Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

🇬🇷 Authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

🥗 Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons

• 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow)

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings

• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

• 6–8 oz (170–225 g) block feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled (as in the image)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

🧄 For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Optional: ½ tsp Dijon mustard or lemon juice for extra zest

🍽️ Instructions:

1. Prep the veggies:

   • Wash and slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.

   • Add them to a large bowl with Kalamata olives.

2. Add feta:

   • Top the salad with cubed feta cheese, just like in the photo.

   • Alternatively, you can crumble it if you prefer a more rustic look.

3. Make the dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.

   • Optional: add a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of mustard for deeper flavor.

4. Toss gently:

   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine—be careful not to break the feta cubes.

5. Garnish & serve:

   • Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

   • Serve immediately or let sit for 15–30 minutes for the flavors to blend.

🍞 Optional Add-ons:

• Croutons or toasted pita for crunch

• Sliced bell peppers or capers

• A few fresh mint or basil leaves

🔪 Tips:

• Don’t skip the olive oil—good-quality EVOO makes all the difference.

• Use whole block feta packed in brine—it’s more authentic and flavorful than pre-crumbled.

• This salad doesn’t use lettuce—just vegetables, herbs, and cheese!