Traditional Greek Salad

Traveling to Greece has some of my favorite memories and experiences. I was obsessed with the fresh fruits and vegetables - especially the tomatoes. Not to mention the best olive oil I think in the world..sorry Italy! The couple of times I have been there - and to a lot of the different islands - one thing remained constant and that was the "Greek Salad". Here is my best re-creation of it. It's all about buying the best-fresh-in-season ingredients. It may seem odd there is no vinegar in this recipe - but trust me, you don't miss it. Some places did add a splash of red wine vinegar but I don't even bother!

Ingredients: serves 4 salads

- On the vine tomatoes or the most fresh you see at the store

- 1 large English cucumber

- 1 white onion

- 1 square chunk Greek Feta

- Dried Oregano

- Greek Olive oil if you can find it

- Salt and Pepper

- Red pepper flakes

- Olives if you like them (we omit them)

Directions:

1. Cut the tomatoes into large chunks.

2. Cut the cumber in half lengthwise - then remove the seeds with a spoon. I do not peel the cucumber. Then chop into large chunks.

3. Thinly slice the onion.

4. Take the square chunk of feta out of the package - and carefully cut a thin slice of the square. Typically you can get 4 even slices from one chunk. This is how it was served in Greece - its beautiful and dramatic and I recommend doing this part.

5. Combine veggies in a bowl and add olive oil, salt, pepper and pinch of oregano to taste. Stir until all lightly coated.

6. Grab a plate/bowl - and add the veggies then lay the slice of feta on top. Add oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes to the top of the cheese then drizzle more olive oil to finish.

Enjoy this wonderful light-fresh salad! Serve to guests to impress!

xoxo Chef Em