How to Make the Best Village Salad + Video

Name: How to Make the Best Village Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
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 )

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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. This traditional Greek dish is a delicious combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. In this post, we will take you through the steps to create the best village salad right in your own kitchen.

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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What Ingredients Will You Need?
Instructions
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
How Should You Store This?
What Are Some Expert Tips?
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Frequently Asked Questions
📖 Recipe
Important Food Safety Tips
💬 Share Your Thoughts

What Ingredients Will You Need?

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.

Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

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!

What Are Some Good Substitutions?

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 You Change This Recipe Up?

Greek Tradition: Make this salad the traditional way by using Roma or beefsteak tomatoes with a slice of feta. (See image below).

What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?

_{This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.}

How Should You Store This?

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.

Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

What Are Some Expert Tips?

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.

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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.

In The Mood For a Similar Dish?

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this village salad in advance?

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.

Can I add protein to the village salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent protein additions that complement the salad nicely.

What is a traditional Greek Village Salad made of?

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.

What is a Greek Salad called in Greece?

In Greece, a Greek salad is called Horiatiki. This village-style salad is simple and does not include lettuce.

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Important Food Safety Tips

Wash hands and create a clean work area.
Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov