Greek Goodness Salad
Some days I just crave the spicy, tangy, and creamy blend of flavors found in Greek food. I’m sure that in the past, I would have run to the nearest gyro chain and rewarded myself with an over processed, over salted, fat and sugar laden handheld pocket of high cholesterol deliciousness. But these days, I’ve found a healthier, fresher, and tastier, alternative.
Welcome Greek Goodness Salad:
Greek Salad Ingredients
A traditional Greek salad consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. I’ve seen them served with the common “oil and vinegar” dressings. This classic combination is delicious, but could use a few tweaks to give our bodies optimal nourishment and health.
I’ve removed the cheese and oils to allow the light, fresh, crisp flavors of the veggies to shine on your palate. This also gives your body a break from having to process the animal hormones from the cheese and all the fat in the oil.
This salad is packed with so much flavor! I like to toss the greens in my Shallot Vinegarette. Drop on a dollop of some no oil hummus and you have a filling healthy meal packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. If you are feeding a crowd, serve this alongside Lora’s Lasagna and you will have an impressive spread! But as I’ve said…. this is a stand alone meal for a quick weeknight or any day lunch. Give it a try!
Greek Goodness Salad
Ingredients
For The Salad
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 4 cups chopped kale (hard stems removed)
- 1 cucumber cubed
- 8 cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 avocado cubed
- ½ orange, red, or yellow pepper thinly sliced
- 1 can butterbeans rinsed and drained save liquid for dressing
- ¾ cup kalamata olives halved
- ¾ cup no-oil hummus
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup raspberry balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup minced shallots
- 1 Tbs dijon mustard
- 1 Tbs pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup butter bean aquafaba*
Instructions
- Make the dressing. In a blender, blend all ingredients until smooth...about 1 minute. Toss with romaine lettuce and kale until evenly coated.
- On a large platter, arrange the dressed lettuce, cubed cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, peppers, and olives in rows. Place butterbeans around perimeter of salad. Add a dollop of no oil hummus and garnish with fresh basil sprigs.
Notes
