Greek Salad Recipe (Horiatiki) – No Lettuce Needed!

When it comes to Mediterranean salads, nothing beats the freshness and simplicity of a traditional Greek salad, or Horiatiki. This Greek Village Salad is made the way it’s meant to be: no lettuce, no fuss—just crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta, and a sprinkle of oregano. With a light olive oil dressing, this salad is fresh, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with just about any meal, especially your favorite grilled meats or seafood.

Jump to Recipe

Greek Salad Recipe

Let’s be real—our favorite salads skip the lettuce and stick to only the good bits. This Greek Village Salad is no exception! When you’ve got juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and salty Kalamata olives, there’s no room (or need!) for filler. Every bite is packed with bold, fresh flavors that make you feel like you’re dining in a sunny Greek taverna. Pair with our Greek Chicken Kebabs for a summer cookout or a warm helping of gluten free moussaka on a cooler day.

This gluten-free Greek salad recipe is perfect for anyone who loves big, bold flavors without a ton of prep. It’s a great side for summer cookouts, Mediterranean-inspired dinners, or just a refreshing lunch. Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up! Let’s dive in and get chopping.

Greek Salad Recipe

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4 large, ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges

• 1 large cucumber, cut in half and sliced into thick rounds

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted, if desired)

• 6 oz block of feta cheese, sliced or crumbled (for a traditional look, leave it in a thick slice)

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the tomato wedges, cucumber slices, green bell pepper, and red onion. Toss everything together gently.

2. Add the Olives and Feta: Scatter the Kalamata olives over the salad. If you’re going for a traditional Greek look, place the block of feta cheese on top without crumbling it. Otherwise, crumble the feta over the salad for easy serving.

3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle with dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve & Enjoy: Give the salad one gentle toss right before serving, being careful not to break up the feta too much if you left it in a block. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad Recipe

1. No Lettuce, No Problem: This Greek salad stays true to its roots with no leafy greens—just fresh, chunky veggies that let each flavor shine.

2. Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep, this salad is ready in a flash, making it a perfect side for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.

3. Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and that touch of oregano bring a taste of Greece straight to your table.

4. Naturally Gluten Free: This salad is gluten-free by nature, making it an excellent option for anyone avoiding gluten. It’s a fresh, simple dish that everyone can enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Greek Salad

• Choose the Best Ingredients: Because this salad is so simple, each ingredient really matters. Go for ripe, flavorful tomatoes, high-quality feta, and rich Kalamata olives for the best results.

• Skip the Crumble: For an authentic Greek salad look, serve the feta in a large block on top of the salad. It’s beautiful and traditional!

• Adjust to Taste: Traditional Greek salads don’t go heavy on the dressing—usually just a drizzle of good olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar. But if you like a little extra tang, feel free to add more vinegar.

Serve this Greek Village Salad alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a complete meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Once you try it, you might never miss the lettuce again!