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side view of greek salad in a blue and white bowl with a fork

Traditional Greek Salad Recipe

Ebony Robinson
This traditional Greek salad, also known as Horiatiki Salata, is made with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a thick slice of feta cheese placed right on top. Finished simply with olive oil and oregano, this authentic Greek salad is fresh, vibrant, and beautifully simple.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 155 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 English Cucumber cut lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper chopped into bite-sized pieces 
  • 2 cups Tomatoes heirloom or cherry tomatoes work well
  • ½ Red Onion thinly sliced lengthwise 
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives
  • 5 oz Feta Cheese block style
  • ½ tsp Oregano
  • Olive Oil

Instructions
 

  • Wash and prepare all produce. Slice the cucumber lengthwise, remove the seeds, and cut into ¼-inch thick slices. Chop the green bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Gently toss to distribute evenly. Slice the feta cheese into thick slabs and place on top of the salad.
  • Drizzle olive oil on top or greek salad dressing. Sprinkle dried oregano over the feta and vegetables. Optionally, you could also adda splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice if desired, and finish with cracked black pepper. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Use block feta, not crumbled. Authentic Greek salad features sliced feta placed on top of the salad rather than mixed in.
  • Choose ripe tomatoes. The flavor of this dish depends heavily on juicy, in-season tomatoes. Avoid underripe or pale tomatoes.
  • Cut vegetables generously. Traditional Greek salad uses larger pieces rather than finely chopped vegetables.
  • Adjust acidity to taste. Authentic versions often use only olive oil and oregano, but a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
  • Soften strong red onion if needed. Soak sliced onions in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain before adding to mellow the bite.
  • Serve immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store vegetables and feta separately and assemble just before serving.
  • Make it a full meal. Add grilled chicken or chicken breast for extra protein.
  • Salt carefully. Feta cheese and Kalamata olives already contain salt, so taste before adding additional seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 674mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1030IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 213mgIron: 1mg
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