Best 4 Authentic Greek Salad Recipes

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Greece, where fresh ingredients and bold flavors reign supreme, the Authentic Greek Salad stands as a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. This iconic dish, also known as Horiatiki Salata, is a symphony of textures and tastes that captures the essence of Greek cuisine. With its vibrant colors and refreshing simplicity, the Authentic Greek Salad is a staple in Greek households and a beloved dish among food enthusiasts worldwide.

This article presents a collection of Authentic Greek Salad recipes that delve into the nuances and variations of this classic dish. From the traditional recipe that showcases the perfect balance of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic olives, to innovative takes that incorporate unique ingredients and modern culinary techniques, these recipes offer a journey through the diverse expressions of this timeless salad.

Whether you seek a classic rendition or a contemporary twist, this article provides a comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect Authentic Greek Salad. Discover the secrets to selecting the finest ingredients, the art of achieving the ideal dressing, and the techniques for assembling a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying salad that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD

Traditional Greek Salad image

This tart and crispy salad complements a variety of entrees, from casseroles and meats to pasta and pizza. "It's one of my favorite dishes," notes Valerie Belley from St. Louis, Missouri.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn
2 medium cucumbers, sliced
3 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
2 green onions, chopped
2 packages (4 ounces each) crumbled feta cheese
DRESSING:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions and feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 380mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

TRADITIONAL GREEK SALAD RECIPE

Traditional Greek Salad Recipe image

Simple traditional Greek Salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives and creamy feta cheese.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 medium red onion
4 Medium juicy tomatoes
1 English cucumber (hot house cucumber) (partially peeled making a striped pattern)
1 green bell pepper (cored)
Greek pitted Kalamata olives (a handful to your liking)
kosher salt (a pinch)
4 tbsp quality extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Blocks of Greek feta cheese (do not crumble the feta, leave it in large pieces)
1/2 tbsp dried oregano

Steps:

Cut the red onion in half and thinly slice into half moons. (If you want to take the edge off, place the sliced onions in a solution of iced water and vinegar for a bit before adding to the salad. I do this in the video).
Cut the tomatoes into wedges or large chunks (I sliced some into rounds and cut the rest in wedges).
Cut the partially peeled cucumber in half length-wise, then slice into thick halves (at least 1/2" in thickness)
Thinly slice the bell pepper into rings.
Place everything in a large salad dish. Add a good handful of pitted kalamata olives.
Season very lightly with kosher salt (just a pinch) and a bit of dried oregano.
Pour the olive oil and red wine vinegar all over the salad. Give everything a very gentle toss to mix (do NOT over mix, this salad is not meant to be handled too much).
Now add the the feta blocks on top and add a sprinkle more of dried oregano.
Serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 102.9 kcal, Sodium 2.8 mg, Fat 9.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Carbohydrate 4.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 0.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CLASSIC GREEK SALAD

Classic Greek Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
Kosher salt
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
12 to 14 small vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered
1 cup kalamata olives, halved and pitted
5 Persian cucumbers
1 4-ounce block Greek feta cheese, packed in brine
Fresh oregano leaves, for topping (optional)

Steps:

Soak the red onion in a bowl of heavily salted ice water, 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar, lemon zest and juice, honey, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified. Add the tomatoes and olives and toss. Peel the cucumbers, leaving alternating strips of green peel. Trim the ends, halve lengthwise and slice crosswise, about 1/2 inch thick; add to the bowl with the tomatoes. Drain the red onion, add to the bowl and toss. Drain the feta and slice horizontally into 4 even rectangles. Divide the salad among plates. Top with the feta and oregano; drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper. Photograph by Johnny Miller

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292 calorie, Fat 25 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 25 milligrams, Sodium 748 milligrams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 6 grams, Sugar 6 grams

REALLY AUTHENTIC GREEK SALAD

Really Authentic Greek Salad image

Just got back from a trip to Greece! I thought I knew what Greek salad was until I ordered one and got this concoction devoid of lettuce... haha. But it turned out to be my absolute favorite dish there and I ordered it many times. The key is to have the very freshest ingredients, including the feta. This makes a main dish for one person, or a side dish to share between 2 or 3. Easily fits into many special diets.

Provided by princessbride029

Categories Onions

Time 10m

Yield 1-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 medium tomatoes, halved and thickly sliced (add another if serving more than one person)
1 cucumber, sliced to 1/4 inch (peeling is optional)
1 green bell pepper, cored and seeded, sliced into rings
1 -2 slice red onion, separated into rings
5 -10 kalamata olives
1/4 lb Greek feta cheese, sliced thickly
dried greek oregano (Rigani)
top quality extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

Arrange all vegetables, prepared as listed, on a serving platter.
Top with Greek feta slices.
Sprinkle liberally with Greek oregano.
Serve EVOO on the side for those who enjoy a drizzle of it.
Eat and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 421.9, Fat 27.3, SaturatedFat 17.5, Cholesterol 101.1, Sodium 1445.8, Carbohydrate 28.6, Fiber 6, Sugar 16.4, Protein 20.5

Tips:

Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. This is key to a great Greek salad. Look for tomatoes that are deep red and juicy.
Cut the tomatoes into even-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly.
Don't overcook the tomatoes. You just want to soften them slightly, not mush them.
Use good-quality feta cheese. Feta cheese is the star of the show in a Greek salad, so don't skimp on it. Look for feta that is creamy and flavorful.
Use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs, such as oregano, basil, and parsley, add a ton of flavor to Greek salad. If you can't find fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but they won't be as flavorful.
Don't overdress the salad. A Greek salad should be lightly dressed, so don't go overboard with the vinaigrette. You can always add more dressing if you need it.

Conclusion:

Greek salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own liking. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, Greek salad is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!