Horiatiki recipe

horiatiki recipe

Horiatiki recipe

Horiatiki is the iconic Greek salad that’s as vibrant as a Mediterranean sunset. Imagine a rustic bowl filled with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy chunks of feta cheese, all dressed in a simple yet magical blend of olive oil, oregano, and a splash of red wine vinegar. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Horiatiki, which translates to “village salad,” is the kind of dish that tastes like it was plucked straight from a sun-drenched Greek garden.

There’s no fancy dressing or complicated techniques—just the freshest ingredients, chopped and tossed with love. The tomatoes bring sweetness, the cucumbers add crunch, the onions offer a bite, and the olives deliver a salty punch. Then there’s the feta, creamy and tangy, acting as the crown jewel of the dish. Drizzled with golden olive oil and sprinkled with fragrant oregano, this salad is a testament to the idea that less is more. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel alive, one bite at a time.

Recipe: Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges

  • 1 cucumber, sliced into thick half-moons

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)

  • 1 cup Kalamata olives

  • 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese

  • 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Vegetables (10 minutes):
    In a large serving bowl, combine the tomato wedges, cucumber slices, red onion, and bell pepper (if using). Toss gently to mix.

  2. Add the Olives and Feta (2 minutes):
    Scatter the Kalamata olives over the vegetables. Place the block of feta cheese on top—don’t crumble it; the rustic look is part of the charm.

  3. Dress the Salad (2 minutes):
    Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle with dried oregano and season lightly with salt and pepper (remember, the feta and olives are already salty).

  4. Serve and Enjoy (1 minute):
    Serve immediately, allowing everyone to dig in and mix the ingredients as they please.

Total Time: ~15 minutes

Tips for the Perfect Horiatiki:

  • Use the Freshest Ingredients: The salad relies on the quality of its components, so choose ripe, in-season tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.

  • Keep the Feta Whole: Placing a block of feta on top preserves its texture and makes for a beautiful presentation.

  • Adjust the Vinegar: Start with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar and add more if you prefer a tangier flavor.

  • Add Extras: Feel free to include capers, fresh basil, or even a handful of peppery arugula for a twist.

  • Serve with Bread: Horiatiki pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up the delicious olive oil and tomato juices.

Serve your Horiatiki as a starter, a side, or a light main course.