Horiatiki Salad
Athens, Greece
Horiatiki is the Greek village salad of ripe tomato, cucumber, onion, olives and a slab of feta dressed with olive oil and oregano. It is assembled rather than tossed into a creamy dressing, so the quality and ripeness of the vegetables matter as much as the cheese.
Why locals eat it
The salad is a practical expression of Greek summer produce and shared-table eating. Its name means village-style, but recipes vary across Greece; in Athens it can be a side, a light meal with bread or one part of a larger mezze order.
Local tip
Do not expect lettuce in the classic version. Use bread to soak up the tomato and olive oil, and ask before ordering if you need the feta removed.
Typically made with
tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, olives, oregano. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.