Summer Ripe Greek Salad

Simple, refreshing salad of tomatoes, cucumber, olives and feta cheese. Created by tavern owners in Athens, Greece in the late 20th century and now a staple in Greek cuisine.

Ingredients:

5 small tomatoes, chopped OR 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 English cucumber, chopped

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

⅓ cup assorted fresh herbs (oregano, parsley, mint or cilantro), diced

1 clove garlic, peeled and finely grated

¼ – ½ cup pitted Kalamata OR green olives, halved (see note)

4 oz. crumbled feta cheese

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

¼ tsp. salt

⅛ tsp. ground black pepper

Optional:

pita bread

Equipment:

Kitchen knife

Cutting board

Microplane

Measuring cups and spoons

Large bowl

Small bowl

Jar with a lid (optional)

Ingredients:

5 small tomatoes, chopped OR 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 English cucumber, chopped

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

⅓ cup assorted fresh herbs (oregano, parsley, mint or cilantro), diced

1 clove garlic, peeled and finely grated

¼ – ½ cup pitted Kalamata OR green olives, halved (see note)

4 oz. crumbled feta cheese

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

¼ tsp. salt

⅛ tsp. ground black pepper

Optional:

pita bread

Equipment:

Kitchen knife

Cutting board

Microplane

Measuring cups and spoons

Large bowl

Small bowl

Jar with a lid (optional)

Directions:

  1. Gather all the ingredients and equipment. Wash the produce and prepare it as detailed in the ingredients list.
  2. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and herbs and toss to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the feta cheese, garlic, and 1 tbsp. olive oil. Pour over the salad.
  4. Prepare the dressing by combining the red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper in a jar with a lid (or another container) and shake or mix thoroughly.
  5. Pour over salad and toss to combine.
  6. Serve with sliced pita bread.

Note: Greek Kalamata olives are typical and have a toothy texture and intense flavor. Green olives are a milder option.