Greek Villiage Salad [Horiatiki]

Well friends, I hate to break it to you, but a Greek salad doesn't have lettuce.  Don't get me wrong, I'll eat one because, quite simply, add feta and olives, which is really all anyone really does, and it's good.  But, all those Greek salads you've had?  They've been a poor imitation of the real deal.  A true Greek salad is so very simple, yet a thing of beauty.  It's truly one of my favorite dishes and served fresh from the garden it just can't be beat.  So without further ado.....

Greek Village Salad [Horiatiki]

Ingredients:

• 1-2 cucumber, you can slice but I prefer to cut into large chunks
• 1-2 ripe tomato, quartered or even into eighths
• red onion, sliced
• Feta, cut into a slab or fingers, but not crumbled
• Kalamata olives
• dried oregano
• olive oil
• red wine vinegar, if desired

Directions:

• Put cucumber and tomatoes in a shallow bowl together.
• Top with sliced onions and olives.
• Place Feta on top.
• Sprinkle liberally with oregano.
• Add a healthy drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar, if using.  (I do about 50/50 just depending on the mood I'm in.
• Salt to taste.

Notes:

• The key to this dish is using the freshest ingredients and a good quality Feta.  Costco carries Dodoni, which is delish!
• I haven't really included measurements.  Just make it how you would like.  Don't like tomatoes as much?  Then don't include as many, etc...
• Serve with a good crusty bread to mop up all the juices.

Happy Cooking!