Traditional Greek Salad (Horiatiki, Χωριάτικη σαλάτα)

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes (2-3 ripe, medium-sized, cut into wedges) → My trick: Use organic, juicy red tomatoes and let them ripen for 1-4 days next to bananas or avocados. This enhances their sweetness and juiciness!

• Cucumber (1 large, sliced into rounds or half-moons)

• Red Onion (½, thinly sliced)

• Green Bell Pepper (½, thinly sliced)

• Kalamata Olives (a handful, whole or pitted)

• Feta Cheese (a thick slice or crumbled, about 100g / 3.5 oz)

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3-4 tbsp)

• Red Wine Vinegar (1 tbsp, optional) or lemon(I prefer lemon)

• Dried Oregano (1 tsp)

• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

Optional Additions:

• Capers (for a briny touch)

• Lettuce (not traditional, but sometimes added)

• Radishes (thinly sliced, for extra crunch)

The Onion Trick & a Story from My 20s!

When I was in my  early 20s, I was a very anxious person, and this led to serious stomach pain. I eventually went to a doctor, who gave me a pill and told me to avoid garlic and onions. But… I love onions! So, I had to find a way to keep eating them without upsetting my stomach.

👉 Here’s what I do:

1. I remove the middle stem of the onion.

2. I soak the sliced onion in water with salt for 15 minutes.

 This trick works like magic! No more stomach pain, and an extra bonus? The smell of raw onions on your breath is much milder after! 

How to Assemble the Perfect Greek Salad:

1. Place the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion in a bowl.

2. Add the Kalamata olives and top with feta cheese.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice (or vinegar).

4. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.

5. Gently toss (or leave it as is for a more traditional look).

 Serve with fresh bread, and enjoy the most refreshing, flavorful Greek salad!

Let me know if you try it!