Bring Greece home with this simple and delicious Authentic Greek Salad recipe. In the heat of late summer, a fresh cool Greek salad is the perfect side dish or add meat for a main dish. Fresh, seasonal, vine-ripened tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and feta cheese are the perfect compliment to the other ingredients.
I had the pleasure of attending a week-long culinary program on the island of Poros in Greece and learned how to make authentic Greek foods with the ingredients available to them. This simple yet elegant greek salad recipe is delicious and a great addition to a summer BBQ. Regional variations such as adding basil, or marinated artichokes, balsamic vinegar, as well as other vegetables are fine. However, this is the authentic recipe I learned on the Island of Poros.
First of all, start out with vine-ripened, fresh produce. Remove the membranes and seeds from the tomatoes and peppers. Chop all ingredients to a uniform size. Serve over romaine or spinach and top with chunks of feta cheese. High-quality olive oil and course sea salt make this a winner.
I add grilled chicken or lamb for a main course.
Ingredients
4 large fleshy vine ripened tomatoes
1 whole English cucumber (washed, peeled)
1 Red Onion
2 Large Green Peppers
Kalamata Olives (Greek Islands or Capers from northern Greece)
Salt and pepper
Fresh Oregano or Thyme
Instructions
- Cut all vegetables into bite sized pieces and place in bowl
- Drizzle generously with olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sprinkle with fresh oregano or thyme
- Serve with wedges of fresh feta cheese and crusty bread
Serve over romaine or spinach. For an entree’ add grilled chicken or lamb.