Ingredients
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300 g cherry tomatoesor vine tomatoes
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300 g fresh cucumber
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100 g feta cheese diced
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20 pcs Kalamata black olives
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1 pcs Red Onion
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100 ml Olive oil
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20 ml wine vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon oregano
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a pinch Salt
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a pinch Black pepper
Directions
Greek salad is one of the symbols of Greek cuisine. In Greece, it is often called horiatiki (village salad) or therini (summer salad). It is a simple, refreshing and very healthy meal, consisting of only a few ingredients.
Traditionally, it is made using tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives and feta cheese, seasoned with olive oil and oregano. Often you can find versions with green peppers and sometimes with capers.
Where is Greek salad from?
It was created in the late ’60s or early ’70s in Plaka, a picturesque area in Athens. There, local caterers found ways to get around government fixed prices on tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables. To a salad made of fixed-price vegetables, they added feta cheese and so created a “new” dish. However, this dish could charge significantly more to tourists. It seems it was created as an attempt to exploit a loophole in the law at that time.
There is a similar salad in Cyprus and, of course, it is called Cypriot Salad. In addition to the usual Greek salad ingredients, capers, parsley and lemon juice are added to this.
Thanks to Greek emigration, this salad has become famous in America as well. There, it has many variations, to the point where they have almost lost the original version. In America, it can be found with lettuce, pickled hot peppers, radishes, beetroots and even anchovies or sardines.
How to serve
Greek salad is a dish in itself and is usually eaten as a main course, often paired with bread. It is sometimes served as a side dish alongside pasta, fish or meat dishes.
Since it is considered a meal, traditionally it is served on a plate or shallow dish – certainly not in a deep one. However, some even love to have Greek Salad with Kleftico. To Try the combination, check out our traditional Greek Kleftico recipe.
Is Greek Salad Healthy?
This vegetable salad is a low-calorie dish, rich in Vitamin A and C. It also contains the necessary amounts of iron and potassium as well as antioxidants.
I got this recipe for Greek salad from a local in (tavern) when I was in Thessaloniki a few years ago.
Steps
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1
Done
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Cut the tomatoes in half. Halve the cucumber lengthwise and cut into thin slices. Cut the onions into rings (as shown). Cut the feta cheese into slices (as shown). |
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2
Done
1 min
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Greek salad dressingIn a small jar, prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, vinegar and oregano. |
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3
Done
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Add the vegetables and olives to a bowl, season with salt and black pepper and pour the dressing over. Leave ¼ of the dressing for the next step. Top with the feta cheese and drizzle with the remaining dressing. |
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4
Done
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Greek salads can be served as a main meal with bread or as a side dish. |
13 Comments Hide Comments
I think a lot of dishes, just like the Greek Salad, have lost their original recipes as there have been improved upon. I really haven’t tried the Greek salad but I think it is worth trying.
Love Greek salad and here in America, it’s either an appetizer or served as part of a main dish. So, chicken, rice, gravy and Greek salad on the side. Sorry lol. Most dishes lose their authenticity once they reach America, trust me.
Wow, this recipe looks DIVINE! I’d love to try giving it a go myself… maybe this weekend when I have family over for my birthday! 🙂
Looks easy to make! i like greek salad, it makes we want to hop on bike. I always eat during my cycling camp in Cyprus
So how crazy is it that a Greek Salad is a relatively new invention that has barely been around for 70 years! I would have guess that this was centuries old! I dont always choose salads, but I do love Kalamatas and Feta and all the extra flavors that come in a horiatiki (village salad) or therini (summer salad). So yummy and this recipe is pretty easy to make cept for maybe a little dicing of the cucumbers!
This seems delicious! Like really really delicious! I cannot wait to try this!
The traditional greek salad have always been mouth watering…… I always look forward for authentic dishes
I have never tried greek salad. Maybe i will do this on next weekend for my healthy diet. Thanks for sharing.
This salad is a must try. I love feta cheese and this Greek salad does look so delicious. I agree that it can be a complete meal in itself. I am going to get the ingredients I need and make this asap.
I am Greek and I loved your post. Great backstory and recipe. Gotta love greek food 🙂
I love the taste of a greek salad and that you can make it your own by adding or subtracting things. In the middle east I think the closest thing is a Fattoush salad. Also, I liked learning about a bit of the history of the greek salad here. Thanks!
Love greek salad! One of my favorite greek dishes is Lentil Horiatiki. That and skordalia!
We really do love a good salad so this is right up our street. Will be giving this a go at the weekend x