Horiatiki Greek Salad
A real horiatiki has no lettuce in it: just tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, olives and a slab of feta, dressed with oregano and good olive oil. The simplicity is the point.
Method
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Put the tomato wedges and cucumber in a wide bowl, sprinkle with half the salt, and leave for 10 minutes to draw out their juices.
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Soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to soften its bite, then drain and dry.
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Add the pepper rings, onion and olives to the bowl and toss gently with the tomato juices.
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Pour over the olive oil and the vinegar if using, and toss once more.
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Transfer to a serving platter and lay the slab of feta on top — do not crumble it.
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Crush the dried oregano between your palms over the feta, then finish with the remaining salt, black pepper and a final drizzle of olive oil.
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Serve at room temperature with bread to mop the juices, which are the best part.
Chef’s Tips
- Greek dried oregano on the branch is far more aromatic than the powdery supermarket kind.
- Use only real Greek feta made from sheep's milk — cow's milk versions are chalky and bland.
- Never refrigerate the finished salad. Room temperature is essential to the flavour.
Pairing Suggestions
- A cold Assyrtiko or a glass of ouzo with water
- Serve with grilled fish, souvlaki or just bread
- Follow with fresh watermelon
Storage & Reheating
Assemble to order. The dressed vegetables keep 1 day but the texture softens; use leftovers as a bruschetta topping.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.