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How to make a Greek salad

Article by: Diana Moutsopoulos | Picture by: Wyattdogster

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There are a few secrets to making your Greek salad unforgettably delicious. Read on to learn how to make spectacular Greek salads that rival those you've had on holiday.

The essentials

Tomatoes
Ripe and flavourful tomatoes are the foundation of a Greek salad. Take advantage of tomato season to make the best Greek salads of the year. At other times of year, look for the reddest, juiciest tomatoes you can find, or try cherry or baby plum tomatoes.

Red onion
Buy small red onions and cut thin slices horizontally through the onion so that you have lots of paper-thin rounds. The onion-tomato ratio is completely up to you, though one small onion per three tomatoes should work a treat.

Seasoning
There are just two seasonings a Greek salad cannot live without: dried Greek oregano and salt. Sea salt is preferred. (Read more on salting below.)

Olive oil
Use the best extra virgin olive oil you can get your hands on, and you'll be rewarded with a fantastic dressing for your salad. Have Greek olive oil? Even better.

Extras

Cucumber
Slice a cucumber into 5mm rounds for a fresh, crunchy addition to your salad. Your salad should never have more cucumber than tomato, however.

Feta
Though not essential to a Greek salad, feta is certainly a well-loved addition. For best results, use a good Greek feta, which is always made from sheep and goat milk.

Olives
A handful of Kalamata or other Greek olives are a perennial favourite.

Green pepper
Many welcome green pepper in their Greek salad. Just a few slices will do the trick if you're a green pepper fan; it should never overpower the salad.

Assembly

The most crucial step in making a Greek salad is salting the tomatoes. Contrary to what some recipes might tell you, a Greek salad never needs vinegar or lemon juice. By salting the tomatoes and allowing them to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, they release their acidic juices. When the tomato's juices combine with olive oil and oregano, the result is the most fantastic vinaigrette made without any vinegar.

For a perfect Greek salad every time, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut your tomatoes into wedges. Cut over the bowl that you're serving the salad in, so that any extra juices land in the bowl. Also slice the onion and add to the bowl.

2. Liberally salt the tomatoes and onion, then sprinkle with dried oregano to taste. Give them a good stir and allow the tomatoes to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

3. Just before serving, add any extras, such as feta, cucumber or green pepper. Give the whole lot a good stir.

4. Finally, drizzle with olive oil to taste.

And don't forget...

Good, crusty bread is part and parcel of enjoying a good Greek salad. It is essential to mop up every last bit of dressing. If you're serving Greek salad to a crowd, make sure you've got a good baguette or crusty loaf at the table.

See our Greek salad recipes for ideas, and browse our entire Greek collection for even more inspiration!

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