If you’re looking for an easy classic Greek salad recipe with feta cheese, you’re in the right place. Also known as Horiatiki, this traditional salad is a staple of Greek cuisine—bursting with fresh vegetables, tangy olives, creamy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect Greek salad for four people.
1. Classic Greek Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (plus more for sprinkling)
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 1 English cucumber, cut lengthwise, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 5 ounces feta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup pitted Kalamata olives
- ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves (optional but recommended for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and sea salt. Add a few grinds of black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully emulsified. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash all produce thoroughly.
- Cucumber: Slice lengthwise, remove the seeds with a spoon, and cut into ¼-inch thick half-moons.
- Bell Pepper: Remove the stem and seeds, then chop into 1-inch bite-sized chunks.
- Tomatoes: Slice cherry tomatoes in half.
- Red Onion: Peel and thinly slice into rings or half-moons.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and olives. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
Step 4: Add the Feta and Mint
Add the cubed feta cheese on top of the salad. Sprinkle with a bit more dried oregano for a traditional touch. Scatter the fresh mint leaves over everything for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly to coat the vegetables and feta without breaking up the cheese too much. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately at room temperature for best flavor.
2. Tips for the Perfect Greek Salad
Use high-quality olive oil: Since olive oil is a major part of the dressing, use extra-virgin for the best taste.
Keep it chunky: Traditional Greek salad is rustic. Don’t dice the vegetables too finely.
Don’t skip the oregano: Dried oregano is key to achieving that authentic Greek flavor.
Let the salad rest: If you have time, let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve at room temperature: Cold ingredients can dull the flavor. Let your veggies sit out for a few minutes before assembling.
Feta block vs. crumbled: Use a block of feta cheese and cut it into cubes rather than buying pre-crumbled. It’s creamier and more authentic.
3. Variations & Substitutes
Greek salad is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ways to customize it:
Lettuce lovers: While traditional Horiatiki doesn’t use lettuce, you can add romaine or mixed greens if you prefer.
Different cheese: If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or a vegan feta substitute.
No olives? Try capers or leave them out completely if you’re not a fan.
Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can be used in place of or alongside mint for varying flavor profiles.
Roasted veggies: Add roasted red pepper or grilled zucchini for a twist.
4. What to Eat With Greek Salad
Grilled Lamb Chops: Juicy and flavorful lamb pairs beautifully with the light, fresh elements of the salad.
Warm Pita Bread with Hummus: Perfect for dipping and scooping, pita and hummus complement the Mediterranean theme.
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie): This flaky, cheesy Greek pastry adds a savory contrast to the lightness of the salad.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese: Slightly salty and crispy from the grill, halloumi adds a satisfying bite to your meal.
Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes: These zesty potatoes bring comfort and warmth to the table, balancing the salad’s freshness.
Final Thoughts
This easy classic Greek salad recipe with feta cheese is more than just a side dish—it’s an invitation to enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The next time you crave something fresh and satisfying, whip up this Horiatiki salad. With just a few wholesome ingredients and a zippy homemade dressing, it’s proof that the best dishes are often the simplest.
