Mediterranean Greek Salad with Feta & Olives
Description
This classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki) is a celebration of Mediterranean simplicity. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sharp red onion are tossed with briny olives and crowned with creamy, salty feta. Finished with fragrant oregano and a lemony olive oil dressing, it’s light yet satisfying—perfect as a side dish, a mezze platter star, or a refreshing main on warm days.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 as a side | 2 as a light main
Ingredients
Salad
3 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 large cucumber, thickly sliced (or half-moons)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted (or green Greek olives)
150–200 g (5–7 oz) block feta cheese, sliced or crumbled
1–2 tbsp fresh parsley or oregano (optional, for garnish)
Dressing
4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
½ tsp dried oregano (Greek oregano if possible)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, only if needed (feta and olives are salty)
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables
Place tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large salad bowl.
Add olives
Scatter the olives evenly over the vegetables.
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), oregano, and black pepper.
Dress the salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Add feta
Lay the feta slices on top (traditional) or crumble over the salad.
Finish & serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm pita bread or crusty sourdough
Pair with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish
Add to a mezze spread with hummus, tzatziki, and dolmas
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I make Greek salad ahead of time
A: You can prep the vegetables up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerate them separately. Add dressing and feta just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q: Should lettuce be added to Greek salad
A: Traditionally, no. Authentic Greek salad does not include lettuce—only fresh vegetables, olives, and feta.
Q: What’s the best feta to use
A: Use block feta in brine, preferably sheep’s milk or sheep-goat blend. It’s creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.
Q: Can I add extra vegetables
A: Yes! While not traditional, bell peppers, capers, or avocado are tasty modern additions.
Q: Is this salad healthy
A: Absolutely. It’s rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables—perfect for a Mediterranean diet