Maroulosalata (Μαρουλοσαλάτα - Greek Lettuce & Dill Salad)

This refreshingly simple Greek lettuce and dill salad, though less known outside of Greece than its counterpart with cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta, deserves a place on everyone’s table as often as possible. I first encountered it at an unassuming Greek restaurant in Astoria, Queens, a NYC neighborhood boasting one of the largest Greek communities outside of Greece. There, crisp romaine lettuce ribbons, chilled in an ice bath, were tossed with generous amounts of dill and scallions, and dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar (many purists insist on extra virgin olive oil and white vinegar alone). The maroulosalata technique, with its emphasis on freshness and simplicity, can be applied to almost any salad green, yielding deceptively delicious results. It may not look like much at first glance, but this salad is truly addicting - you'll find yourself going back for more than you expected! While feta cheese is a somewhat polarizing addition, I personally love the salty, creamy dimension it brings.