra virgin olive oil

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh

Seasoning

  • salt flower
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 10
  • Protein: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Prepare the Vegetables

  • 1. Halve the tomatoes and cut each half into 4 to 6 pieces, placing them in a salad bowl.

Cucumber Preparation

  • 2. Slice the cucumbers lengthwise, remove the seeds, and cut into 0.5 cm thick slices. Lightly salt and add a few drops of vinegar before incorporating them into the salad bowl.

Onion Treatment

  • 3. Thinly slice the onion, place in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and gently squeeze to soften and sweeten the flavor.

Pepper Slicing

  • 4. Remove the stems and seeds from the peppers, then slice them thinly and add to the salad.

Combine Ingredients

  • 5. Drizzle half the olive oil over the salad, gently mixing in the capers, oregano, feta, and olives. Finish with the remaining olive oil before serving.
Cookix's Secrets

Cheese Alternatives

  • If barrel feta is unavailable, use a good-quality sheep's milk feta.

Flavor Enhancements

  • Incorporate a splash of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Ingredient Quality

  • Use the freshest ingredients possible to enhance the flavor.

Seasonal Variations

  • In the fall, add roasted pumpkin or squash for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.

Vegan Option

  • Replace feta with marinated tofu or cashew cheese for a vegan version.