Estimated and estimated, friends and friends, are very welcome to Paulina Kitchen!, Today we have a recipe that arrives directly from the sunny coasts of the Aegean, where the blue of the sea melts with the white of the houses. Yes, it's the Greek salad !
To make a good recipe of Greek salad you have to take into account key ingredients that can not be missing, but also some details and tricks that make the elegance of this dish, and that can be the envy of your aunt when you cook it in the next family lunch.
In this note we spend everything you need to know to prepare an exquisite Greek salad with feta cheese and more! Stay until the end because it is no waste.
Content table
About the Greek salad
A traditional Greek salad is an ode to simplicity and freshness. Traditional ingredients are usually cucumber , tomato, onion , Kalamata olives, and the infallible feta cheese . This cheese, with its firm texture and slightly salty flavor, is what gives that unmistakable touch to the salad.
The true magic of a feta salad does not lie only in the ingredients, but in how they combine. This is where the dressing enters the scene. A good dressing for Greek salad includes extra virgin olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and a splash of wine vinegar.
Why is it called Greek Salad?
The answer to this question is simpler than is thought. As many dishes that bear the name of a country or a region, this salad is a representation of the flavors and products of Greek cuisine .
- The Greek salad is a famous dish in Greece, just like museka ; which originated in the rural areas of the country, where the peasants used what they had at hand: fresh vegetables of the garden, olive olives , and feta cheese that was traditionally made with sheep milk or goat.
This dish has become a symbol of the Mediterranean diet , which is famous for its focus on fresh and healthy ingredients.
Origin of the Greek salad
Let's talk about history, the origin of this salad goes back to the ancient culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. In Greece, this type of salad is known as "Horiatiki" , which is translated as "peasant salad", which we can related to the jacket salad , so traditional in Spain.
And it is no coincidence, since this salad has been a classic dish among Greek farmers, who used the freshest products of their lands. Simplicity This salad is not accidental, but rather a necessity.
The highlights of the Greek salad
- Freshness of the ingredients : There is no place for low quality products. Tomatoes must be ripe and juicy, crispy cucumbers , and onions, as far as possible to give that sweet touch that balances the set.
- The role of feta cheese : feta cheese is the soul of the salad . It is important that it be authentic, that is, made from sheep's milk or goat . Avoid, if possible, industrial versions that, although they can be cheaper, do not offer the taste or texture sought.
- Kalamata olives : These typically Greek have a distinctive, a bit bitter and salty flavor, which brings depth to the salad.
- Simple but effective vinaigrette : a good dressing for Greek salad needs nothing more than extra virgin olive oil, dry oregano, salt, pepper, and a touch of wine vinegar . The key is not to overload it; We want natural flavors to shine.
- Cut of the ingredients: The ingredients are cut into medium and unequal pieces. This is not a mistake, but part of its rustic charm .
Greek salad variants
- Greek salad with lettuce : A popular variant includes lettuce to give it a lighter and more crunchy touch. A fresh lettuce base, usually the Roman, provides volume and texture without subtracting prominence from traditional ingredients.
- Greek salad with spiral cucumber : for a more modern and visually attractive touch, use a spiralizer (Spiralizer) or a pelapapas to cut the cucumber. This not only gives him a fun texture, but also allows the dressing to better absorb.
- Gourmet Greek Salad capers , radishes or even a touch of honey in the vinaigrette can be added These additions will give you a gourmet touch without losing your essence.
The perfect dressing for the Greek salad
The dressing for the Greek Pipino is simple, but not less important. It is the point of union that makes all ingredients mix in perfect harmony.
- Extra virgin olive oil : it is the heart of this dressing.
- Oregano : Dry oregano is the protagonist here, but if you have fresh oregano it can also be used for a touch of extra freshness.
- Salt and pepper : to taste, but considering that the feta cheese already provides salinity.
- Wine vinegar : just a splash, enough to give it that acid point that balances flavors.
- Extras : A little lemon or garlic powder are differential touches that remain at ease of the diner.
Tips to prepare the best Greek salad
- Use seasonal ingredients : the key is to use fresh products at its point. Buy tomatoes in summer, when they are sweeter, and look for fresh cucumber, firm to touch.
- Let the dressing stand : once prepared, let the dressing rest for a few minutes for the flavors to integrate.
- Playing with textures : although the traditional Greek salad is prepared with medium -sized pieces of vegetables, you can vary a bit, for example, cutting cucumbers into thin slices or tomatoes in smaller cubes for a different texture.
- Add a touch of fresh herbs : in addition to oregano, it can be innovated including basil or fresh mint . This gives a different and refreshing touch to the salad.
- Customize the salad : once we know the classic Greek salad recipe you can innovate and make your own version. Ingredients such as roasted peppers , homemade pickles , avocado (avocado) or even grilled chicken , they can look very good. In fact, the Greek salad with chicken is a complete meal, ideal to enjoy the salad as a single dish .
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Greek salad recipe
Yield : 4 portions
Preparation time : 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium, ripe and juicy tomatoes. (or ½ k of cherry tomatoes)
- 1 big, firm and fresh cucumber.
- 1 medium red onion.
- 150 g of black olives (preferably Kalamata)
- 200 g of sheep or goat milk feta)
- 1 lettuce plant (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (approx. 60 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of dry oregano.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Wine vinegar (1-2 tablespoons).
- Optional: fresh oregano or basil to decorate.
How to make Greek salad step by step
- Wash vegetables well. Cut the tomatoes into medium pieces and cubes slices. The onion is cut into fine slices. If lettuce is used, defoliate and chop it into large pieces.
- Cut the feta cheese into medium cubes taking care that it does not shred too much and add the olives, as much as possible, so that it is easier to eat them.
- For the dressing mix, in a small bowl, olive oil with dry oregano, salt, pepper and wine vinegar. Pour over the salad and mix gently so that all the ingredients are well covered. Let stand a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Greek salad on a large plate, decorating with fresh oregano or basil leaves.
