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Traditional Greek Salad Recipe
Salad is very popular in Greece, as is the case throughout most of the Mediterranean area. Big chunks of feta and tomato usually feature in a Greek salad, along with fat, juicy olives. Lettuce leaves are not commonly a part of this dish, since lettuce grows better in more temperate climates. If you choose good quality tomatoes and make sure they are perfectly ripe, this salad will have lots of flavor. The juicy tomatoes are the sweetest flavor in the whole dish and this taste contrasts with the semi-sour tang of the Greek feta cheese and the distinctive, sharp flavor of the Kalamata olives.
Since most of the flavor comes from the cheese, tomatoes, and olives, the dressing is made with vinegar, oil, and oregano. This adds a subtle flavor to the dish, as well as some moisture, but it does not overpower the flavors of the ingredients you are using.
An authentic Greek salad is made with cheese, tomato, olives and dressing but if you wanted to serve this for lunch or as a more substantial meal, you could play around with the ingredients a bit, maybe adding a protein such as chicken or turkey. Chopped bell pepper would also work with this.
Greek Salad with Feta and Olives
Ingredients -
½ cucumber, halved and cut into strips
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup cubed feta
1 lb ripe tomatoes, in wedges
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 pitted Kalamata olives
3 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Preparation:
Whisk the oregano, vinegar, salt and pepper together, and then drizzle in the olive oil.
Keep whisking until the dressing emulsifies.
Combine the cucumber, feta, tomatoes, onion, and olives in a bowl, then drizzle in some of the vinaigrette.
Mix well and add more vinaigrette.
Serve immediately.
(Serves 4)
Wine Suggestion:
Which Wine to Serve with Greek Salad Recipe
Acidic foods are best served with wines that have acidic undertones, such as Pinot Gris. This wine is also good with lemon-based sauces. Flowers, minerals, and almonds are just some of the flavors and aromas associated with Pinot Gris, which is known as Pinot Grigio in Italy. Do not serve a red wine with this recipe, as a heavy red would clash and a fruity one would probably taste bitter. Some kind of medium dry sparkling white is another option.
Photo Description:
This is one of the most classic salads of all time. The combination of shiny black olives, bright red tomato, and creamy feta cheese work well with the homemade dressing to give a classic Greek dish, which is great as an appetizer or side dish. This healthy salad is easy to make and the contrasts in both flavor and texture are wonderful. If you are looking for dinner party appetizer ideas, why not make an authentic Greek salad recipe? It is suitable before any kind of entree and it also makes a nice lunch.
Interesting Greek Wine Varieties
The Greeks have been producing wine for more than six and a half thousand years, making Greece one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. There are different Greek wines that you might like to pair with your Greek salad recipe. Xinomavro is a famous Greek red wine which has olive and tomato flavors and ages well. Mandilaria is very tannic and it is often blended with other grapes for this reason.
Assyrtiko is similar to Riesling so if you like that California wine with your Greek salad recipe you might enjoy the Greek alternative. Lagorthi is a fruity white wine and Debina is a highly acidic grape which is great for making sparkling wines. Robola is nice with seafood and Savatiano is fruity and floral. You can serve California wine or Greek wine with Greek salad recipes.
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