Which herb is commonly used in Greek salads?

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The herb commonly used in Greek salads is oregano.

A traditional Greek salad, or horiatiki, combines tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta, and olives, then uses salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and Greek oregano for seasoning. The herb’s peppery, earthy aroma complements the salad’s salty cheese and acidic dressing.

Greek oregano belongs to the Origanum vulgare group and is a staple of Greek cooking. In Greece, the classic village-style salad usually contains no lettuce, although lettuce-based versions are widespread in restaurants elsewhere.

Rosemary, thyme, and basil can all appear in Mediterranean cooking, but they are not the standard herb associated with a traditional Greek salad. Basil is especially common in Italian-style salads, which can cause confusion.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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