Greek salad, also known as “horiatiki” salad, is a classic dish that originated in Greece. It is a simple yet flavorful salad that showcases the fresh and vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Made with fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a light dressing, this salad is a perfect side dish or light meal. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make an authentic Greek salad that is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Authentic Greek Salad:
- 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Authentic Greek Salad:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the tomato wedges, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, and sliced green bell pepper.
2. Add the Olives and Feta:
- Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
Tomatoes:
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for a good Greek salad. They provide a juicy sweetness that balances the tangy flavors of the other ingredients.
Cucumber:
Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. Make sure to peel and seed the cucumber before slicing to prevent it from becoming watery.
Red Onion:
Red onion adds a sharp, slightly spicy flavor to the salad. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
Green Bell Pepper:
Green bell pepper adds a mild, slightly bitter flavor and a crunchy texture to the salad. You can use other colors of bell pepper if you prefer.
Kalamata Olives:
Kalamata olives are a staple in Greek cuisine and add a rich, briny flavor to the salad. If you can’t find Kalamata olives, you can use other types of black olives.
Feta Cheese:
Feta cheese is a salty and tangy cheese that adds a creamy texture and bold flavor to the salad. Use a good-quality feta cheese for the best results.
Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar:
The dressing for Greek salad is simple yet flavorful, consisting of olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The olive oil adds richness, while the vinegar adds acidity and tanginess.
This authentic Greek salad is a celebration of fresh and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s the perfect dish to serve as a side or enjoy as a light meal on its own. With its combination of crisp vegetables, salty olives, creamy feta cheese, and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.
