Authentic Greek Xoriatiki Salad with Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a Unique Australian Twist

Greek cuisine is famous for its fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create bold flavors. One of the most iconic dishes is the Xoriatiki salad, also known as the Greek village salad. This salad captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet with its vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients. Using Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil elevates this classic dish, adding a rich, fruity depth that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly.

In this post, you will learn how to make an authentic Greek Xoriatiki salad step-by-step. Then, we will explore a creative variation that blends Australian flavors, making this traditional dish even more exciting and suitable for local tastes.

Authentic Greek Xoriatiki salad with Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil

What Makes a Xoriatiki Salad Authentic?

The Greek Xoriatiki salad is simple but requires quality ingredients to shine. It traditionally includes:

• Ripe tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, cut into wedges.

• Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, sliced thickly.

• Green bell peppers: Thinly sliced for a mild crunch.

• Red onions: Thin rings add a slight sharpness.

• Kalamata olives: Briny and rich, essential for authentic flavor.

• Feta cheese: A large slab or thick cubes, not crumbled.

• Dried oregano: Sprinkled over the top for aroma.

• Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The finishing touch that brings all flavors together.

• Red wine vinegar: A splash to balance the oil’s richness.

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.

  
  

The salad is usually served without lettuce, focusing on the freshness and texture of the core ingredients.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Authentic Greek Xoriatiki Salad

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into thick half-moons

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

• 200g block of feta cheese

• 2 tablespoons dried oregano

• 4 tablespoons Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables

   Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Cut tomatoes into wedges, slice cucumber and bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.

   
   

2. Assemble the salad

   In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.

   
   

1. Add the feta cheese

   Place the block of feta cheese on top of the salad. Do not crumble it; the texture is part of the experience.

   
   

2. Season the salad

   Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the salad and feta.

   
   

1. Dress the salad

   Drizzle Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil generously over the salad, followed by red wine vinegar.

   
   

2. Final touches

   Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently if you prefer, or serve as is to preserve the layers.

   
   

1. Serve immediately

   Xoriatiki salad is best enjoyed fresh, ideally with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats or seafood.

   
   

Why Use Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a premium product made from carefully selected olives. Its fruity aroma and balanced bitterness enhance the salad’s natural flavors without overpowering them. The oil’s freshness and quality make a noticeable difference, turning a simple salad into a gourmet experience.

Adding an Australian Twist to Xoriatiki Salad

Australian cuisine embraces multicultural influences and fresh local produce. To create a version of Xoriatiki salad that fits Australian tastes, consider these adjustments:

• Add avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and pairs well with the crisp vegetables.

• Use cherry tomatoes: Smaller, sweeter tomatoes common in Australian markets.

• Include fresh herbs: Add chopped mint or parsley for a fresh, aromatic lift.

• Swap Kalamata olives for local olives: Australian-grown olives can offer a milder flavor.

• Add grilled prawns or smoked salmon: For a protein boost reflecting Australia’s love for seafood.

• Use lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, zesty note popular in Australian salads.

  
  

Australian Xoriatiki Salad Recipe Variation

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 large cucumber, sliced

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup Australian olives, pitted

• 150g feta cheese, sliced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or parsley

• 4 tablespoons Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 150g grilled prawns or smoked salmon

  
  

Instructions

1. Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, bell pepper, red onion, and olives in a bowl.

2. Add fresh herbs and toss gently.

3. Top with sliced feta cheese.

4. Drizzle with Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil and lemon juice.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Add grilled prawns or smoked salmon if desired.

7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

   
   

This variation keeps the spirit of the original salad but introduces flavors and ingredients that resonate with Australian palates.

Tips for the Best Xoriatiki Salad Experience

• Use the freshest vegetables you can find. The salad depends on their quality.

• Do not over-dress the salad. The olive oil and vinegar should enhance, not drown, the ingredients.

• Serve the salad immediately after dressing to keep the vegetables crisp.

• Pair with traditional Greek bread or Australian sourdough for a satisfying meal.

• Experiment with local herbs and proteins to make the salad your own.

  
  

Bringing Mediterranean Flavors to Your Table

Making an authentic Greek Xoriatiki salad is a simple way to enjoy healthy, fresh Mediterranean flavors at home. Using Ermina Extra Virgin Olive Oil ensures you get the best taste and nutritional benefits from the olive oil. The Australian twist adds a new dimension, making this salad versatile and appealing to a wider audience.

Try both versions and discover how a few changes can transform a classic dish into something new and exciting. Whether you stick to tradition or explore local flavors, this salad is a delicious way to celebrate fresh ingredients and good food.