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Greek Salad - A Taste of the Mediterranean
The Story Behind the Dish
Greek Salad, or "Horiatiki" as it is known in Greece, is a simple yet vibrant dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This salad has been a staple in Greek households for centuries, served as a refreshing side dish during hot summer days or as a light meal on its own. The beauty of a Greek Salad lies in its simplicity – fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of olive oil, all coming together to create a burst of flavors with each bite. It's the perfect dish to prepare when you want something quick, healthy, and utterly delicious.
When to Serve It
Greek Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood, making it a perfect accompaniment to barbecues. It's also great as a light lunch or a starter for a Mediterranean-themed dinner. The best part? It takes only minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
The Perfect Pairing
A Greek Salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp, chilled white wine. A good choice would be a Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko, which both complement the salad's fresh, tangy flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a glass of iced tea with a hint of mint would be perfect.
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced into rings
100g (about 3.5 oz) feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled
16 Kalamata olives, pitted
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Peel the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds. Slice the red onion into thin rings, and do the same with the green bell pepper.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and green bell pepper. Toss them together gently to mix.
3. Add the Feta and Olives: Add the cubes of feta cheese and the Kalamata olives on top of the mixed vegetables. The feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the freshness of the vegetables, while the olives contribute a salty, briny kick.
4. Season the Salad: Sprinkle the dried oregano over the salad. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the ingredients, followed by the red wine vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the feta too much as you toss. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Tips
Serve your Greek Salad with some warm pita bread or crusty baguette on the side to soak up the delicious dressing.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint on top before serving.
If you want to make this salad a more substantial meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Shortcuts for the Busy Cook
Pre-chopped Veggies: Many grocery stores offer pre-chopped vegetables. You can save time by using these, but remember that freshly chopped veggies will always taste better.
Crumbled Feta: Instead of cutting a block of feta, you can buy pre-crumbled feta cheese. This can make the preparation even quicker.
Ready-Made Dressing: If you're really in a pinch, a good-quality store-bought Greek dressing can be used. Just be sure to choose one with simple, natural ingredients.