Kritikos Xynomizithra Salad

A Traditional Cretan Delight

Kritikos Xynomizithra Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish from Crete, Greece. Known for its unique blend of tangy and savory notes, this salad is cherished in Greek cuisine. Often enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, it represents the delicious simplicity of Cretan culinary traditions.

History of Xynomizithra Cheese

Xynomizithra cheese is a classic Greek dairy product that originated in Crete. Distinguished by its soft texture and mildly tart flavor, this cheese is a variant of Mizithra cheese. The name ‘Xyno’ signifies its characteristic sourness, which is created by a unique process of fermentation.

Ingredients for Kritikos Xynomizithra Salad

• 300g Xynomizithra cheese
• 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 200g cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red onion
• 100g Kalamata olives
• 1 tsp fresh oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 50g capers (optional)

Preparation

Begin by washing all the cherry tomatoes and the cucumber thoroughly. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and cube the cucumber. Thinly slice the red onion and set the vegetables aside. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives if necessary.

Assembling the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the prepared tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Crumble the Xynomizithra cheese over the salad mixture.

Making the Dressing

To make the dressing, whisk together the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. Add in the fresh oregano and stir until well combined.

Combining the Ingredients

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. If you're using capers, sprinkle them on top of the salad at this point. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary with more salt or pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This Xynomizithra salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine. To enhance the dining experience, consider serving it alongside grilled meats or fish. As it only takes a few minutes to prepare, it's ideal for gatherings or as an everyday meal.

Enjoying the Salad

For the best taste experience, enjoy the salad fresh, as it balances the crunchy vegetables with the creamy Xynomizithra cheese and zesty dressing. Use a cooking timer to ensure you do not leave it standing too long after preparation, keeping the ingredients fresh and flavors vivid.