Welcome to the heart of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Hellenic Village Salad. This dish is a celebration of fresh vegetables and bold flavors, perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side. Dive into its simplicity and let the ingredients do the talking.
The star of this salad is undoubtedly the tomatoes. Opt for ripe, juicy ones that burst with flavor. Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, and make sure to use a fresh one for the best texture. Red onion offers a sharp but sweet contrast, cutting through the richness of other ingredients. Kalamata olives bring their distinctive briny taste, while feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that ties everything together. The extra virgin olive oil in the dressing enriches the salad with a silky finish, complemented by the red wine vinegar that adds just the right amount of tang. Finally, a sprinkle of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper, brings out the best in these ingredients, making the salad sing.
This salad is a versatile addition to many meals. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete Mediterranean feast. It's also lovely alongside a warm pita and some hummus for a light lunch. If you're hosting, serve it as part of a mezze platter with various dips and bread.
First up, grab a large mixing bowl. Itβs going to hold all your colorful ingredients. Toss in the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion. Youβre aiming for a nice mix of textures and flavors here. Next, add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. These two will provide the salty and creamy balance needed to make the salad pop.
In a small bowl, whisk together your extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the magic touch, so whisk until everything is nicely combined. Pour this over your salad ingredients in the large bowl. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats each piece without crushing anything. You can serve it right away if youβre in a rush, but if you let it sit for about 10 minutes, the flavors meld together beautifully.