Tarpon Springs Greek Salad

I adapted this recipe from this Louis Pappas Famous Greek Salad. This is a salad so you can add in what you like and leave out whatever veggies you don't have on hand. The one thing you must include is the potato salad surprise hidden underneath the bed of lettuce and veggies. You can find this delicious dish being served by Greek immigrants in the Tarpon Springs area, which is just north of Tampa. The village was founded around sponge diving and is now lined with sponge shops, natural soaps, and lots of Greek restaurants.

 

Potato Salad

·        4 pounds potatoes, peeled

·        2-4 green onions, finely chopped

·        ¼ parsley, finely chopped

·        ¼ Feta cheese

·        3-4 heaping tablespoons light mayo

·        2-4 tbsp red wine vinegar

·        Salt

Boil the potatoes until soft, 20-30 min. When done, strain out the water and place into a large bowl. Mash the potatoes with a fork. Add in the green onions and parsley. Add in 2 tsp salt. Next add in 2 spoonfuls of the mayo and red wine vinegar. Add in the feta. Stir well and taste. Continue adding vinegar, mayo, and salt to your liking.

Greek Dressing

·        ½ c olive oil

·        ½ c red wine vinegar

·        ½ lemon or lime, squeezed

·        Salt and pepper

·        ½ tsp basil or oregano

Mix well before drizzling over salads.

Greek Salad (4 servings)

·        1 bunch of Romaine lettuce, in 1” slices

·        4 tomatoes, cut into wedges

·        1 cucumber, peeled and sliced

·        1 green pepper, sliced

·        1 avocado, cut into wedges

·        ½ c Feta

·        1 pound Broiled shrimp, peeled

·        Potato Salad

·        Greek Dressing

·        Toast

On 4 large plates, place a cup of potato salad in the center. Next layer the lettuce on top. Add the green pepper and cucumber. Place tomato and avocado wedges around the salad. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with feta. Finally drizzle the completed salad with greek dressing. For a heartier meal, toast bread slices in oven with parmesan cheese and diced garlic and serve on the side. Enjoy.