Greek salad

Greek salad is an iconic dish, full of freshness and flavors, bringing a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to your table. This salad is not just a simple side dish, but an explosion of textures and tastes that blend perfectly. Whether you're preparing for a summer meal outdoors or want to add a splash of flavor to dinner, Greek salad is the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 pints of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 60 g capers, drained
- 70 g Greek olives, pitted

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables. Choose a fresh cucumber with smooth skin. The cherry tomatoes should be firm and shiny, and the red onion as fresh as possible. These details are essential for achieving a delicious salad.

2. Cutting the vegetables
Cut the cucumber into approximately 1 cm cubes, making it easy to eat. Halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion thinly to prevent its strong flavor from overpowering the other ingredients.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, and capers. Add the olive oil and mix gently, being careful not to crush the feta cheese. Extra virgin olive oil is essential as it brings an intense and fresh flavor characteristic of Mediterranean dishes.

4. Assembling the salad
To keep each ingredient flavorful, it's a good idea to serve the salad in layers. Arrange the vegetable mixture on a large plate or in a bowl and sprinkle the Greek olives on top. This not only makes the salad look more appealing but also allows everyone to adjust their portion of olives to their liking.

5. Serving
Greek salad is best served with traditional flatbreads, which can be used to wrap the ingredients. These flatbreads are ideal for absorbing the olive oil and vegetable juices, adding a rustic and delicious aspect to your meal.

Practical tips:

- Variety of feta cheese: You can experiment with different types of feta cheese, such as goat cheese or aged feta, for a more intense flavor.
- Olive oil: Choose a high-quality olive oil, as this ingredient is the star of the recipe.
- Adjusting flavors: If you prefer a less tangy salad, adjust the amount of capers or add a little sugar to balance the taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Cucumber is rich in water and fiber, helping to hydrate the body. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. Feta cheese provides protein and calcium, while olive oil is known for its cardiovascular benefits.

Possible variations:
If you want to add a touch of variety, you can include diced avocado or bell peppers for vibrant color. You can also replace capers with artichokes or Kalamata olives for a distinct flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use regular tomatoes diced, but make sure they are well-ripened.

- How can I store the salad for the next day?
It is recommended to keep the ingredients separate in the refrigerator and mix them only before serving to prevent sogginess.

- What drinks pair well with Greek salad?
A chilled lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices to accompany Greek salad, adding a touch of freshness.

Serve this salad as a side dish or as a light main course, and let yourself indulge in its Mediterranean flavors. Each bite will bring a taste of summer, even on the coldest days. Enjoy!