A Greek salad, also known as horiatiki, is a traditional dish in Greece made with tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and olive oil. Lettuce, vinegar, and seasoned dressings are not included. The salad is served with dried oregano and olive oil on the side. Thick steak tomatoes are the best variety to use, and all vegetables should be left quite large. Greek salads are usually served with meat and seafood dishes, and are a refreshing contrast to heavy, savory meals.
A Greek salad is a staple in Greece. It is called horiatiki, or country salad, village salad or peasant salad. Tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives and olive oil are the standard traditional ingredients. Sometimes peppers are also added. Traditionally, lettuce, vinegar and seasoned dressings are not included.
Dried oregano is sometimes placed on top of a Greek salad. Olive oil should be added to the table when the salad is served. Salads need to be made last minute from chilled ingredients. The tomatoes and feta cheese are added last so they don’t get too crushed.
Thick steak tomatoes are usually the best variety to use in Greek salads and should be left in good-sized chunks. It is important that all vegetables are left quite large. Some restaurants grate the feta, perhaps to save money, but to be genuine, it should contain fairly large cubes of cheese. Cucumbers must first be cut lengthwise, and then cut into pieces.
Greek salads are served in many different types of meals in Greece. Large parties can feature dozens of meat and seafood dishes, but a salad is usually always included. The fresh, refreshing taste of raw vegetables contrasts well with heavy, savory dishes. Cypriot salad from Cyprus is similar, but the ingredients are usually more finely chopped and parsley rather than oregano is often used.
Along with pita bread and an ice cold drink, a Greek salad makes for an easy summer dinner. Cooks can simply combine all the ingredients that have been pre-prepared and waiting in the fridge together at the last minute. Plus, a bowl of salad and its accompaniments are easy to carry outside to a patio or deck.
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