Description: Transport yourself to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this vibrant and authentic Classic Greek Salad, known as Horiatiki Salata. A simple yet incredibly flavorful dish featuring fresh, crisp vegetables, salty olives, creamy feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s the perfect light meal or side dish, bursting with Mediterranean goodness. This recipe emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional preparation for an unforgettable taste of Greece.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced (English cucumbers or smaller Persian cucumbers work best; peel if desired, or leave some peel for added texture and color)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (use ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes or quarter larger tomatoes; heirloom varieties add beautiful color)
- 1/2 red onion, sliced (thinly sliced; soak in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the sharp onion flavor if desired)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved; look for high-quality Kalamata olives packed in brine, not oil)
- 1/4 cup green olives (pitted and halved; Castelvetrano olives are a good alternative for a milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed (use a block of feta in brine for the best flavor and texture; avoid pre-crumbled feta, as it can be dry)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its flavor; Italian parsley is also a great option.)
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano (Greek oregano is ideal, if available; otherwise, use good-quality dried oregano)
- Salt & pepper, to taste (freshly ground black pepper is recommended)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil with a fruity flavor)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (use a good-quality red wine vinegar with a balanced acidity)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables:
- Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables. This step is important because excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Pat everything dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.
- Slice the cucumbers. Depending on the type of cucumber you’re using, you can either peel it partially (leaving some strips of peel for visual appeal) or peel it completely. Cut the cucumber into slices that are about ¼ inch thick. Thicker slices offer a more satisfying bite and prevent the salad from becoming watery quickly.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes and Onions:
- Halve the cherry tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, quarter them into bite-sized pieces. Consider using heirloom tomatoes for a vibrant color palette and a variety of flavors. They are often sweeter and more flavorful than regular tomatoes.
- Slice the red onion. To reduce the onion’s sharpness, you can soak the slices in ice water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat them dry. This process mellows the flavor and makes the onion more palatable without losing its characteristic bite entirely.
Step 3: Gather Remaining Ingredients:
- Measure out the Kalamata olives and green olives. If your olives are not already pitted, ensure you pit them before adding them to the salad. Halving the olives allows their flavor to permeate throughout the salad.
- Cube the feta cheese. Use a sharp knife to cut the feta into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Handle the feta gently to avoid crumbling it. Using a block of feta in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta ensures a creamier and more flavorful cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and green olives. Use a bowl large enough to allow you to toss the salad without spilling.
Step 5: Season and Dress:
- Add the cubed feta cheese to the bowl. Sprinkle the salad with dried oregano, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Be mindful of the salt since feta cheese and olives are already salty.
- Drizzle the salad with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. The quality of the olive oil significantly impacts the salad’s flavor, so choose one that is fruity and robust.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Classic Greek Salad is more than just a salad; it’s an experience. You’ll love it because:
- Authenticity: It stays true to the traditional Horiatiki Salata, offering an genuine taste of Greece.
- Freshness: The crisp vegetables and briny olives create a refreshing combination.
- Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s quick and easy to make.
- Healthful: Packed with nutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants, it’s a nutritious and guilt-free choice.
- Versatile: Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a refreshing appetizer.
- Flavorful: The combination of salty feta, tangy vinegar, and fragrant herbs creates a memorable flavor profile.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats, such as lamb or chicken.
- Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner on a warm day.
- Pair with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Serve alongside other Greek appetizers like tzatziki, hummus, and dolmades for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Tips:
- Chill the Vegetables: Chilling the cucumbers and tomatoes before preparing the salad will enhance their crispness and make the salad even more refreshing.
- Don’t Overdress: Add the olive oil and vinegar just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of red wine vinegar and olive oil to your liking.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients, especially the olive oil and feta cheese, will significantly impact the flavor of the salad.
- Mellow the Onion: Soaking the red onion slices in ice water for 10-15 minutes will reduce their sharpness.
- Don’t Skip the Oregano: Dried oregano is a must for that authentic Greek flavor. Use Greek oregano if you can find it.
- Add a Pinch of Sugar: If your tomatoes are not very sweet, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 250-350
- Protein: 8-12g
- Sodium: 400-600mg
Conclusion:
This Classic Greek Salad recipe is a celebration of simplicity and fresh ingredients. Its bright flavors and vibrant colors make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or need a flavorful side dish to complement your meal, this recipe will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite. Enjoy the authenticity, savor the flavors, and let this salad become a staple in your kitchen.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
- While feta is the traditional cheese for Greek salad, you can experiment with other cheeses if you prefer. Halloumi, a semi-hard, brined cheese that can be grilled or pan-fried, is a good alternative for a different texture and flavor. Other options include fresh mozzarella or a creamy goat cheese, though these will change the overall taste profile. However, to truly achieve the authentic Greek salad experience, feta is highly recommended for its unique briny and tangy flavor.
- How long can I store this salad?
- Greek salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the vegetables tend to release moisture and the salad can become soggy over time. If you need to prepare it in advance, assemble the vegetables and feta cheese in a bowl, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will help keep the salad crisp. You can store the undressed salad in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Once dressed, it’s best consumed within a few hours.
- Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
- While the traditional Greek salad is simple and features a specific set of ingredients, you can certainly add other vegetables to suit your taste. Bell peppers (green, red, or yellow) are a common addition and provide a nice crunch. You can also add a handful of mixed greens for extra nutrients and texture. However, keep in mind that adding too many ingredients can dilute the flavors and deviate from the classic recipe.
- Can I make this salad vegan?
- Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a vegan feta alternative. There are several plant-based feta cheeses available on the market that are made from ingredients like tofu, almonds, or coconut oil. These vegan feta alternatives often mimic the salty and crumbly texture of traditional feta, making them a suitable substitute. Just be sure to choose a high-quality vegan feta that you enjoy.
- What is the best way to cut the vegetables to ensure the best texture?
- The way you cut the vegetables can significantly impact the texture and overall enjoyment of the salad. For the cucumbers, slicing them into ¼-inch thick slices allows them to retain their crispness without becoming too watery. Halving the cherry tomatoes ensures they release their juices and flavors evenly. Thinly slicing the red onion, and then soaking it in ice water, mellows its sharp bite while preserving its crunch. Cubing the feta cheese into ½-inch pieces ensures a balanced ratio of cheese to vegetables in each bite. Consistency in size and shape will create a visually appealing and texturally satisfying salad.
