Steamed Vegetable Salad

Greeks eat vegetables constantly — and this is one of the easiest ways to prepare them. Steam until just tender, dress with lemon and olive oil while still warm, and you have a dish that works hot, warm, or cold.

It's meal prep that actually tastes good.

The Method

1. Steam the vegetables. Use a steamer basket over boiling water. Start checking at 5 minutes — you want them tender but still with some bite.

2. Salt while warm. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with salt immediately. Warm vegetables absorb seasoning better.

3. Dress generously. Add lemon juice or vinegar, then drizzle liberally with olive oil. Use the standard ratio: 1 part acid to 3 parts oil.

Which Vegetables Work Best

Almost anything:

• Broccoli — a Greek favorite, especially with lemon
• Cauliflower — nutty and satisfying
• Asparagus — elegant and quick-cooking
• Green beans — classic, or try the braised version
• Zucchini — slice into rounds
• Beets — peel after steaming, dress while warm

The Greek Approach

In Greece, vegetables aren't an afterthought or a side dish — they're often the main event. This simple preparation lets the vegetable's flavor shine while the olive oil adds richness and helps your body absorb the nutrients.

Make-Ahead Magic

Here's the secret: steamed and salted vegetables (without the dressing) keep in a cold fridge for up to a week.

When ready to eat:

• Add dressing just before serving
• Eat cold straight from the fridge
• Or warm gently and then dress

This makes healthy eating effortless during busy weeks.

Variations

With garlic: Add minced raw garlic to the dressing for punch.

With herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or oregano brighten things up.

With capers: A few capers add briny depth.

Warm vs. cold: Both are traditional. Warm has more robust flavor; cold is refreshing.

Serving

Serve alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or as part of a vegetable-focused meal with bread and feta. This is exactly how Greeks eat during fasting periods — simple vegetables, exceptional olive oil, crusty bread.

It's not deprivation. It's delicious.