Authentic Greek Salad

In Greek: χωριάτικη σαλάτα

On the menu in every Greek restaurant and many non-Greek restaurants as well, this salad has many individual variations, but here are the basics to work from. This is the traditional version that does not include lettuce.

Note: Many cooks peel the tomatoes if the skins are tough; it's a personal call.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large, ripe, tomatoes
• 1 large red onion
• 1 cucumber
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1/4 pound (113.5g) of Greek feta cheese, sliced
• dried Greek oregano (rigani)
• sea salt
• top quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 dozen Greek olives (Kalamata)
• pickled pepperoncini hot peppers (garnish)

Greek Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts

In Greek: γιαούρτι με μέλι,

In many Greek restaurants, this dessert is served compliments of the house. Both yogurt and honey are great for the digestive system, and the combined tastes are delicious. It's worth the effort to find the original thick Greek yogurt available at Greek and ethnic markets, or make your own thick yogurt using regular, low fat or nonfat regular brands.

Because yogurt is such a popular breakfast dish around the world, try this as an early morning starter as well!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 - 3/4 cup of strained Greek yogurt per serving
1-2 teaspoons of Greek thyme honey per serving
crushed walnuts