Greek Salad

My first perfect Greek salad was at the Athens Hilton at their pool restaurant.  On my first flight to Athens I had no interest to go to the pool after being up all night and being so tired, but Rita (the Purser) on the flight convinced me that I should come down to the pool and have some food and possibly a Greek beer.  She was so engaging, smart, hysterically funny and beautiful and had been working for TWA for many years.  She was good friends with my two best friends Rudy and Louis that I usually flew with, but more than that she had such a love of life.  It was a great decision, we had beautiful food, conversation and meeting many people who lived in Athens.  We would generally arrive at the hotel about 11 am and be at the pool within an hour having this beautiful gem and a few hours of relaxation sunning and swimming before taking a nap.  All their foods were so fresh and delectable but this became my constant order of the day.  Greek salads are a common addition to any Greek meal. They are also wonderful on their own, keeping to a classic or traditional version as well as recipes that offer delicious variations on the Greek salad theme. Authentic salads consist of chopped tomato, cucumber, and red onion, seasoned with oregano, salt and pepper, topped with olive oil. Extras such as feta cheese, anchovies, and Kalamata olives may or may not be included. 

Greek Salad

Ingredients (per person)

• 1 Medium Tomato (cut in wedges)
• 1/2 Cucumber (cubed)
• 2 Slices Red Onion
• 1/4 lb. Feta Cheese (cubed)
• 5-8 Kalamata Olives
• Fresh Oregano (finely chopped)
• Sea Salt
• Freshly Ground Pepper
• Drizzle of  Greek Olive Oil
• 1 Lemon (halved or quartered)

Preparation

1. Prepare vegetables
2. Place on chilled plate and garnish with olive oil and fresh lemon

Greek Salad Dressing

 Ingredients (Yield 1 Cup)

• 1/4 C. Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 C. Quality Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 1/2 t. Crushed Greek Oregano
• 1 t. Sea Salt
• Freshly Ground Pepper

Preparation:

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl; keep chilled until ready to serve

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