Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greece with our traditional Greek salad. Bursting with freshness, this classic dish features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and zesty red onions, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of lemon juice. Each bite is a symphony of Mediterranean goodness, transporting you to sun-kissed shores and picturesque villages. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or a satisfying main course, our Greek salad is sure to tantalize your taste buds and evoke the essence of Greece on your plate. Buon appetito!

Here's a recipe for a classic Greek Salad:

Ingredients:

• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 green bell pepper, sliced

Instructions:

1- In a large salad bowl, combine the tomato chunks, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. If using, add the sliced green bell pepper as well.

2- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

3- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.

4- Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

5- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or oregano to suit your preference.

6- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this authentic Greek salad, perfect for a taste of the Mediterranean!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a rough estimate of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Greek salad recipe:

Tomatoes (3 medium):

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers.
• Good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart health.

Cucumber (1 medium):

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High water content helps keep you hydrated.
• Low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great addition to weight-loss diets.
• Provides vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.

Red onion (1/2 medium):

• Calories: 22
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Contains flavonoids and sulfur compounds with antioxidant properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Provides fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

Kalamata olives (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Contains iron, important for oxygen transport in the body.

Feta cheese (200g):

• Calories: 396
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.
• Provides protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues.
• Contains probiotics that support gut health and digestion.

Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• High in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and may reduce inflammation.
• Rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative damage.
• May improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and stroke.

Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains acetic acid, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• May have antimicrobial properties that help fight off harmful bacteria.
• Provides antioxidants that support overall health.

Dried oregano (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and thymol, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
• May have antimicrobial properties and help boost immune function.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as brand, ripeness of ingredients, and serving sizes. Always refer to the nutritional information on specific product packaging for the most accurate values.