If you’re anything like me, your palate has likely fallen in love with the vibrant, wholesome flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. My fascination deepened immensely after a memorable trip to Greece with my husband, Mike, a few years ago. Of all the culinary delights we savored, the Greek Village Salad, or Horiatiki, stood out as our absolute favorite. It wasn’t just the taste; it was the entire experience. The Greek philosophy of hospitality, known as “filoxenia,” revolves around sharing meals and creating connections with loved ones.

This commitment to family-style eating is deeply ingrained in their culture, and a Horiatiki salad is a quintessential dish passed around the table, embodying community and shared enjoyment. There’s an undeniable magic in the combination: the refreshing crunch of ripe cucumbers, the sweet burst of juicy tomatoes, the subtle bite of red onion, all harmonizing with the creamy, salty richness of authentic feta cheese and the distinct brininess of Kalamata olives and tangy pepperoncinis. The simple, yet profound, Greek dressing is the absolute perfect finishing touch, elevating these humble ingredients to something extraordinary.

The beauty of the dressing for this traditional Greek Village Salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Crafted from a base of premium extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, aromatic dried oregano, and a touch of fresh parsley, it’s a concoction you’ll want to make in double batches. Its bright, zesty, and earthy notes complement almost any salad, and it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for future use. Always opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for that distinct grassy, nutty, and fresh taste that truly makes the dressing sing.

My passion for Greek-style food extends far beyond salads. I frequently whip up a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes that bring the flavors of Greece right into my kitchen. Some of my personal favorites include this easy Greek Baked Tilapia, the perfectly flaky Pan Seared Greek Salmon, the succulent Greek Lemon Chicken, flavorful Greek Marinated Chicken served with creamy tzatziki, and delightful Greek Meatballs. Each recipe reflects the vibrant, healthy, and incredibly satisfying nature of Greek cuisine, much like this beloved Horiatiki salad.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for Horiatiki

Crafting the perfect Greek Village Salad starts with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this salad so beloved. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with tips for choosing the best produce.

For exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card provided at the bottom of this page.

For the Salad:

• Cucumber: I highly recommend using crisp English cucumbers for this recipe. Their delicate skin means no peeling is necessary, and their minimal seeds contribute to a perfect texture in salads. However, a regular garden cucumber will work beautifully too; just remember to peel and deseed it if the skin is thick or the seeds are large.
• Tomatoes: The heart of a Horiatiki! Opt for 4 large, ripe vine-ripe tomatoes, bursting with sweetness and acidity. Cut them into rustic wedges to showcase their natural beauty and allow them to release their delicious juices into the dressing. If smaller varieties are what you have on hand, cherry or grape tomatoes can be halved and used for an equally delightful result.
• Red Onion: A thinly sliced red onion adds a mild, piquant flavor and a beautiful pop of color to the salad. Its gentler bite is preferable to stronger white or yellow onions. For an even milder taste, you could briefly soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad, or substitute with delicate shallots.
• Bell Pepper: Traditionally, green bell peppers are used in this recipe, offering a slightly bitter, fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. However, feel free to experiment with any color bell pepper – red, yellow, or orange – if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile. Red bell peppers, in particular, offer a lovely sweetness.
• Olives: There’s no substitute for the rich, fruity, and slightly briny flavor of Kalamata olives. They are a cornerstone of Greek cuisine and truly elevate this salad. Always choose pitted Kalamata olives for ease of eating. If you’re feeling adventurous, a mix of Kalamata and green olives can add another layer of complexity.
• Feta: This is where quality truly matters! For the best flavor and creamy texture, seek out authentic Greek feta cheese sold in brine. Brands like Trader Joe’s often carry excellent options. While pre-crumbled feta from the dairy aisle can work, it often lacks the rich, tangy, and salty punch of block feta in brine. Nothing quite beats that authentic salty feta cheese in a Greek salad!
• Pepperoncinis: These delightful pickled mild chili peppers are a fantastic addition, providing a welcome tang and a very subtle hint of chili heat. They cut through the richness of the feta and add an extra layer of flavor. You can buy them whole or pre-sliced for convenience.

For the Salad Dressing:

The dressing for Horiatiki is intentionally simple, allowing the quality of each ingredient to shine. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, less truly is more.

• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount for the dressing’s bright, zesty acidity. It cuts through the richness of the olive oil and balances the flavors of the vegetables. While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh is undeniably superior.
• Oil: When creating a Mediterranean-inspired dressing, extra virgin olive oil is the only choice. Its deep, fruity, and sometimes peppery notes are essential. Invest in a high-quality olive oil for the best results, as it forms the backbone of the dressing’s flavor.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a sharp, tangy counterpoint to the lemon and olive oil. It’s a classic choice for Greek dressings. However, white wine vinegar or even a good sherry vinegar could be suitable alternatives if red wine vinegar isn’t available.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are indispensable for their pungent, aromatic kick. They infuse the dressing with a wonderful depth of flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t an option, a small amount of garlic powder can be used, but adjust to taste.
• Herbs: Dried oregano, especially Greek oregano, is crucial for its earthy, slightly peppery notes that are synonymous with Greek cuisine. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish, enhancing the overall freshness of the dressing.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.

Exciting Recipe Variations & Additions for Your Horiatiki

While the classic Greek Village Salad is perfect in its simplicity, it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor this recipe to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some delightful variations to try:

• Nuts & Seeds for Crunch: To add an extra layer of texture and a nutritional boost, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds over the top just before serving. Their nutty flavor and satisfying crunch will perfectly complement the soft vegetables and creamy feta.
• Olive Medley: While Kalamata olives are traditional and fantastic, don’t be afraid to experiment with other olive varieties. A mix of green olives, such as Castelvetrano or Manzanilla, alongside Kalamatas can offer a more complex flavor profile and visual appeal. You could even use marinated olives for an extra kick.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Beyond parsley and oregano, fresh herbs can dramatically elevate your salad. Scatter generously chopped fresh dill or mint just before serving for an intoxicating aroma and refreshing taste. Basil would also be a lovely addition, especially when tomatoes are at their peak.
• Protein-Packed Pulses: For a more substantial vegetarian meal, consider adding cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or cannellini (white) beans. Their creamy texture and mild flavor integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding valuable plant-based protein and fiber.
• Hearty Meat Additions: Transform your Horiatiki into a full main course by incorporating grilled or roasted meats. Cubes of grilled chicken breast, tender lamb, pan-seared pork, or even thinly sliced beef steak would be incredible additions, making this salad a truly satisfying meal.
• Delicious Seafood Enhancements: For a taste of the Aegean coast, add some cooked seafood. Flaky pan-fried shrimp, perfectly seared tuna steak, or even chunks of baked salmon would be magnificent. For a quick and easy option, high-quality canned tuna (packed in olive oil) can also be flaked into the salad.
• Grains for Extra Substance: If you’re looking to make it a more filling meal, consider adding cooked and cooled quinoa, farro, or couscous. These grains will absorb the delicious dressing and add a pleasant chewiness to the salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: While traditionally raw, a handful of roasted red bell peppers or zucchini could add a smoky depth and tender texture, especially if you’re making this in cooler months.