Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Greek Salads with Lettuce?

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dpappas87

dpappas87

Active member
Horiatiki in Greece is by far the most common salad, and it really doesn't include lettuce. Note that I have seen some versions with a little lettuce in Greece, it's just not common there and lettuce is highly seasonal.

That being said, I have had delicious, lettuce - based salads in Greece before. Not all the salads out there are Horiatiki.

What kind of salads do you recommend I compose here outside of Greece that include lettuce? I am not interested in the "Americanized" Greek salad version. I want a proper Greek lettuce-based salad.
 
You’re absolutely right that not every Greek salad is horiatiki and once you step outside that template, lettuce becomes a beautiful base. A proper Greek-style lettuce salad starts simple: crisp romaine or even tender butter lettuce, dressed lightly with good olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon, and salt. From there, think in classic taverna directions—scallions instead of red onion, fresh dill or oregano, and thin cucumber slices. Kefalotyri or graviera shaved over the top is very traditional, as are olives on the side rather than mixed in.

One favorite variation I’ve had in Greece included romaine, dill, scallions, cucumber, and a light yogurt-lemon dressing bright, herbal, and nothing like the heavy Americanized versions. Another common addition is toasted barley rusks or paximadia for crunch. These kinds of salads stay true to Greek flavor principles without forcing them into the horiatiki mold.
 
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For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

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How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!
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