Greek salad, also known as “Horiatiki,” is a vibrant and wholesome dish that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s simple to prepare and showcases fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a light meal or side dish. Below are detailed steps to create your own delicious Greek salad.
Ingredients
3 ripe tomatoes
1 cucumber
1 bell pepper (red or green)
1 small red onion
200 grams of feta cheese
A handful of black olives (Kalamata preferred)
Extra virgin olive oil
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
1. Wash and Prepare Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly washing all the vegetables under cold running water.
2. Chop the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges or large chunks. Ensure you remove seeds if they are particularly watery to avoid sogginess in your salad.
3. Slice the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber if desired (the skin can be left on for added texture). Cut it in half lengthwise and then slice it into halfmoons for easier eating.
4. Dice the Bell Pepper: Remove the stem and seeds from the bell pepper. Slice it into strips, then cut into squares or bitesized pieces.
5. Cut the Onion: Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If the flavor is too strong for your preference, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
6. Prepare the Feta: Cut the feta cheese into large cubes or crumble it over the salad. The choice is yours depending on your presentation preference.
7. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Add the black olives and carefully mix to combine.
8. Season the Salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. Use about 24 tablespoons, depending on how rich you want your salad flavor to be.
9. Add Oregano and Season: Sprinkle dried oregano generously over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste. The oregano is key to achieving that authentic Greek flavor profile.
10. Toss Gently: Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring that the feta cheese remains intact as much as possible.
11. Serve Immediately: Greek salad can be enjoyed right after preparation. For the best flavor, let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
Pair with warm pita bread or as an accompaniment to grilled meats.
Drizzle additional olive oil and sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley for an extra touch.
Greek salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many contexts—from summer gatherings to holiday feasts. Following these simple steps, you can bring a taste of Greece to your table. Enjoy the crisp, fresh flavors of this beloved salad!