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Making a Greek Salad with Lettuce?

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cubrinj

Active member
Most people think that horiatiki doesn't have lettuce, but depending on the region, do you know that I have seem them with lettuce? I get the feeling that what we outside of Greece think of as horiatiki isn't white it. When I go to Greece in the height of summer, it doesn't have lettuce. When I go outside of that, it might have lettuce. What is actually going on here?

That being said, I often see a "Green Salad" on menus. And a variation of cabbage salad, similar to the kind I make at home, but at home I only use cabbage and in Greece I see it with other ingredients like shaved carrots. I have even seen Greek cabbage salad served on a bed of lettuce! What is actually going on here? What is the real story with lettuce usage in Greece?
 
You’re not imagining things, what you’re describing actually reflects how food works in Greece versus how it gets “standardized” abroad. The idea that horiatiki never has lettuce is more of a modern rule than an absolute historical one. In many regions, especially outside peak summer tomato season, tavernas may add lettuce simply because it’s available and fresh. Greece is very seasonal, and cooks use what looks good that day.

Also, horiatiki literally just means “village-style,” not a rigid recipe. So there has always been some variation depending on region, household, and time of year. What you’re seeing in summer, no lettuce, is the peak-season version most people consider ideal today.

The other salads you mentioned fit the pattern. Marouli (green salad) is lettuce-based, and lahano (cabbage salad) often includes carrots or even sits on lettuce for presentation. All these salads are made with whatever ingredients are available.
 
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