Greek Salad

Here is my signature Greek salad recipe, based on the most delicious Greek salad I've ever had. It was served to us in Santorini, Greece, and I am hoping that I will get a chance to go back one day, if only to taste this little piece of heaven again. My recipe is close, but it can't compare to a Greek salad made in Greece, using fresh Greek ingredients. This serves 4 people, albeit large portions.

Greek Salad

Ingredients

4 medium tomatoes (I used vine-ripened)

1 large green pepper

1 medium English cucumber

1 small red onion

lots of feta cheese, cut into large blocks or strips, not crumbled

1 tbsp Greek spice mix (see below for recipe)

20-24 fresh kalamata olives

1-2 tbsp capers

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

Cut the first four ingredients into bite-size pieces. Be careful not to cut them too small. You want a chunky salad with lots of texture and colour. Combine in a large bowl.

Place blocks or strips of feta cheese in a pattern on top of the vegetables, then sprinkle all with the spice mix. Sprinkle the olives and capers on top to finish the look.

Allow individuals to scoop their own salad and then drizzle with as much olive oil and vinegar as each prefers.

Warning: this salad looks appetizing, and is fresh and delicious. It may tempt you to take plenty and you will want to eat a lot of it. But be careful! It is very filling. Start with a smaller portion and see how you feel before loading up your plate. Trust me.