Classic Greek cucumber salad recipe: Easy steps to deliciousness
The Greek cucumber salad, known as horiatiki, is a celebrated part of Mediterranean cuisine. Originating from Greece, it is especially enjoyed during the warm summer months. This delightful dish is a blend of crisp vegetables, accented with olives and feta cheese. Our eggless and vegetarian rendition maintains the refreshing simplicity that makes the classic salad so beloved. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this salad, gather two large cucumbers (peeled and sliced) one small red onion (thinly sliced), 200 grams of cherry tomatoes (halved), one green bell pepper (sliced), a cup of Kalamata olives, and 200 grams of crumbled vegan feta cheese alternative. For the dressing: mix four tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and a teaspoon each of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Prepare the vegetables
Start by washing the vegetables under cold water. If desired, peel the cucumbers and slice into half-moons about a quarter-inch thick. Thinly slice the red onion into rings and halve the cherry tomatoes. Seed and strip the green bell pepper. Combine these prepared ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ready for the next steps of assembly.
Assemble the salad
Add the Kalamata olives to the bowl with your sliced vegetables. If the vegan feta cheese alternative needs crumbling, do it now. Sprinkle the crumbled cheese over the salad. This combination of ingredients not only brings a variety of textures and flavors but also creates an appealing mix of colors and aromas that enhance the overall appeal of the dish.
Dressing & seasoning
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a generous amount of black pepper until the mixture is well combined. This process should result in a dressing that is tangy from the vinegar, with an aromatic earthiness courtesy of the oregano, ready to perfectly complement the crisp vegetables in the salad.
Toss and serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, coating each vegetable. Gently toss to avoid bruising the ingredients. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to blend seamlessly. This pause is key for the profile of tastes to unify. Serve this Greek cucumber salad chilled or at room temperature, offering a dish that is both invigorating and true to its Mediterranean roots.
