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Greek salad, or Horiatiki, is a rustic and vibrant salad from the Greek countryside, traditionally made without lettuce. Its core ingredients are chunky tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers, topped with a slab of feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a simple dressing of olive oil and oregano. It's a staple of Greek cuisine, celebrated for its fresh, simple flavors.
This salad is generally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats from the generous use of olive oil and feta cheese, while also providing a good amount of protein from the feta. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly from the tomatoes and peppers, with a typical serving containing roughly 200-300 calories.
A truly authentic Horiatiki is never made with lettuce; the combination of chunky vegetables, feta, and olive oil is meant to be a hearty dish on its own. The use of a whole block of feta on top, rather than crumbled, is a signature presentation that allows diners to break off pieces as they eat, making it a communal and interactive experience.