Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Ingredients

• 4 Ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 Cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 Green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 Red onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 150g Kalamata olives, pitted
• 200g Feta cheese, in a block
• 6 EL Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 TL Dried oregano
• Salz Salt
• schwarzer Pfeffer Black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the roughly diced ripe tomatoes, the peeled and cubed cucumber, the deseeded and cubed green bell pepper, and the thinly sliced red onion rings. Ensure an even distribution of the vegetables to guarantee a harmonious taste experience. This initial step forms the foundation for your authentic Greek salad.
2. Now, add the pitted Kalamata olives. These salty and slightly nutty olives are an essential component of Greek salad, lending it its characteristic Mediterranean flavor. Ensure the olives are evenly mixed among the vegetables to guarantee the taste in every bite.
3. Gently place the large block of feta cheese on top of the prepared vegetables. Avoid crumbling the feta, as it should serve as a visual centerpiece and only release its creaminess upon serving. The placement of the feta is crucial for the traditional appearance of the Horiatiki.
4. Drizzle the salad generously with approximately 6 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil not only carries flavor but also forms an important part of the dressing base. It should lightly coat the vegetables and feta without drowning them. Use a good olive oil for the best taste.
5. Evenly sprinkle the salad with one teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Be sure not to skimp on the oregano, as it gives the salad its typical aroma. The seasoning should enhance the flavor of the fresh vegetables.
6. You have a choice: either toss the salad very gently to keep the feta intact, or serve the individual components separately. If you choose to toss, do so just before serving to prevent the feta from completely crumbling. This preserves the variety of textures.
7. Serve the Greek salad immediately after preparation. It tastes best when the vegetables are fresh and crisp, and the feta retains its firm shape. Immediate enjoyment guarantees the full aroma and optimal texture of this classic dish. It is perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Nutrition