Even though I had pretty busy schedule last week, that didn’t deter me from spending time in the kitchen to prepare simple and healthy dinner. I never bought prepared meals from the supermarket, except for pizza, Korean/Japanese instant noodles(from time to time when I really can’t be bothered!) and fresh pastas. If I could, I always like to cook from scratch!
I didn’t expect late summer sunshine at this time of the year. So, it was quite a good idea to have salad even for dinner. I don’t know about you, but when I am too busy, I lose my appetite to eat. More often than not, I try to eat more vegetables and fruits to boost my appetite.
My visit to Greece is a great culinary experience in search for authentic Greek food. Before I went there, I had very little knowledge about Greek food – probably just bits and pieces that I finally managed to put all the puzzles together.
As I bought a packet of mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, and spearmints) from Greece, I thought I would make Greek salad, which is one of my favourite salads! In Greece, as I mentioned in my previous post, Greek salad was served with a generous slab of feta cheese, which really surprised me when I tried my first ever Greek salad!
I remember the second time I had Greek salad in Naxos, there was a group of people sitting just next to our table. One of the girls was ordering her food, she decided to go for Greek salad. So far so normal. But, what surprised me was, I heard her saying “Can I please have Greek salad without Feta cheese.” Ohh… well, is it still Greek salad? For me, I thought one of the most important ingredients for this wonderful salad is the big piece of feta cheese, which completes the overall flavours.
Anyway, I guess it’s probably more interesting to the recipe written out than dragging on with my story…. haha.
Recipe: Greek Salad (Salade Grecque)
Ingredients:
Tomatoes, 4
Cucumber, half
Green pepper, half
Red onions, quarter/half
Black olives, 16
Feta cheese, 1 (or more)
Olive oil, 4-5 tbsp
Black pepper, to taste
Mixed herbs (for Greek salad), 1-2 tbsp
Salt, to taste
Lemon juice, 1-2 tbsp
Method:
1. Cut tomatoes into wedges. Slice the cucumber and green pepper. Then, cut red onion into rings. Put all these into a salad bowl.
2. Prepare the dressing by mixing olive oil, black pepper, salt, lemon, and mixed herbs in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Divide the salad in bowls, garnish with black olives. Drizzle the dressings over the salad. Sprinkle some extra mixed herbs if desired.
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September 28th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Looks very appetizing ! I like the combinations of olive and feta cheese in the salad, it will definitely enhance the taste.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:21 am
My family have become big salad fans lately! We can even eat the same salad for lunch and dinner too! What a healthy yet delicious Greek salad! Looks very appetizing to me!
September 29th, 2009 at 2:30 am
Love the array of colours and flavours in this bowl =)
September 29th, 2009 at 2:49 am
nice photo of your salad!
September 29th, 2009 at 3:02 am
I'm like you … no appetite when busy. Hey, I have pizza/burgers/instant noodles for meals too … not often, but sometimes, we do need a break from the kitchen
I will gladly eat your salad for dinner! So colourful, crisp and fresh. Who wouldn't like it? Especially with feta! Yum!
September 29th, 2009 at 6:48 am
one of my fave ways of enjoying salads always have loved the flavors – lovely pics!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Hello! I have been following your blog for a while now and can finally leave a comment ( I am Greek). First of all to answer your question a Greek salad without feta is simply called a tomato salad. Secondly, please clarify that mixed herbs are usually oregano and/or thyme. And thirdly, well done for not using lettuce! I mean there are so many recipes out there for Greek salad with lettuce, it is slightly absurd. If these people had travelled to Greece even once in their life they would have seen that the real Greek salad is the one you describe. Your account of your trips to Greece was very enjoyable and I am happy that you had a good time. Hopefully you will visit "us" again!
September 29th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I am definitely not a salad person but the vivid color of your photo makes me want to dig in and eat.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Oooh! I always add feta cheese to salad, but I'm afraid my creativity ends there with lettuce, feta, and dressing. This seems like a good way to spice up my usual salads!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
This is my first time visiting your site and I really like it. The site as a whole has a really "serene" feel with a combination of warm colors and great pictures! I just ate lunch and I'm getting hungry again looking at the appetizing salad on display. I want to also thank you for taking the time to travel to Greece to see what the culture has to offer – a big part of the Greek culture is the preparation of Greek food. It's a way for Greek people to socialize with another while also cooking together. I think that it is a great opportunity to show how something so simple, a salad without lettuce, can be so delicious! I am a big fan of salads overall and thank you for including this recipe. Great job!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Yeah, it is really a great bowl of salad! I just love it.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I love salad. I think I have been eating more salad than I used to!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Thank you!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Thanks!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
ehheheh.. when I have too little time, those instant noodles are my great treasures!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Thanks Meeta.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Hi there,
Thanks for dropping by! Well, I bought the mixed herbs that is called feta mix and it contains oregano, thyme and spearmints. The greek salad that I had no lettuce, and I don't think the salad needs that with all the great ingredients.
I really love your country, Greece, it's just beautiful!! Food is great…
September 29th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Cheers.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Jessica,
Give this a try and I am sure you will love it !!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Hi,
I have learnt that Greek people enjoy their coffee and they take their time to drink and appreciate the coffee. It is also a way to socialise.
Thanks for your comment and your kind words! I am glad that you love my site and photography!
So sorry to make your hungry.. hehehhe..
Well, what can I say…. Greece is just beautiful… I really love the islands that I have been.. just amazing! Food and people are nice!!
September 29th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
oooh i love greek salad
!!! XOXO
September 30th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Nice pictures! I miss Greece… this salad is the best way to feel in holiday!
September 30th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I really miss the first Greek salad that I had in Naxos!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm
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