Greek Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a way of life, a way of a healthy life, you can ask the greeks to validate this. There is no one day when the greeks don’t eat greek salad during the summers and monsoon. The interesting story of greek salad also makes it one of the famous salads across the globe as the story goes, in the 1960s when the tourism boom happened, the restaurateurs found a way to circumvent government-set prices on simple salads with tomato, cucumber, onion, and peppers by adding a slab of feta on top, which allowed them to charge tourists as much as they wanted for a salad. So, while Vegetables used in that salad was not a product of a specific region’s cuisine, its perfect combination of summer ingredients soon made it a household staple and it became famous as horiatiki salad and later was known as Greek Salad
One of the most asked questions about Greek salad is when to eat it and how to eat it?
It can be eaten any time, depending upon your health goals, to simplify this concept, we have categorized it into 3 different categories.
Appetizer— light, smaller-portion of Greek salads served as the first course of the meal.
Side salads— Greek Salad can accompany any main course as a side dish.
Main course salads— Mix it with high-protein foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, or cheese, and enjoy a high protein salad
Another question frequently asked about Greek salad is, how do we embed Greek Salad in our lifestyle? It is so boring and tastes bland.
Well, when life gives you lemons, squeeze it to make lemon juice-who said Greek salad has to be boring? The secret is with the king of herbs- The oregano
GREEK SALAD
Ingredients
1 head of Romaine Lettuce leaves, washed and torn
2 cups of tomatoes (diced cherry tomatoes or sliced red and yellow heirloom tomatoes)
1 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/2 red onion thinly sliced into thin half-moons
1 cucumber sliced into half-moons or diced into 1/2 inch cubes (try Persian or yellow cucumbers for a variation)
Dressing
1/2 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice or light sherry, white wine or champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons Naturesmith Oregano Premium
1 large or 2 small cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation:-
Tear the lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces omitting the ribs of the romaine lettuce leaves
Toss all of the salad ingredients together in a large bowl
Process the salad dressing in a blender and pour over the salad
Add two tablespoons of naturesmith oregano premium and toss it again.
Your healthy and delicious greek salad is ready.
Additions/Variations as per specific health goal
1/2 cup crumbled sheep or goat’s milk feta cheese can be used as a topping
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
1/4- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
For vegetarian protein add 2 cups of cooked chickpeas, lentils, or fava beans
Or for animal protein add grilled chicken breast, grilled salmon, scallops, or shrimp
Why do we say it’s an Oregano and Greek Salad is a match made in heaven?
Oregano also originated in the mountains of Greece and so greek salad and oregano share a long history together and since then this aromatic herb has long been a hallmark of cooking across the Mediterranean region. there’s no denying that oregano instantly improves any savory creation and the same it does to your greek salad, oregano will enhance the taste of your greek salad and will make sure you enjoy every bite of it.
Benefits:-
Greek Salad is packed with vitamins and minerals that are proven to help maintain a healthy body and mind. Greek salad is low-calorie and nutrient-dense, also providing you with a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron. It also contains phytonutrients and antioxidants, which reduce the risk of health problems such as heart disease and cancer.
Nature smith oregano- Nature smith Oregano’s health benefits include reducing infections, preventing damage to cells by free radicals, treatment of common cold, treating menstrual cramps, preventing cancer, relieving inflammation, and killing intestinal parasites. Other benefits include combating bacteria, supporting heart health, supporting the body with nutrients, supporting weight loss, and improving digestion.
