Greek Village Salad with Olives and Feta
Ingredients:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges (about 600g or 4 cups)
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into half moons (about 300g or 2 cups)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 120g or 1 cup)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 100g or 3/4 cup)
- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled
- 150g (5 oz) Kalamata olives, pitted
- 60ml (1/4 cup) extra-virgin olive oil
- 15ml (1 tbsp) red wine vinegar
- 5g (1 tsp) dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. On your clean cutting board, slice the tomatoes into wedges, ensuring each slice is even for consistent flavor and presentation. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and then slice into half-moons. Slice the red onion into thin, even rings and the green bell pepper into thin strips. These vibrant vegetables form the colorful base of your salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, and red onion. Add the pitted Kalamata olives to the mix. The combination of these fresh ingredients creates the quintessential Greek flavor base.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Seasonings
Gently add the feta cheese to the salad, either in cubes or crumbled over the top. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the salad, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss all ingredients gently with salad tongs or a fork, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Serve
Allow the salad to sit for about 5 minutes before serving, permitting the flavors to meld together. This short resting time enhances the dish’s aromatic and taste profile, highlighting the vibrant olive oil and the creamy feta against the sharpness of the onion and sweetness of the tomatoes.
Conclusion
You have now created a refreshing and authentic Greek Village Salad, perfect for enjoying on a warm afternoon or as a complementary dish to a richer main course. The interplay of textures and flavors—a crunchy yet tender bite of cucumber with the salty creaminess of feta—exemplifies why this salad remains a beloved favorite in Greek cuisine. As you savor each bite, you embrace the art of simple, yet satisfying cooking, celebrating the immediacy and rich tradition of Mediterranean flavors.
