Greek Village Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.8 lbs) 4 large tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.8 lbs)
• 2 cucumbers, sliced (400g / 0.9 lbs) 2 cucumbers, sliced (400g / 0.9 lbs)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced (150g / 0.3 lbs) 1 red onion, thinly sliced (150g / 0.3 lbs)
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup Kalamata olives (150g / 5.3 oz) 1 cup Kalamata olives (150g / 5.3 oz)
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 16g (10g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. 2.
   Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh oregano leaves to the bowl.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. 4.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Greek Village Salad chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Feta cheese — Opt for high-quality feta cheese made from sheep's milk for an authentic taste. If unavailable, you can substitute with goat's milk feta.
• Kalamata olives — Look for pitted Kalamata olives for convenience. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use black olives instead.
• Extra virgin olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing to enhance the flavors of the salad.
• Oregano — Fresh oregano leaves provide the best flavor, but you can substitute with dried oregano if needed.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some crumbled dried Greek oregano on top of the salad before serving.
• To make the salad more filling, you can add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Serve the Greek Village Salad with warm pita bread on the side for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek Village Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with traditional Greek dishes like moussaka or souvlaki.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh oregano for an extra touch of elegance.