Are you looking for a light and refreshing salad that bursts with the flavors of the Mediterranean? Look no further than the village salad, also known as the Greek Village Salad or Horiatiki salad.
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The village salad, also known as the Greek village salad or horiatiki pronounced hor-ya-tee-kee, is a traditional Greek dish that has become popular worldwide. This salad is true to Mediterranean cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients.
The key components of this salad include ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The dressing typically consists of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, and ground black pepper. We put a slight twist on this village salad recipe with the addition of Flavor Bomb tomatoes. Hope you enjoy!
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Whip up a batch of village salad in no time for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- It's addictive: The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and tangy dressing are amazing!
- Seasonal: Village salad is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer with its crisp and juicy vegetables.
- Versatile: Customize your village salad with additional ingredients and toppings to suit your preferences.
Looking for more amazing Greek salad recipes? Try this Chopped Greek Salad or this Greek Orzo Salad with Dolmades. As a main dish, you must try this Greek Style Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes.
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Ingredients
- Flavor Bomb tomatoes: Bursting with sweet and juicy flavor, these tomatoes are a twist on the original. They are also the star ingredient of the salad.
- English cucumber: Cucumber adds a cool and crunchy element to the salad.
- Green bell pepper: Sliced thinly, the green bell pepper provide a fresh flavor.
- Red onion: Red onion adds a mild and tangy bite to the salad.
- Garbanzo beans: These legumes add a creamy texture and a boost of protein to the salad.
- Kalamata olives: Briny and rich in flavor, the Kalamata olives provide a salty and savory taste.
- Feta cheese: The feta cheese is creamy and tangy. It adds a rich and savory element to the salad.
- Fresh dill: Fresh chopped dill is best here.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors and adds a smooth richness.
- Red wine vinegar: Tangy and slightly acidic, the red wine vinegar brings a zesty kick to the dressing.
- Dried oregano: A traditional herb, dried oregano adds a Mediterranean aroma and flavor.
- Ground black pepper: Adds to the overall flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: The juice of half a lemon provides a bright and citrusy tang to the salad.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
How to Make the Best Village Salad (Horiatiki Salad)
STEP ONE: Prepare the Dressing
In a large salad bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
STEP TWO: Mash the Feta Cheese
Add a small block of feta cheese to the salad bowl. Gently mash it into the dressing using a potato masher (or fork, creating a creamy and tangy base for your salad.
STEP THREE: Add the vegetables
Next, add the halved Flavor Bomb tomatoes, sliced and seeded English cucumber, sliced green bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, garbanzo beans, and halved Kalamata olives to the bowl.
STEP FOUR: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the ingredients together in the salad bowl, ensuring that each vegetable and bean is coated evenly with the dressing. If desired, sprinkle more freshly chopped dill over the top of the salad. Serve and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Vinegar: Instead of red wine vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
- Vegetables: Substitute red or yellow bell peppers in place of green peppers. You could also use mini peppers.
How Can I Customize this Recipe?
- Greek Tradition: Make this salad the traditional way by using Roma or beefsteak tomatoes with a slice of feta. (See image below).
Storage
Village salad is best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed on the day it is prepared.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so it's recommended to drain any excess liquid before serving.
👩🍳 Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
Expert Tips for Success
Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes, such as Flavor Bomb tomatoes, for their sweet flavor.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and fresh dill according to your personal preference. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice. If you enjoy the taste of fresh dill, add more.
For added convenience, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately. Simply whisk the dressing again before pouring it over the salad.
Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- If you have extra garbanzo beans, make this Mini Cucumber and Snack Pepper Salad.
- Add some leftover Kalamata olives to this delicious Greek Skordalia Dip.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Try our recipe for Roasted Lamb Shank with Lemon Herbed Potatoes.
- Serve the village salad alongside some Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers for a complete and satisfying meal.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Halloumi Cheese Salad
- Mediterranean Salad
- Spinach and Feta Rolls
- Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad
More lunch recipes you will love:
Recipe FAQs
While it's best to enjoy the salad fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and the dressing separately ahead of time. Mix them together just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent protein additions that complement the salad nicely.
It focuses on the combination of fresh vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a simple dressing.A traditional Greek Village Salad is made with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a simple dressing.
In Greece, a Greek salad is called Horiatiki. This village-style salad is simple and does not include lettuce.
📖 Recipe
How to Make the Best Village Salad
Equipment
- Large Salad bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Potato Masher or Fork
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Flavor Bomb tomatoes halved
- 1 English cucumber seeded and sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup garbanzo beans drained
- 25 Kalamata olives
- 4-6 ounces feta cheese crumbled
- ⅛-¼ cup fresh dill chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Cavender Greek seasoning
- ½ lemon juice of
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- black pepper to taste freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, dried oregano, Cavender Greek seasoning, minced garlic, ¼ cup chopped dill, and the juice of half a lemon. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Add a small block of feta cheese to the salad bowl and gently mash it into the dressing using a fork or spoon. Continue whisking until the feta cheese is well incorporated, resulting in a creamy and tangy base for your dressing.
- Next, add the halved Flavor Bomb tomatoes, sliced and seeded English cucumber, sliced green bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, garbanzo beans, and Kalamata olives to the bowl.
- Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring that each vegetable is coated evenly with the dressing.
- If desired, sprinkle additional chopped dill over the top for extra flavor.
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Video
Notes
- Vinegar: Instead of red wine vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
- Vegetables: Substitute red or yellow bell peppers in place of green peppers. You could also use mini peppers.
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