A simple, fresh, and authentic Greek Salad recipe focusing on chunky vegetables, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, embodying the Mediterranean diet's essence.

Greek Salad Recipe

A Taste of Mediterranean Sunshine

Want a taste of the Mediterranean sun? Start with this simple, fresh, and authentic Greek Salad (Horiatiki). It forgoes the lettuce common in American-style salads, consisting entirely of fresh, chunky summer vegetables and classic feta cheese.

This salad is a perfect embodiment of the Mediterranean Diet philosophy: fresh vegetables, healthy olive oil, and quality cheese.

Ingredients

• Cucumber: 1, diced
• Tomatoes: 2-3, cut into chunks
• Red Onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, cut into rings
• Kalamata Olives: a small handful
• Feta Cheese: a large block, about 100-150g
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3-4 tablespoons
• Red Wine Vinegar: 1-2 tablespoons
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried or fresh
• Salt and Black Pepper: to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper) and olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and gently toss to combine.
4. Place the entire block of feta cheese on top of the salad.
5. Before serving, drizzle a little more olive oil and a pinch of oregano over the feta cheese.

Recommended Reading

• (Cookbook) My Greek Table: Authentic Flavors and Modern Home Cooking from My Kitchen to Yours by Diane Kochilas.