Authentic Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Horiatiki

Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad My Familys Horiatiki Recipe

By Diego HartOctober 2, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Craving Sunshine? look into into this Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad

Honestly, have you ever tasted something so fresh it felt like sunshine on a plate? That's exactly what this greek cucumber tomato salad does for me! We are talking about fresh veggies, salty feta, and a simple dressing.

This recipe is so good, you'll feel like you're dining in a Greek taverna.

A Little Bit of Greece in Your Kitchen

This salad, also known as Horiatiki Salad (or Greek Village Salad ), is a staple in Greece. It's the kind of dish that's thrown together in minutes.

It's meant to share with family and friends. This easy greek salad recipe is beginner friendly. It only takes around 20 minutes to make, feeding 4-6 people.

Good for You, Good for Your Soul

Think vibrant, think healthy, think delicious! The tomato cucumber feta salad is packed with vitamins and nutrients. All coming from those fresh veggies and healthy fats from the olive oil.

This is a perfect summer salad recipe for a light lunch or a side at your next barbecue. What makes this authentic greek salad special? It's the simplicity and the quality of the ingredients.

It really lets the flavours shine.

Time to gather ingredients...

Get Your Greens On: The Salad Shopping List

To make this delicious Greek Cucumber Salad or Salade Grecque you'll need: crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and a block of creamy Greek feta.

Don't forget the fresh oregano! You will also need olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Let's make some Greek Salad Recipe magic in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Greek!

Alright, so you want to make this amazing Greek cucumber tomato salad ? Also known as Horiatiki Salad ? First, we need to get our bits and bobs together.

Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. It's so simple, even I can't mess it up.

Main Ingredients for the Best Salade Grecque

English cucumber: 1 (about 400g/14oz). I peel it, but you don't have to.
Ripe tomatoes: 4 medium (about 500g/1.1 lbs). The redder, the better.
Red onion: 1/2 medium (about 50g/1.75 oz).
Green bell pepper: 1 (about 150g/5.3 oz).
Kalamata olives: 1 cup (about 150g/5.3 oz). Pitted ones are less hassle, tbh.
Greek feta cheese: 4 ounces (115g). In a block! Seriously.
Fresh oregano: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried).

Quality matters! The tomatoes should smell amazing. The feta should be firm and salty. A great quality feta will make your authentic Greek salad taste way better.

We're aiming for sunshine on a plate here!

For the Dressing.

Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Good stuff only, please.
Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon.
Salt and pepper: To taste, darling.

Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Easy Greek Salad

Oregano is essential. Don't skip it! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you're feeling brave.

Honestly, sometimes I add a tiny bit of garlic powder too. Just don't tell anyone! For that perfect Mediterranean Salad taste, these spice combos are your best bet.

If you don't have red wine vinegar, lemon juice works in a pinch. But try to get the real deal.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Cutting board: Obvs.
Chef's knife: A sharp one.
Large mixing bowl: For all the deliciousness.
Small bowl or jar: For the dressing.
Whisk or fork: To mix the dressing.

No fancy gadgets needed! If you don't have a whisk, a fork works just fine. It's all about simple, fresh ingredients, not fancy tools.

This tomato cucumber feta salad comes together so quickly, you'll be amazed. I use this recipe to make the best summer salad recipes

So grab your stuff, and let's make some amazing Greek Village Salad ! I can't wait to show you how it's done.

Cooking Method

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Alright, mate, before we dive headfirst into making this Greek cucumber tomato salad , let's get our ducks in a row.

What I'm saying is, it's mise en place time! Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion.

I like to peel my cucumber. If the skin is thick and bitter, it can ruin the whole experience, you know? Slice the red onion thinly .

I hate biting into a massive chunk of raw onion. No one wants dragon breath after this salad. Honestly, a Mandoline Slicer makes life easier.

Safety first, people! Keep those fingers tucked when chopping. No one wants a trip to A&E for a salad related injury. Also, use a stable cutting board. We're going for delicious, not dangerous.

step-by-step: Salad Assembly Time

Here's how we bring it all together.

Combine the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and olives in a large bowl.
Whisk together the olive oil , red wine vinegar , oregano , salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Pour the dressing over the Mediterranean salad and toss. Don't drown it, though. A light coating is all you need!
Place the block of feta cheese on top. Do not crumble it!
Sprinkle with fresh oregano, if you're feeling fancy.
Serve immediately.

That's it. You’re done.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Salad Game

Want to take your authentic Greek salad to the next level? Here's the tea: Use the best ingredients. Seriously. Ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, good quality feta, and lush olive oil are non-negotiable.

I've noticed that high-quality ingredients make all the difference in a simple salad like this.

