Greek Horiatiki Salad Recipe

Tomatoes: Fresh and ripe, they add juiciness and a slight sweetness to the salad.

Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, it provides a cool contrast to the other ingredients.

Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Kalamata olives: These olives bring a rich, briny taste that is quintessentially Greek.

Feta cheese: A tangy and salty cheese that crumbles beautifully into the salad.

Green bell pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality oil that enhances the flavors of the salad.

Dried oregano: A classic herb in Greek cuisine, it adds an earthy and aromatic note.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the salad.

When preparing the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help to mellow out the sharpness and make the onion flavor more pleasant and balanced in the Horiatiki Salad.

• chopped tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes offer a similar sweetness and juiciness, and their smaller size can add a different texture to the salad.

• sliced cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to cucumber.

• sliced red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to red onions, which can be less overpowering in the salad.

• pitted kalamata olives - Substitute with black olives: Black olives have a similar texture and slightly less intense flavor, making them a suitable replacement.

• cubed feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that can mimic the taste profile of feta.

• sliced green bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers are slightly sweeter but still provide the same crunch and color contrast.

• extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.

• dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried oregano.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a more complex flavor and is often less processed than regular table salt.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but can still provide the necessary heat and spice.

• While Greek Horiatiki Salad is best enjoyed fresh, if you must reheat it, follow these steps to maintain its vibrant flavors and textures.
• Feta cheese can become too soft if overheated, so it's best to remove it before reheating and add it back in after.
• Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to the pan.
• Add the vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper) and kalamata olives to the skillet. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding the feta cheese back in.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Place the vegetables and olives in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Once reheated, drizzle with a bit more extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano to refresh the flavors.
• Season again with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the salad ingredients together.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping tomatoes, slicing cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing vegetables.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure out 1 cup of pitted kalamata olives.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.

• Salad tongs: Useful for gently tossing the salad ingredients together.

• Serving platter: To present the salad attractively once it’s ready.

• Pepper grinder: For freshly ground black pepper to season the salad.

Pre-chop vegetables: Prepare the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Use pre-pitted olives: Save time by buying pitted kalamata olives instead of pitting them yourself.

Buy pre-cubed feta: Purchase feta cheese that is already cubed to avoid extra prep work.

Mix dressing separately: Combine olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small jar and shake well. This can be done ahead of time and stored until needed.

Use a large mixing bowl: Ensure you have a large enough bowl to mix all ingredients easily without spilling.