Craving a trip to the Mediterranean? This authentic Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad is your ticket. In just 15 minutes, you can craft a vibrant, refreshing salad that’s bursting with the simple, sun-drenched flavors of Greece. Known as “Horiatiki,” this traditional village salad skips the lettuce and focuses on crisp, chunky vegetables, briny feta, and a simple vinaigrette that lets the quality of the ingredients shine. It’s the perfect, effortless side dish for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. It’s incredibly fast to assemble, making it perfect for last-minute lunches or quick dinner sides. Plus, it’s naturally healthy, packed with vitamins, and fits beautifully into a wholesome diet. Here’s why it will become your new favorite:
- Incredibly Fresh: It uses simple, raw ingredients at their peak.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- Healthy & Flavorful: A naturally gluten-free and low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats to pasta.
The Simple Ingredients for a Perfect Horiatiki Salad
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. You don’t need a long list of fancy items, just the freshest produce you can find.
For the Salad
- Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are best. Their skin is thin and unwaxed, and they have fewer seeds, which means a less watery salad.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Roma, vine-ripened, or even a mix of colorful cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, pleasant bite that cuts through the richness of the feta and oil.
- Feta Cheese: Always buy feta in a block, preferably packed in brine. It has a much better flavor and creamier texture than pre-crumbled varieties.
For the Simple Greek Vinaigrette
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the heart of the dressing. Use a good quality, flavorful olive oil.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Provides the classic tangy backbone.
- Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of dried Greek oregano is essential for that authentic taste.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping salad every time.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into large, bite-sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces). Thinly slice the red onion. Add everything to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Combine and Marinate: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to combine. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Feta: Cube the block of feta cheese and gently fold it into the salad. You can also place a large slice right on top for a more traditional presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Drizzle with the remaining dressing right before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
A few simple tricks can elevate your salad from good to unforgettable.
- Don’t Overmix: Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking down the tomatoes and feta into a mushy texture.
- Use Block Feta: Feta sold in a block in brine is creamier and more flavorful. Crumble or cube it yourself just before adding it to the salad.
- Chunk, Don’t Dice: An authentic Horiatiki has large, rustic chunks of vegetables, not small, uniform dice. This provides the best texture.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the vegetables crisp, it’s best to dress the salad right before you plan to eat it.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is perfect as is, feel free to make it your own with these additions:
- Kalamata Olives: Add a briny, salty kick with a handful of pitted Kalamata olives.
- Bell Peppers: Sliced green bell pepper is a common addition in many parts of Greece.
- Add Protein: Turn this into a main course by adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp. For another healthy and filling option, check out this Sweet Potato Lentil Bowl.
What to Serve with Your Salad
This Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile side that complements a wide range of main courses. It’s a classic pairing with grilled meats like our popular Peruvian Chicken or this flavorful Honey Garlic Salmon. It also works wonderfully as a light lunch on its own with a side of warm pita bread. For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve it alongside these Greek Chicken Power Bowls.
Storing Leftover Greek Salad
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers and tomatoes will release water over time. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture will soften, but the flavors will still be delicious. For best results, if you plan on having leftovers, store the salad undressed and add the vinaigrette just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
This salad is best served immediately after it’s made to ensure the vegetables stay crisp. If you need to prep ahead, you can chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. Prepare the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving.
If you are using an English or Persian cucumber, there is no need to peel it. The skin adds color and texture. If you are using a standard garden cucumber with a thick, waxy skin, it’s best to peel it first.
A Horiatiki, or ‘village salad,’ is the truly traditional Greek salad. It contains chunky tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a block of feta, dressed simply with olive oil and oregano. Americanized ‘Greek’ salads often add lettuce, which is not authentic to a Horiatiki.
The most authentic dressing is incredibly simple. It’s not a creamy or heavily emulsified vinaigrette. It consists of good quality extra virgin olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, a generous sprinkle of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
English or Persian cucumbers are the best choice. They have thin, edible skin that doesn’t require peeling, and they contain fewer seeds, which prevents the salad from becoming watery.
Share Your Creation!
We hope you love this simple and authentic Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe! It’s a true taste of summer that we come back to again and again. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how you liked it. We’d love to see your creations—share a photo and tag us on Pinterest!
Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad (The Perfect Horiatiki)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into large, bite-sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces). Thinly slice the red onion. Add everything to a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to combine. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cube the block of feta cheese and gently fold it into the salad. Drizzle with the remaining dressing right before serving.
Notes
Chunk, Don't Dice: An authentic Horiatiki has large, rustic chunks of vegetables for the best texture.
Serve Fresh: For the best results and crispest texture, dress the salad just before serving.