Common mistake? Overdressing. This isn't a swimming pool, it's a salad. The natural juices from the veggies will contribute to the dressing, so go easy on the oil and vinegar.

Here’s my favourite make-ahead hack. You can chop all the veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.

Just don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve. This way, it won't get all soggy. The feta should always be added just before serving.

The flavors of this Summer Salad Recipes explode if you follow my instructions. Enjoy this greek cucumber tomato salad .

Recipe Notes for the Best Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Ever

Alright, so you're about to make the most amazing Greek cucumber tomato salad (aka Horiatiki Salad ), aren't you? Let's talk about some things to keep in mind to really nail this Authentic Greek Salad .

Trust me, these little tips make all the difference. This Greek Village Salad is more than just a salad; it's a taste of sunshine, straight from the Med.

Serving Like a Greek God/Goddess

Seriously, presentation matters! This Salade Grecque looks gorgeous when plated right. Don't just chuck it in a bowl.

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think rustic! A simple earthenware bowl looks amazing. Crumble a bit more feta on top just before serving, and maybe a drizzle of extra olive oil.
Never underestimate a good drizzle.
Complementary Sides or Beverages: This Mediterranean Salad is brilliant with grilled chicken or fish. Warm pita bread is a MUST for scooping up all those lovely juices.
Oh, and a glass of chilled Ouzo or a crisp white wine? Divine.

Storage Secrets (If There Are Any Leftovers!)

Honestly, this Easy Greek Salad is so good, you probably won't have leftovers. But, just in case...

Refrigeration Guidelines: Store any leftover Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for about 2 days, but the tomatoes might get a little soft.
Freezing Options: Don't even think about it. Freezing this salad is a disaster. Soggy city!
Reheating Instructions: Nope, no reheating. This is a cold salad, through and through. Just let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving if it's been in the fridge.

Playing Around: Variations on a Theme

Want to mix things up a little? Go for it! Here's how to put your own spin on Greek Cucumber Salad :

Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, simply skip the feta or use a vegan feta alternative. There are some surprisingly good ones out there these days.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness. In the winter? Hmmm maybe save it till warmer months or use greenhouse tomatoes!.

A Little Bit About Nutrition

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown on this Greek Salad Recipe .

Simplified Nutrition Information: This salad is packed with vitamins and healthy fats. Think fresh veggies, good olive oil, and protein from the feta. What's not to love?
Key Health Benefits: It's great for your heart, thanks to the olive oil. And it's full of antioxidants from all those colourful veggies.

So there you have it! All the insider tips for making the best Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad . Get in the kitchen and give it a go! You'll be transported to a Greek taverna in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make greek cucumber tomato salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?

You can prep the ingredients (chop the veggies, make the dressing) ahead of time, but it's best to assemble the salad right before serving. The salt in the dressing and the natural juices of the tomatoes and cucumbers will draw out moisture, making the salad soggy if it sits for too long.

Think of it like trying to keep chips from getting stale freshness is key!

What's the best way to store leftover greek cucumber tomato salad?

If you have leftovers (though, let's be honest, there usually aren't any!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware that the salad will release more liquid as it sits, so it won't be quite as crisp as when freshly made.

It's usually best consumed within 1-2 days, but it's still perfectly safe to eat after that just a bit softer, like a well loved teddy bear.

What kind of feta cheese should I use for an authentic greek cucumber tomato salad?

For an authentic Horiatiki experience, look for Greek feta cheese made from sheep's milk (or a blend of sheep's and goat's milk). Avoid "feta style" cheeses made from cow's milk, as they lack the characteristic tangy, salty flavor and creamy texture.

The best part is when you get a block of Feta just like they do at My Big Fat Greek Wedding!

Is there a good substitute if I don't like red onion in my greek cucumber tomato salad?

Absolutely! Red onion can be quite pungent. If you're not a fan, try using sweet Vidalia onion or scallions (green onions) instead. You could also soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad; this will help mellow its flavor a bit.

A bit like taking the edge off with a good cuppa!

Can I add other vegetables to this greek cucumber tomato salad recipe?

While the classic Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad (Horiatiki) is quite simple, you can definitely add other veggies. Some popular additions include bell peppers (green or red), radishes, or even capers for a salty, briny pop. Just remember that the key is fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Experiment, and find what you like best! Think of it like adding your own flair to a classic dish, a bit like putting your own stamp on a classic Beatles tune!

Is Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Yes, Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad is packed with nutrients and is considered a very healthy dish! It's full of vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh vegetables. Plus, the olive oil provides healthy fats and the feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. Of course, like with anything, moderation is key.

But overall, it’s a guilt free way to enjoy delicious, vibrant flavors!