Horiatiki Salata (Χωριάτικη Σαλάτα - Greek Village Salad)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe medium tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks
• 1 cucumber, peeled (or partially peeled), sliced or chunked
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted or whole
• 4 oz block of Greek feta cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
• 1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (use salt sparingly due to feta and olives)

Instructions:

1. Combine Vegetables: In a large shallow bowl or platter, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and green bell pepper (if using).
2. Add Olives and Feta: Scatter the Kalamata olives over the vegetables. Place the block of feta cheese on top (traditionally served as a block, not crumbled).
3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle generously with good quality extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle with red wine vinegar.
4. Season: Sprinkle dried oregano over the entire salad, especially the feta. Season lightly with salt (optional) and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Serve: Serve immediately. Toss gently just before eating or let diners break up the feta and mix their own portions.

What Makes It Special:

Horiatiki, meaning 'village' salad, is the quintessential Greek salad in its purest form. Unlike American versions, it contains no lettuce. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients: ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, pungent red onion, briny Kalamata olives, and a generous slab of creamy, salty feta cheese. Dressed simply with high-quality olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and dried oregano, it's a refreshing, healthy, and incredibly flavorful representation of the Mediterranean diet.