Choriátiki saláta - Greek Salad

Greek Salad, also known as Choriátiki saláta in Greek cuisine, is a dish that has stood the test of time and become popular worldwide. If you've ever tasted authentic Greek cuisine, then you know that no meal would be complete without indulging in an iconic serving of Greek Salad.

The term "Choriatiki" refers to its village roots; it's a timeless classic recipe adored by people across nations and borders alike. This delectable salad offers a perfectly balanced combination of juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers along with creamy chunks of feta cheese from Greece itself! A sprinkle of savory oregano completes this delightful gastronomic experience - dressed entirely with extra virgin olive oil for added depth and flavor. In essence, what makes this particular salad so special isn't just because it tastes divine but rather due to how effortlessly simple.

Origin of the Greek Salad

The currently known version of the salad has been around for a short time. The Greek Salad or Choriátiki saláta has a relatively shorter history compared to other traditional Greek dishes.

At the end of the 19th century, Greeks were recovering from their recent hardships of war. Their main meals consisted of vegetables such as cucumber, olives, onion, and tomato with bread and occasionally cheese. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that the Greek Salad we know and love today came about when tourists began visiting Greece to soak up it. Word on the street is that back in the 60s, some restaurant folks in Plaka (a touristy part of Athens) whipped up this famous salad to get around a tax on selling salads. See, the Greek government had put a limit on how much essential stuff could be sold based on all kinds of factors like purchase price and sales area.

As the popularity of salad began to surge among tourists, restaurateurs sought ways to elevate their offerings and stand out from competitors. They astutely introduced feta cheese as a non-essential yet flavorful addition that not only enhanced the overall taste but also allowed them greater pricing flexibility. This savvy move marked a turning point in the evolution of salads as we know them today - now replete with tantalizing ingredients and culinary creativity galore!