Renowned for its nourishing simplicity, Greek cuisine is considered among the finest in the world. And Horiatiki salad is the best example how it takes the simplest ingredients and with the least effort transforms them into a finger licking dish.
There are not many ingredients required to make this “Villagers salad” but the quality of ingredients used matters the most: perfect ripe, firm and glossy tomatoes, sweet seedless cucumbers, glossy and smooth looking green bell pepper and firm red onions. Not to forget are the Greek kalamata olives, good quality extra virgin olive oil and the creamy feta produced only from sheep or goat´s milk.
What ingredients to pick?
Horiatiki is a perfect summer salad. Not only because of its refreshing piquancy but also because the quality of ingredients used for making this are best during the summer months. The tomatoes are juicy, ripe and the peppers and cucumbers are fresh and crispy.
Since tomatoes are the main ingredient of this salad, consider buying ripe organic ones as they have a vastly superior taste.
Also choose real Greek feta for this salad. Cheese made from only sheep or sheep & goat’s milk is what you should try to get hold of.
The quality of olive oil plays an important role too. An exquisite cold extracted and unfiltered oil will bring out the full flavour of the vegetables and the aroma of herbs.
What to serve with?
Horiatiki is a filling and delicious meal on its own. During the summer, it can be served as main dish with some fresh good-quality Artisan bread or rusks on the side. Make sure to dunk the bread in the salad juices. It soaks up all the flavours and tastes incredible.
The salad also pairs well with just about any protein addition. My favourite combination is with home-made gyros and Tzaziki.
A step by step tutorial can be viewed in my Insta highlights. Do have a look before you start cooking.
If you have tried this recipe, I would love to see your feedback. Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.
And if you take a photo of your Horiatiki, do send me a photo @chef_on_rhine because I love seeing your remakes!
Greek Horiatiki Salad
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 ½ Tbsp honey
- salt
- pepper
- 2 tsp oregano
Salad
- 500 g cherry tomatoes or 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives pitted
- 2 tbsp capers optional but recommended
- 200 g feta cheese cut in cubes
Instructions
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
- Wash and cut cucumber lengthwise in half. Then slice.
- Cut paprika in strips.
- Peel and slice onion in half moons. Soak in water for 5 min to cut bitterness.
- Mix all in a bowl. Add olives and capers.
- Combine together all the ingredients for vinaigrette in a small bowl.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently.
- Add feta and give a gentle toss.
Tried this salad today and it was AMAZING ! The flavours in the vinaigrette was so well balanced.
Tried this Salad today and I just loved it!
Truly scrumptious.