greek salad recipe

If you are looking for something delectable but healthy and fitness-friendly, go for the Greek salad definitely! Greek salad is a delicious summer dish that originated in Greece.

It is also called 'summer salad' in some countries but natives call it horiatiki salata, 'country salad,' or 'village salad,' which main ingredients include succulent tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell pepper or yellow bell pepper, cubed feta cheese, red onion, and Kalamata olives, with salt, dried oregano, and olive oil seasonings. Some though include vinegar, berries of capers, lemon juice, and parsley to add taste.

Greek salad is also a favorite in countries like Australia, North America, United Kingdom, and South Africa. In Germany, it is known as Bauernsalat; in Hungary, it is called görög saláta; in France it is called salade à la Grecque, and in Spain it is known as ensalada Griega.

Each has its own Greek salad twist but no matter how you call it, Greek salad will always be prepared in the same way. You can enjoy it as your main meal with bread or as a side dish. Yummy!

How to Prepare;

To prepare the Greek salad, you will need the following:

• Lemon juice - 1 1/2 tablespoons (optional)
• Dried oregano - 1/2 tsp
• Sea salt - 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Clove garlic - 1 piece, minced
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Tomatoes cut into wedges
• Onion rings
• Cucumber cut into thick halves
• Sweet yellow pepper, in chunks
• Basil leaves (optional)
• Green bell pepper, julienned
• Feta cheese - about 120 grams, cubed
• Kalamata olives

First, you mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano. Next, you mix all the vegetables in one bowl and add the dressing. Serve with black pepper to complete.

Health Benefits;

While some people love to add lettuce in their Greek salad recipe, fitness buffs omit it because it does not have that much nutritional value. Aside from the fact that it is a delicious addition to any protein-rich dish, the salad itself is a healthy dish.

For one, olive oil is has bacteria-fighting agent that helps ward off many kinds of diseases. It is also a popular antioxidant that aids in eliminating free radical and protecting the vitamin E content. This is the reason Greek Salad is one of the healthiest Mediterranean diet that every health-conscious individual should whip.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cem_Berkoz