Greek salad is a dish that has been perfected over millennia, and it might be the best hot-weather dish of all time.
The combination of herbs, salad leaves, olive oil, and vinegar is a classic, and the addition of tomatoes, although a recent one, has become an integral part of the recipe. The Greeks have been combining these ingredients since ancient times, and the result is a salad that is more than the sum of its parts.
A classic Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue, and if you have homegrown herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers, it’s even better. Marina, author of Eat Like a Greek, includes a recipe for the iconic horiátiki saláta, also known as traditional Greek village salad.
She notes that the gorgeous red wine vinegar dressing is what really makes the salad special, and recommends soaking up every last drop with crusty bread. The recipe includes 450g vine tomatoes, quartered, 1 red onion, thinly sliced, 1 green pepper, stem and seeds removed, thinly sliced, and 100g pitted Kalamata olives.
The dressing is made with 2-3 teaspoons dried mint, 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar. To prepare the salad, peel and slice the cucumber in half lengthways, then scoop out the seeds and cut it into thin slices.
Transfer the cucumber to a large salad bowl along with the tomatoes, onion, pepper, and olives. Combine the ingredients for the dressing in a cup or jar and stir gently to combine.
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Pour the dressing over the salad, then add 200g feta cheese, broken into chunks. Mix the salad to coat everything in the dressing and serve. This recipe is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and refreshing salad.
The key is to use high-quality ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, and to not be afraid to add a generous amount of feta cheese. In the middle of summer, a salad like this is perfect for a light and easy meal.
The combination of flavors and textures is sure to please, and the fact that it’s easy to make is just a bonus. As Marina notes, the red wine vinegar dressing is what really makes the salad special, so be sure to soak up every last drop.
For more summer salad inspiration, try combining burrata, courgette, and fennel for a creamy and refreshing salad, or charred courgettes with mint and whipped ricotta for a smoky and tangy flavor.
Greek salad is a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, and its popularity shows no signs of fading. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s no wonder that Greek salad has become a staple of summer cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for a light and easy meal or a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to please. So next time you’re planning a barbecue or a summer gathering, be sure to include a classic Greek salad on the menu, and check out the summer garden birds for more inspiration.
