Greek Salad
Vine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, peppers, kalamata olives, barrel aged feta, oregano dressing.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The modern Greek salad, or Horiatiki Salata, likely evolved from simpler peasant salads. Ingredients like tomatoes, which are central to the salad today, weren't widely available in Greece until the 19th century. Before that, salads primarily consisted of greens and herbs dressed with olive oil and vinegar. The addition of feta and olives is rooted in the agricultural landscape and culinary traditions of Greece.
Greek salad is deeply intertwined with Greek culture and is more than just a dish; it represents Greek hospitality, simplicity, and the enjoyment of fresh, local ingredients. It's a staple at family meals, tavernas, and festivals, symbolizing a shared experience and connection to the land.
Horiatiki - The Village Salad
The term 'Horiatiki' translates to 'village salad,' emphasizing its rustic and traditional origins. It signifies a dish prepared with simple, readily available ingredients found in the Greek countryside.
Sharing and Hospitality
Greek salad is often served in a large bowl and shared amongst diners, reflecting the Greek tradition of hospitality and communal eating. It encourages conversation and connection.
A Symbol of Summer
The fresh, vibrant ingredients used in Greek salad, particularly the ripe tomatoes, are associated with the warm Greek summers and the abundance of fresh produce.
The Greek salad offers a burst of fresh, Mediterranean flavors. The combination of sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sharp onions, salty feta cheese, and briny olives, all dressed with herbaceous olive oil, creates a refreshing and satisfying taste experience.
The dominant flavor profiles are: sweetness from ripe tomatoes, vegetal crispness from cucumbers and bell peppers (optional), pungent sharpness from red onion, salty tang from feta cheese and Kalamata olives, fruity richness from extra virgin olive oil, and a subtle acidity from red wine vinegar or lemon juice, often complemented by aromatic oregano.
Tomato Selection
Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties if available. Beefsteak or vine-ripened tomatoes offer excellent taste and texture.
Olive Oil Quality
Invest in a good quality extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil is a key component of the dressing and contributes significantly to the overall flavor of the salad. Greek olive oil is ideal.
Feta Cheese
Use authentic Greek feta cheese, preferably sheep's milk feta. Look for feta that is brined in whey, as this provides a more complex and salty flavor.
Don't Overdress
The salad should be lightly dressed. Too much dressing will mask the natural flavors of the vegetables and feta. A simple drizzle of olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice is all that's needed.
No Lettuce
Authentic Greek salad does NOT include lettuce. This is a crucial distinction. The salad relies on the crispness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the tomatoes for texture.
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