Cypriot Village Salad

Cypriot Village Salad Recipe - Authentic Taste of Cyprus

Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cypriot Village Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy feta cheese, making it a delicious and healthy option for any meal.

History

Cypriot Village Salad, also known as "Choriatiki" in Cyprus, is a traditional salad that has been enjoyed for generations in the Mediterranean region. This salad is a staple in Cypriot cuisine and is often served as part of a mezze spread or as a side dish with grilled meats.

Ingredients

1 cucumber, cut in half lengthwise then cut into 0.25 inch-thick slices
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 ripe tomatoes, cut into bite-size chunks
3 green onions, thinly sliced
4 tbsp chopped fresh dill
4 tbsp chopped cilantro
4 tbsp chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp capers in brine
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, or to taste
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
0.5 lemon, juiced, or to taste
6 oz (170 g) Greek feta or Bulgarian feta cheese, cut into chunks
0.5 cup Mediterranean olives
1 bunch rocket or other greens like watercress
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, garlic, tomatoes, green onions, dill, cilantro, mint, and capers. Drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Right before serving, add the feta, rocket, salt, and pepper.

Variations

Add some chopped red onion for extra flavor and crunch.
Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or halloumi for a different twist.
Add some chopped avocado for a creamy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor in this salad.

- Marinating the salad in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more intense taste.

- Adjust the amount of olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Cypriot Village Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a mezze platter. It is also delicious on its own as a light lunch or snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Cypriot Village Salad is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to allow the salad to marinate before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a more intense taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients for this salad, feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand. You can use different herbs, vegetables, or cheeses to customize the salad to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, making the salad even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cypriot Village Salad in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also serve the salad in individual bowls or plates for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a mezze platter with other Mediterranean dishes. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cypriot Village Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to stir the salad before serving to redistribute the flavors. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cypriot Village Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for a meal or snack.

Carbohydrates

This salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Fats

The main source of fat in this salad comes from the olive oil and feta cheese. These healthy fats are essential for a balanced diet and provide a rich and satisfying flavor to the dish.

Proteins

The feta cheese in this salad is a good source of protein, making it a filling and satisfying option for a light meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and potassium, while herbs like mint and dill provide antioxidants and other essential nutrients.

Alergens

This salad contains dairy from the feta cheese and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. The salad also contains olives, which may trigger allergies in some individuals.

Summary

Overall, Cypriot Village Salad is a healthy and nutritious option that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Cypriot Village Salad is a delicious and healthy option that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy feta cheese, this salad is a flavorful and satisfying option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Cypriot Village Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Cyprus. My grandmother, who was known in our village for her delicious cooking, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a meal for our family.

As we gathered the ingredients for the salad, I watched in awe as my grandmother effortlessly chopped the fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. She then added a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese and a handful of Kalamata olives to the mix. Finally, she drizzled the salad with a simple dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.

As I eagerly tasted the finished dish, I was amazed by the burst of flavors and textures in my mouth. The crispness of the vegetables, the creaminess of the cheese, and the tanginess of the dressing all came together in perfect harmony. I knew right then and there that this salad would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this Cypriot Village Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its simplicity and freshness. But the true magic of this recipe lies not in its ingredients, but in the memories it holds for me.

I remember my grandmother teaching me how to select the ripest tomatoes and the crispest cucumbers at the market. I remember her telling me stories of her own childhood in Cyprus, where she learned to cook from her own grandmother. I remember the laughter and love that filled our kitchen as we prepared meals together, passing down the traditions of our family from one generation to the next.

And so, whenever I make this Cypriot Village Salad, I am transported back to those moments spent with my grandmother in the kitchen. I can almost hear her voice guiding me through each step of the recipe, urging me to taste and adjust until the flavors are just right. I can feel her presence in the room, a warm and comforting presence that reminds me of the love and care she put into every dish she made.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of this salad, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. I am grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me about cooking and about life, lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today. And I am grateful for the simple joy of preparing and sharing a meal with those I love, knowing that the bonds we forge in the kitchen will last a lifetime.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, trying out a new recipe or revisiting an old favorite, remember the stories and memories that are woven into every dish. And remember that the true magic of cooking lies not just in the flavors and textures on your plate, but in the love and tradition that you bring to the table.