The Classic Greek Salad, gluten-free

Fresh, vibrant, and unmistakably Mediterranean, Greek Salad or Horiatiki Salata, celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients done properly. Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet red onion, olives, creamy feta, and generous extra virgin olive oil, this classic village salad proves that flavour never needs complication, and traditionally, there’s absolutely no lettuce.

The Classic Greek Salad, gluten-free

What is a Greek Salad?

Bursting with ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sweet red onion, creamy feta, and a generous drizzle of golden extra virgin olive oil, the classic Greek Salad, known in Greece as Horiatiki Salata (Village Salad), is a true celebration of simplicity.

This is the salad you’ll find across Greece in homes, tavernas, and seaside tables, built from ingredients that speak for themselves rather than being hidden beneath extras. Each element has a purpose: juicy tomatoes for sweetness, cucumber for freshness, olives for depth, sharp onion for balance, and thick pieces of feta that soften gently into the dressing.

And despite what many versions suggest, a traditional Greek salad contains no lettuce. Its beauty lies in restraint, allowing quality produce, good olive oil, oregano, and red wine vinegar to create something effortlessly satisfying.

Refreshing, colourful, and incredibly easy to prepare, this village-style salad is proof that some of the most memorable dishes come from doing less, but doing it well.

Watch How to Make a Greek Salad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OMOamBjd48

The Classic Greek Salad, gluten-free

Feta

Using authentic Greek feta made in Greece is incredibly important when preparing a traditional Greek salad. While Australia produces some excellent local feta, the flavour and texture are simply not the same as true Greek feta, which is protected by tradition and made using specific methods that give it its distinctive tang, creaminess, and depth.

If you are dairy-free, a suitable dairy-free alternative can absolutely be used while still enjoying the spirit of the dish.

Some of my favourite Greek feta producers, widely available in many countries, include:

Chelmos Feta, Dodoni Feta, Epiros Feta.

Traditionally, the feta is served in a block on top of the salad and then a fork is used to break off pieces when serving yourself. Here is an example:

However, I prefer to break up the feta with a fork before serving as this allows the feta to combine in and amongst the salad, creating a juicy, full-flavoured taste. In saying this, the most important thing to understand is that the feta must not be cubed but naturally broken up with a fork. This simple process makes a whole lot of difference.

The Classic Greek Salad, gluten-free

Recipes to serve with a Greek Salad

Easter Greek Lamb Roast

Greek Beef Patties

Tender Roasted Lamb Pieces in a Pocket

Lamb Cutlets with Sage and Chickpeas

Rosemary and Garlic Potatoes

The Classic Greek Salad, gluten-free

Greek Salad

Serves 4-6 as a side

Prep 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

For the Salad

2 Lebanese cucumbers, halved lengthways and sliced

5 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges

1 small green capsicum, sliced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

½–1 cup Kalamata olives (depending on preference)

200 g authentic Greek feta, broken into large chunks or served as a whole slab and gently broken at the table

2 teaspoons dried Greek oregano

Sea salt, to taste

Optional: A small handful of capers, for a more traditional village-style flavour

For the Dressing

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the vegetables

   Place the cucumber, tomatoes, capsicum, red onion, olives, and optional capers into a wide serving bowl.

2. Season the salad

   Sprinkle generously with dried Greek oregano and sea salt, allowing the seasoning to fall evenly over the vegetables.

3. Add the feta

   Place the feta over the salad in large natural pieces rather than diced cubes, or gently break it apart with your fingers before adding, if you prefer it more evenly distributed — just as my family enjoys it.

4. Dress the salad

   Whisk the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar and pour over the salad.

5. Bring it together

   Using large serving spoons, gently toss the salad so the dressing and seasoning coat the vegetables while keeping the feta in generous pieces.

6. Serve

   Serve immediately alongside your main meal with fresh bread to soak up the juices.

   
   

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The Classic Greek Salad, gluten-free

Recipe and Photography Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare