PromotionsGreek Salad: History, Full Recipe and Traditional Version
The Greek salad It's one of the most representative recipes of Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh, colorful, and very easy to prepare, it combines crunchy vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and olive oil to create a light, flavorful dish that's perfect for hot days.
Although it is served in restaurants all over the world today, its origin is linked to the simple cuisine of Greece: seasonal ingredients, few steps and lots of flavor.
A bit of history
Greek Salad, known in Greece as horiatiki salata, It literally means "village salad" or "peasant salad." Its name already gives us a clue to its origin: a traditional recipe, prepared with basic garden produce and foods very present in the Mediterranean diet.
Unlike other salads, the traditional Greek version doesn't usually include lettuce. Its base consists of tomato, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese, all dressed with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and salt.
It's a perfect recipe as a starter, side dish or light meal, especially in summer.
Performance
- Serves 4 as a light main course
- For 6-8 people as a companion
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 green pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 150-200 g of feta cheese
- 80g of Kalamata black olives
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Optional:
- A splash of red wine vinegar
- Capers
- Toasted bread or pita bread to accompany
How to make Greek Salad
- Wash and cut the tomatoes in wedges or large pieces.
- Partially peel the cucumber If desired, cut it into half-moons.
- Cut the green pepper in thin strips.
- Slice the red onion in rings or very thin strips.
- Place all the vegetables in a large dish.
- Add the black olives.
- Place the feta cheese on top, whole or in large cubes.
- Dress with extra virgin olive oil, salt and dried oregano.
- Optionally, add a few drops of red wine vinegar.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use ripe, good quality tomatoes: they are the basis of the flavor.
- Don't cut the ingredients too small; traditional Greek Salad is served with large pieces.
- Add the feta cheese at the end so it doesn't melt too much.
- Dried oregano is key to achieving that characteristic Mediterranean flavor.
- If you prepare it in advance, dress it just before serving to keep the vegetables crispier.
Castey suggestion
This salad pairs beautifully with simple grilled dishes, white meats, fish, pita bread, or a casual outdoor meal. It's a perfect recipe to prepare at home, for a summer lunch, or as a side dish at a Mediterranean table.
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