Greek salad

Greek Salad: An Explosion of Flavor and Freshness

When it comes to salads, nothing compares to a fresh and colorful Greek salad. This traditional recipe is not just a simple mix of vegetables, but a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're thinking of preparing it as a side dish for a weekend barbecue or as a healthy and quick lunch, the Greek salad will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of sunshine to your plate.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 large, juicy tomatoes
- 1 crunchy cucumber
- 3 small red onions
- 1 handful of green and black olives (about 100 g)
- 250 g creamy feta cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons of wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 green bell pepper diced
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by peeling the cucumber. Rinse it under cold water and remove the skin if you prefer a smoother texture. The tomatoes should be ripe but firm, so they don't disintegrate in the salad, so choose carefully. The red onion adds a touch of sweetness, so make sure it is fresh and crunchy.

2. Cutting the Vegetables:
Cut the tomatoes into large cubes and the cucumber into thin slices. Slice the onion into thin rings to twirl nicely in the salad. Place all these vegetables in a large bowl, preferably ceramic or glass, to keep the vibrant color of the ingredients.

3. Adding the Olives and Cheese:
Wash the olives and add them to the bowl over the vegetables. Then, cut the feta cheese into cubes and sprinkle it on top. The feta cheese is the key to adding a salty and creamy taste, perfectly complemented by the other ingredients.

4. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the wine vinegar, add salt, pepper, and oregano. Use a whisk or a fork to emulsify the dressing, so the oil and vinegar combine perfectly. A well-balanced dressing will enhance the flavors of the vegetables.

5. Assembling the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix with a spatula to avoid crushing the vegetables. Finally, sprinkle a little extra oregano for added flavor.

6. Garnishing and Serving:
If desired, you can add diced green bell pepper and fresh parsley for a more colorful appearance. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

Practical Tips:
- Choose quality ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil and good quality feta cheese will make a difference. Their taste and aroma will transform the salad into a true delicacy.
- Cheese varieties: If you want to try something different, replace feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella.
- Olives: You can use pitted or unpitted olives, but make sure they are of good quality. Kalamata olives are an excellent choice for a more complex flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:
The Greek salad is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, while cucumbers provide hydration. Olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and heart health benefits. Additionally, feta cheese offers protein and calcium, making this salad a healthy choice for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Of course! You can experiment with bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado for a different texture.

2. How can I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
It is recommended to add the dressing only before serving to keep the vegetables crunchy.

3. What dishes does Greek salad pair well with?
This salad is perfect alongside grilled dishes, fish, or even as a side for meats, but you can also enjoy it simply as a healthy lunch.

In conclusion, Greek salad is not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that brings together various flavors and textures. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or at a picnic outdoors, it is guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. Make every meal a celebration with a fresh Greek salad!