Experience a refreshing burst of Mediterranean flavor with this nutrient-dense Greek Salad. Packed with crisp, insulin-friendly vegetables and tossed in a vibrant, heart-healthy lemon vinaigrette, it is the ultimate clean-eating staple for weight management and cellular vitality.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved (Lycopene-rich)
- 1 English cucumber, chopped (Hydrating)
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (Antioxidant-dense)
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
*Expert Tip: Cold-pressed oils maintain polyphenols essential for fighting systemic inflammation.
*Expert Tip: Olives are a powerhouse of healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Instructions
- Emulsify the Dressing: In a medium glass bowl or mason jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Prepare the Base: Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures a balanced flavor profile in every forkful.
- Assemble: Combine the vegetables, kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Incorporate & Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss to coat the ingredients without breaking the feta. Garnish with extra cracked pepper if desired.
Professional Notes
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, the chopped vegetables (without dressing) can be stored in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. Store the dressing separately at room temperature or in the fridge.
Due to the high water content of the cucumbers and tomatoes, freezing is not recommended as it will compromise the crisp texture of the vegetables.
Adding a protein source like grilled chicken or chickpeas makes this a complete meal. The healthy fats in the dressing are critical for absorbing the Vitamin K found in the cucumber and bell peppers.