This chef has revealed her secret weapon for making an outstanding Greek salad—a must-have that often goes overlooked!
Taking us through the essentials of a classic horiatiki or “village salad” as it’s prepared in Greece, Chef Chloé Monchalin, who runs Filakia and the Grand Café d’Athènes in Paris, shared her insights during the “La Table Des Bons Vivants” show hosted by Laurent Mariotte on Europe 1. She disclosed a special tip that makes her Greek salads truly memorable: a distinctive dressing that she enjoys using across various dishes!
A great salad starts with great ingredients. Chef Monchalin opts for perfectly ripened tomatoes, which she prefers to cut into wedges rather than slices to maintain texture. When it comes to olives, she favors a specific type: “Kalamáta are the best,” she tells her listeners. The choice of olive oil is crucial too; she recommends extra-virgin for its healthier qualities and robust flavor that enhances the salad. But that’s not all. To add flavor, the chef has another secret up her sleeve: she incorporates two essential elements of Greek cuisine into the dressing. Instead of vinegar, she uses another staple of Mediterranean culinary culture: lemon! After crumbling feta cheese over the salad—carefully placed on top to prevent it from soaking up too much dressing—she drizzles the juice of half a lemon over it. Lastly, she sprinkles an herb that might not be the usual go-to for salads. It’s neither mint nor basil but oregano! “It’s pretty much mandatory in Greek cooking,” she points out to her audience. Oregano can be used fresh or dried, the latter being more readily available in stores, the chef advises. With its minty and slightly peppery notes, this herb significantly elevates the Greek salad.
Oregano is more than just another herb; it’s the secret ingredient that gives the Greek salad its distinctive flavor. Whether fresh or dried, it adds a subtle aromatic touch that enhances the dish without overpowering it. This simple detail can truly transform the eating experience. Definitely worth a try.
