Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki / Xoriatiki)

Classic Greek Salad

Name: Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki / Xoriatiki)
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: bell pepper - 1 pc;; tomatoes - 2-4 pcs;; pitted olives - 10-12 pcs. or 80 g;; cucumber - 1-2 pieces;; cheese "Feta" (or cheese) - 100 g;; onion (red) - 1 pc;; lettuce leaves - 4-6 pcs;; olive oil - 3 tbsp;; flower honey - 1 tbsp;; lemon or lime juice - 2 tbsp;; mustard powder - ¼ tsp;; dried oregano - ½ tsp;; dried basil - ½ tsp;; salt and pepper (ground black) - ⅓ tsp each. or to taste.

The classic Greek salad (Horiatiki / Xoriatiki) with feta cheese is a vibrant and healthy appetizer, one of the most popular vegetable salads. It is also incredibly delicious, as each ingredient retains its natural flavor, complemented by a pleasant aftertaste thanks to the tangy dressing. The traditional recipe for this salad embodies the juicy colors of summer—it looks so appetizing that you'll want to eat it right away.

This dish pairs well as a side with fish or light meats like turkey or chicken. It can also serve as a fantastic standalone meal. Since all the vitamins are preserved in this appetizer, it is a great option for fasting and an ideal choice for a healthy diet.

On a festive table, this salad will be a true decoration, and guests will surely appreciate its bright appearance and flavorful dressing. If you don’t know how to prepare a classic Greek salad, this step-by-step recipe with photos is just for you!

Cooking time: 20 minutes.

Servings: 4.

Calories: 40.

Cuisine: Greek.

Ingredients

bell pepper - 1 pc;
tomatoes - 2-4 pcs;
pitted olives - 10-12 pcs. or 80 g;
cucumber - 1-2 pieces;
cheese "Feta" (or cheese) - 100 g;
onion (red) - 1 pc;
lettuce leaves - 4-6 pcs.

Salad dressing:

olive oil - 3 tbsp;
flower honey - 1 tbsp;
lemon or lime juice - 2 tbsp;
mustard powder - ¼ tsp;
dried oregano - ½ tsp;
dried basil - ½ tsp;
salt and pepper (ground black) - ⅓ tsp each. or to taste.

Cooking

1. To prepare a classic Greek salad (Horiatiki / Xoriatiki), you will need the simplest and most accessible ingredients. Wash the vegetables and dry them with a paper towel.

ingredients for Greek salad - photo step 1

2. Cut the bell pepper into large pieces, approximately 1.5x1.5 cm or 2x2 cm.

We cut the pepper coarsely - photo step 2

3. Partially peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it lengthwise into four parts. Cut each section into pieces about 1 cm wide.

Partially remove the peel from the cucumber - photo step 3

4. Quarter the cherry tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, cut them similarly to the cucumbers.

Cherry tomatoes are divided into four parts - photo step 4

5. This recipe requires red onion, as it has a milder taste than regular onions. Slice it into thin half-rings.

We chop the onion in half rings - photo step 5

6. Use pitted olives for the salad. Cut the feta cheese into large cubes, approximately 1x1 cm. You can also use "Bryndza" cheese as an alternative.

Feta cheese mode with a large cube - photo step 6

7. Now, prepare the flavorful dressing that will enhance the vegetables with a tangy taste. Gather the required ingredients.

Greek salad dressing ingredients - photo step 7

8. If your spices are coarse, transfer them to a mortar.

mortar with spices - photo step 8

9. Grind the dry spices thoroughly in the mortar.

Dry spices thoroughly grind in a mortar - photo step 9

10. In a small bowl, combine olive oil with honey and lemon or lime juice. Add the ground spices from the mortar. Mix well. The dressing is ready.

In a bowl, combine olive oil with honey and juice - photo step 10

11. Transfer all the vegetables except for the olives and cheese into a bowl. Add the dressing and mix gently, taking care not to damage the vegetables.

All vegetables, except olives and cheese, are transferred to a bowl - photo step 11

12. Arrange lettuce leaves on a flat serving plate. Pile the vegetables in the center, then top with olives and cheese. The salad is ready to be served.

Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

The Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki / Xoriatiki) is rightfully one of the most popular vegetable salads. It is easy to prepare yet incredibly delicious!