Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad): A Refreshing Summer Delight

Horiatiki, also known as Greek village salad, is a light and flavorful salad perfect for a hot summer day. Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and olives are tossed with a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar, then topped with creamy feta cheese and tangy capers.

This recipe celebrates fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Vegetables:

Tomatoes (Campari, cocktail, or cherry)

Cucumber (English or Persian)

Red Radish

Red onion

Kalamata olives (pitted)

Cheese: Greek sheep’s milk feta cheese (block, brined)

Other:

Capers (drained and rinsed, optional)

Extra-virgin olive oil (fruity)

Red wine vinegar

Dried oregano

salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Making the Salad:

Choose the freshest ingredients possible. Simple salads like horiatiki rely on the quality of their components for flavor.

Chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This ensures you get a bit of everything in each bite.

Use high-quality feta cheese. Skip the pre-crumbled stuff and opt for a block of authentic Greek or Bulgarian feta. Slice it into triangles for a classic touch.

Assemble the salad. Toss the chopped vegetables and olives in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Simple dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. No whisking required! Adjust the vinegar to your taste preference.

Top it off! Arrange the feta cheese triangles over the salad. Sprinkle with oregano, capers (if using), and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions:

Horiatiki makes a fantastic light lunch or refreshing side dish. Here are some perfect pairings:

Grilled chicken or shrimp kebabs

Saucy baked Greek shrimp

Grilled balsamic chicken with olive tapenade

Greek turkey burgers with tzatziki sauce

Enjoy this taste of the Greek Isles and cool off with a delicious horiatiki salad!