

Onions add even more complexity to this dish, and greens and cucumber both add antioxidants, fiber, and a satisfying crunch. Tomatoes add tangy flavor and are rich in anti-oxidants, as are delicious Kalamata olives, which burst with bold flavor in every bite. This Greek salad recipe takes all of the healthiest elements of the Mediterranean diet and uses them to capture the epitome of the flavor of the region many of us are so enamored with. There are countless ways to prepare a salad so that it combines your favorite ingredients, and contains enough flavor and keeps your interest so that you continue to come back for more! This healthy Greek salad is our take on a classic favorite, and its unique blend of flavors is sure to make it a diet staple in your home. And the good news is that salads don’t have to be a menu item that we consume based purely on their nutritional value. These are some of the superstar foods in this delicious health-promoting diet.Learning to incorporate salad into your healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone of clean eating and menu planning for weight loss. But the area has also been a point of convergence for many different cultures this means that typical Mediterranean foods include native ingredients as well as those imported long ago from other regions. Olive trees, vineyards, and wheat have always been part of the Mediterranean region. Key healthy ingredients in Greek food and the Mediterranean diet Credit: Paasikivi /Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-SA-4.0Īs an integral part and expression of the local culture, the Mediterranean diet is mostly based on home cooking using local ingredients. Some have even linked it to preventing depression.

Minimally processed foods, which are a staple in the Greek diet, also provide prebiotic fiber, which promotes intestinal health.Īccording to several studies, the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Grains are whole or in the form of bread or pasta cooked al dente, which lowers the glycemic index.
