Hellenic Village Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 10 min
πŸ”₯ Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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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.

Ingredients for Hellenic Village Salad

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the red onions in the dressing for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
  • Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best taste, especially the tomatoes and cucumbers.
  • If you’re not a fan of raw onions, soak them in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
  • Crumbled feta is best added just before serving to maintain its texture.
  • Adjust the seasoning after tossing since the olives and feta can vary in saltiness.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them separately. Toss them with the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you're not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or even a bit of mozzarella for a different twist.
Are there any other herbs I can use?
Fresh herbs like mint or basil can be a lovely addition if you want to mix things up a bit.

Hellenic Village Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First up, grab a large mixing bowl. It’s going to hold all your colorful ingredients. Toss in the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion. You’re 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 you’re in a rush, but if you let it sit for about 10 minutes, the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Showcases fresh, healthy ingredients without any fuss.
  • The dressing is a breeze to whip up, enhancing natural flavors without overpowering them.
  • Brings a touch of Greece to your kitchen, no passport required.
  • Perfectly adaptable – you can tweak it to suit your taste!

Ingredients

2 cups diced tomatoes
1 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/4 cup Kalamata olives
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion.
2. Add the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately or allow the flavors to meld for 10 minutes before serving.

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