Classic Greek Salad - Horiátiki Salata

A traditional Greek recipe that serves 2

Greek salad is also known as horiátiki salata (which means village salad in Greek). That means this salad originated in the villages of Greece. It served as a farmer's breakfast or lunch. The dish became so popular it made its way to Athens and eventually worldwide.

Greek salad was originally made of cucumber, tomato, onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, kalamata olives, feta cheese and oregano. This is according to my Greek father who grew up in Athens, Greece.

I noticed all the top online recipes call for extra ingredients. This means they are not the classic Greek version of greek salad. My dad says original Greek salad doesn’t include ingredients beyond those above mentioned. No bell peppers, capers, parsley, nor dill.

With this in mind, I have come up with my own recipe for the original Greek salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers

• 5-7 small tomatoes, or 350 grams cherry tomatoes

• 1 small red onion

• 4-5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 5-7 kalamata olives

• 150 grams feta cheese, in 1 single block, or small cubes

• 1 teaspoon of oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:

• In a salad bowl, add 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano. Just briefly stir the ingredients with a spoon, but make sure not to emulsify the dressing.

• Chop up the tomatoes into quarters, or bite sized portions and add to the bowl. If using cherry tomatoes just cut into halves.

• Thinly slice the cucumber at an angle and thinly slice the onion. Add to the bowl.

• Add the olives, feta to the bowl.

• To finish, a pinch of oregano atop the feta and drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

A fresh Greek salad is the best choice any time of year. But now during the summer months it’s particularly refreshing. Using organic (or homegrown) tomatoes and french feta will make for exquisite flavors. Pair it with meats, or eat it as a light dinner. Kali Orexi!

#GreekFoods #Summer #Salad