The annual list of the world’s best salads has been published by the culinary guide Taste Atlas, and once again, a Greek salad is at the top.
For another year, Greek cuisine has earned global recognition, following its recent declaration as the best in the world for the 2024-2025 season.
Taste Atlas, which frequently shares rankings of the best dishes in various categories, has just released its list of the world's best salads. Four Greek salads made it into the top 50, with the iconic Dakos claiming the top spot, Greek Salad (Horiatiki) in second place, Wild Greens (Horta) in 28th, and Potato Salad in 40th.
In their description of Dakos, Taste Atlas writes:
"Dakos is a traditional Cretan dish made with a barley rusk, topped with crumbled mizithra cheese, chopped ripe tomatoes, whole olives, capers, fresh oregano, and generous splashes of high-quality olive oil. It is recommended to use varieties like Koroneiki or Lianes olives.
Traditionally, mizithra cheese is used instead of feta, which is commonly served in tourist restaurants. The rusk is lightly rubbed with a small piece of garlic and lightly salted."
"Greek Salad, also known as Horiatiki, is Greece's national dish and consists of chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, and thick slices of cucumber. Depending on the region, there may be olives, green peppers, feta, oregano, salt, pepper, or a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon or vinegar (optional).
When feta is included, it is usually sliced, but in some cases, it is mixed with a fork until slightly crumbled.
Its name suggests it was a rural dish, where farmers would take basic ingredients to the fields and mix them together."
About wild greens, the article says the “salad’s taste can range from mildly to strongly bitter, depending on the plant. It is popular across Greece, especially in the summer, as it is refreshing and easy to prepare.
While typically consumed on its own, it can also be served as a side dish with fish or grilled meat."
The article also focuses on Greek potato salad, describing it as “incredibly versatile,” complimenting variety of Greek dishes.
It typically consists of large chunks of potato, coated with a flavorful dressing made of olive oil, mustard, yogurt, or mayonnaise.
“The salad can easily be adapted with additions like various vegetables, boiled eggs, olives, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Lemon juice is considered an essential ingredient in every potato salad, providing the necessary freshness. Whether served warm or well-chilled, Greek potato salad pairs excellently with grilled meats."