Greek Salad / Horiatiki Salad

Greek Salad: A Classic Mediterranean Staple, Reimagined Plant-Based

This Greek Salad is fresh, crunchy, and bursting with the bold, sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, red onion, and a simple lemon-oregano vinaigrette come together for a vibrant and refreshing dish. It’s a plant-based twist on a classic that’s perfect as a side or light main.

The History and Inspiration Behind This Recipe

Greek salad, or Horiatiki, is a traditional village salad served throughout Greece, especially during the summer months when tomatoes and cucumbers are at their peak. It’s renowned for its simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients, including olive oil, fresh vegetables, and feta. This version draws from those same roots, swapping in vegan-friendly ingredients without sacrificing any of the zesty, briny flavor. It’s inspired by the mezze platters and family-style salads I enjoyed during my travels through the Mediterranean—dishes that were always shared, always fresh, and always flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Salad

Greek salad, or Horiatiki, is a traditional village salad served throughout Greece, especially during the summer months when tomatoes and cucumbers are at their peak. It’s renowned for its simplicity and the use of high-quality ingredients, including olive oil, fresh vegetables, and feta. This version draws from those same roots, swapping in vegan-friendly ingredients without sacrificing any of the zesty, briny flavor. It’s inspired by the mezze platters and family-style salads I enjoyed during my travels through the Mediterranean—dishes that were always shared, always fresh, and always flavorful.

When I traveled to Greece, there wasn’t a single meal where our table wasn’t graced with a Horiatiki salad. Whether we were sitting seaside with fresh bread and olive oil or at a bustling taverna in the city, it was always there—bright, tangy, and full of crunch. There’s something magical about the way these simple ingredients come together. Somehow, that combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and olive oil creates one of the best eating experiences I’ve ever had.

Fun Flavor Variations For Your Greek Salad

Why settle for plain when you can get creative with different flavor combinations:

• Make it creamy: Add a spoonful of hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, or this creamy garlic sauce inspired by the white sauce at shwarma shops.

• Add protein: Toss in marinated chickpeas or crispy roasted chickpeas or some tofu shawarma for a filling upgrade and for those extra grams of protein!

• Try grilled veggies: Add grilled zucchini or eggplant to give it smoky summer vibes.

• Mix in fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, greek oregano or mint add extra flavor and freshness. I personally love adding fresh dill to my salad, I grab some from my garden in the summer!

• Toss in nuts or seeds: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds give it crunch and nutty depth.

• Make it spicy: Add sliced pepperoncini or a pinch of chili flakes to give the salad a gentle kick.

Serving Ideas For Your Greek Salad

This Greek Salad is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways:

• Serve it with pita or crusty bread: It’s perfect for scooping and soaking up that flavorful dressing.

• Add to a grain bowl: Layer it over farro, quinoa, or brown rice to make it a hearty meal.

• Pair with grilled mains: Serve it alongside grilled tofu, tofu shawarma, gyro seitan, or plant-based skewers for a full Mediterranean spread.

• Stuff it into wraps: Tuck it into pita pockets or tortilla wraps for a refreshing lunch option.

• Make it a meal-sized salad: Add avocado, lentils, or roasted veggies to bulk it up into a filling main.

Tips For The Best Greek Salad

For the best results, follow these simple tips to perfect your Greek Salad every time:

• Use ripe, in-season produce: Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• Cut your veggies evenly: This helps the dressing coat everything well and makes the salad easier to eat.

• Let it marinate: Toss the salad and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

• Don’t skip the olives: Kalamata olives bring that essential salty punch that makes Greek salad pop.

• Finish with a good olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil ties everything together beautifully.

The Final Bite

Greek Salad is a timeless dish that feels fresh no matter how many times you make it. With juicy vegetables, a zingy vinaigrette, and endless ways to customize, it’s the kind of plant-based recipe that belongs in every warm-weather rotation. Leave a comment below to share your experience and any tips you may have for making this Greek Salad / Horiatiki Salad even more delicious!