The Greek Salad, or Horiatiki, represents the heart of Mediterranean dining culture. Unlike modern interpretations, a traditional Greek salad never includes lettuce – it’s a celebration of ripe summer vegetables, quality olive oil, and authentic Greek feta cheese.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 2 medium |
| Cucumber | 1/2 medium |
| Red Onion | 1/4 medium |
| Feta Cheese | 2 oz |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4 medium |
| Cucumber | 1 medium |
| Red Onion | 1/2 medium |
| Feta Cheese | 4 oz |
| Olive Oil | 4 tbsp |
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 8 medium |
| Cucumber | 2 medium |
| Red Onion | 1 medium |
| Feta Cheese | 8 oz |
| Olive Oil | 8 tbsp |
Understanding the philosophy behind Greek salad helps create an authentic experience. This dish is about celebrating the natural flavors of each ingredient – ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and quality feta cheese. The key lies in using the best ingredients and keeping preparation minimal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 25g |
Traditional Greek salad never includes lettuce. This is a common misconception in non-Greek establishments.
The best choice is ripe, in-season tomatoes. They should be firm but yielding, with a rich aroma.
Look for authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It should be briny and creamy, never crumbly.
While you can prepare components ahead, assembly should happen just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent vegetables from becoming waterlogged.
Share your Greek salad creations using #AuthenticGreekSalad – and remember, the simplicity of this dish means quality ingredients are absolutely essential! 🇬🇷✨
