Crave-worthy Greek Salad: The Healthiest Fast Food on the Planet
- written by Denise Snieguolė Wachter
- ⏱️ 1 Min Read
World's Healthiest Fast Food Possibility: Greek Salad Reigns Supreme - Fresh, vibrant Greek salad – potential contender for the title of the world's healthiest fast food alternative.
There's a man named Michalis Josing who just can't stop babbling about Kreta's cuisine: "Families grow their own produce, everything bursts with flavor," Josing, the owner of "Dionysos" in Hamburg, praises. He adores Cretan olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes, and a kaleidoscope of legumes.
- Dish
- Greece
- Recipe
- Olive Oil
Delectable Greek Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 oversized cucumber, cut into chunky half-moons
- 2-3 juicy tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 1 petite onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional for an added crunch)
- Kalamata olives or Cretan olives, pitted or whole
- 200g feta cheese or mizithra (for authentic Cretan flavor), cut into bite-sized pieces or crumbled
- 1-2 tbsp oregano, dried and aromatic
- Salt and pepper, freshly ground
- 4-5 tbsp extra virgin Cretan olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or tangy lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or wild Cretan greens)
Optional Additions:
- Dakos (barley rusks), soaked for a traditional Cretan base
- Chickpeas or legumes for added protein and fiber
Preparation:
- Mix the Vegetables: combine cucumber, tomato, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl, then add olives and fresh herbs if available.
- Cheese Time: top with feta cheese or mizithra.
- Dressing Must: in a small bowl, mix the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: pour the dressing over the veggies, gently tumble to evenly coat. If you prefer, lay dakos on the bottom for an authentic Cretan presentation.
- Serve: feast upon it immediately for the most vibrant flavors, or let it marinate for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld.
Health Perks:
- Cretan Olive Oil: packed with monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and polyphenols, it's good for heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Fresh Veggies: an abundant source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and general vitality.
- Feta or Mizithra Cheese: offers calcium, protein, and moderate fat content.
- Herbs and Spices: oregano, dill, and wild Cretan greens added antioxidants and nutrients.
- Optional Legumes/Dakos: bolster fiber and protein content for a heartier meal.
This tasty salad holds a treasure trove of nutrient-rich ingredients and is devoid of processed junk, making it one of the healthiest "fast food" options that exists. [2][3] (Citations)
- The vibrant ingredients in the Greek salad, such as the Cretan olive oil, fresh vegetables, and feta or mizithra cheese, align with the health-and-wellness and nutrition aspects of community policy, contributing to a healthier workforce and community.
- In adherence with the employment policy, a community restaurant could offer healthy diet options like the Greek salad made with Cretan ingredients, promoting a culture of wellness within the workforce and upholding the values of science in making nutritious food choices.