🥗 Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Mediterranean • Authentic • No Lettuce • Naturally Low Carb
✨ Description
Classic Greek Salad, known in Greece as Horiatiki, is a rustic village salad made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil. There’s no lettuce and no heavy dressing—just fresh ingredients that shine on their own. It’s refreshing, heart-healthy, and a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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3 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
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1 large cucumber, sliced or chunked
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup Kalamata olives (with pits preferred)
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120–150 g (4–5 oz) Greek feta cheese, in a block
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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½ tsp dried oregano (Greek oregano if possible)
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Sea salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Optional (traditional variations):
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A few capers
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A splash of red wine vinegar (used sparingly)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Prepare vegetables
Place tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives in a large serving bowl. -
Season lightly
Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the vegetables and toss gently. -
Add feta
Place the block of feta on top (do not crumble). -
Finish the salad
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle oregano over the feta.
Add black pepper if desired. -
Serve
Serve immediately with crusty bread, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables.
🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: ~180
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Healthy fats: from olive oil & feta
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Carbs: ~6–7g net
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Protein: ~6g
❓ Q & A
Q: Why is there no lettuce in a classic Greek salad?
Authentic Greek salad is vegetable-based, not leafy. Lettuce is a non-traditional addition found outside Greece.
Q: Can I crumble the feta?
Traditionally, feta is served in a slab on top so it stays creamy and doesn’t disappear into the salad.
Q: Is vinegar required?
No. Many Greeks use only olive oil. Vinegar is optional and used very lightly.
Q: What type of feta is best?
Sheep’s milk feta (or sheep & goat blend) from Greece is the most authentic.
Q: Is Greek salad good for weight loss?
Yes. It’s low in carbs, filling, and rich in healthy fats—perfect for Mediterranean and low-carb lifestyles.
Q: How long does it keep?
Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated up to 24 hours (feta added just before serving).
