Greek salad is a classic Mediterranean dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. You can make it with fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, and olives. The vegetables are tossed with a simple dressing made with olive oil, oregano, and balsamic vinegar. You must add feta cheese to the salad for added flavor and texture.
Greek salad is our favorite choice for a light lunch or dinner during warmer months. We love serving it as a side with grilled shrimp or fish. We make a lot of it because the salad is easy to make and customizable to your liking. For example, add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or artichoke hearts. You can also use other herbs like basil or mint.
Importance of fruits and vegetables:
Fruits and Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. They are low in fat, calories and a good source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of chronic diseases, help you maintain a healthy weight, and improve your overall health.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest that adults eat 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily. This can be challenging, but there are many ways to make it easier.
- Add fruit or vegetables to every meal. For example, add vegetables to sandwiches, wraps, or pasta dishes.
- Snack on vegetables and fruits throughout the day, which will help satisfy your hunger without consuming many calories.
- Pick vegetables and fruits that are in season. This will help you save money and get the freshest produce.
- Prepare vegetables in a variety of ways. For example, you can eat raw, cooked, juiced, or blended vegetables.
- Make a delicious salad with fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of nutrition.
Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits is one of the most incredible health benefits. So make sure to include them in your diet every day.
Here is a recipe for a classic Greek salad:
Ingredients:
- Cucumber, peeled and diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Green bell pepper, diced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Pitted Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Roasted chickpeas (see VIDEO below for recipe)
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
- Balsamic Vinegar
Instructions:
- Combine the bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted chickpeas, olives, and onion in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle oregano, drizzle olive oil, and balsamic vinegar over the salad, and toss (add more balsamic vinegar if needed).
- Add the feta cheese on top and more oregano.
- Serve immediately.
Here are some tips for making Greek salad:
- Use fresh vegetables. The salad will taste even better with the freshest ingredients, like fresh vegetables.
- Don’t overdress the salad. A little dressing goes a long way.
- Add your favorite herbs. Oregano, basil, and mint are all popular choices.
- Serve the salad immediately. The vegetables will start to wilt if the salad sits for too long.
- This is optional, but adding roasted chickpeas can add a crunch to the salad and is great for added protein.
Greek salad is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for any day as a meal or side dish. You can make simple salad recipes in minutes. And you can always customize your salad to your liking.
Tell me, what’s your family’s favorite salad during the warmer days? Leave me a comment below!
Check out these other yummy recipes:
- The Best Shrimp Adobo with Coconut Milk
- The Best and Crispy Air-Fried Cod Wraps
- The Best Shrimp and Smoky Pepper Biscuits
- The Best Meatless Sausage Muffins: Your Ultimate Meal Prep Solution
- The Best Shrimp Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Shells
Find my buttery roasted chickpea recipe below:
Easy Greek Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Green bell pepper, sliced (chunks, you can diced them to your liking)
- 20` pieces Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 Red onion, sliced
- 1 Cucumber (cut in circles, then halved)
- 1/4 cup Pitted Kalamata olives (whole and some halved)
- 1/2 cup Roasted chickpeas (see video for recipe)
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1-2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (use 1 tbsp first, tasted then add another 1 tbsp if needed)
Instructions
- Combine the bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted chickpeas, olives, and onion in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle oregano, drizzle olive oil, and balsamic vinegar over the salad, and toss (start with 1 tbsp taste and add more balsamic vinegar if needed).
- Garnish with feta cheese, and a little bit more of oregano.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
