The Reason Traditional Greek Salad Is Served Without Lettuce - Tasting Table

"Traditional Greek salad, or horiatiki, epitomizes a summer dish sans lettuce, showcasing tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, and feta, drizzled with olive oil and oregano."

"The evolution of Greek salad traces back to the 1960s when tourism spiked in Athens, leading to a basic seasonal dish being marketed creatively, drawing tourists."

The traditional Greek salad, known as horiatiki, excludes lettuce and focuses on seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta, dressed minimally with olive oil and oregano. Originating before the widespread use of tomatoes in Greece, this dish exemplifies the country’s agricultural rhythm. Its modern form emerged during the tourism boom of the 1960s, possibly as a clever marketing tactic by caterers. Over the years, numerous variations have developed, incorporating diverse ingredients while maintaining the essence of simplicity and freshness that defines this beloved dish.

Read at Tasting Table