Three Easy Summer Recipes with EVOO for Health Benefits

 
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In my last post [“Why you need “liquid gold” in your life…”], I shared a little about why olive oil – or, “liquid gold” as we Greeks like to call it! – is such an important part of my life. Not only is olive oil a special part of my heritage and background, but it is very much part of my present and my future. 

I have a love and passion for health – mind, body, and soul – which is something that I believe connects all of us and brings us together, no matter where we are from or who we are. I believe that olive oil is a life-force that can boost health for everyone.

Today, I wanted to share three of my favorite easy summer recipes using olive oil.  The health benefits of EVOO are truly extraordinary: supplying your body with antioxidants that fight free radicals and slow down aging, providing the "good" types of fats which reduce inflammation, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and potentially lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes. Not to mention, it is delicious and adds depth and spirit to any meal :)

But before you get cooking, be sure to check your olive oil!  An estimated 80 percent of olive oil is fraudulent – meaning that it is poor quality and often passed off as EVOO or Italian, when it’s often neither!  For optimal taste and health benefits, be sure to use oil that is fresh and authentic. 

If you’re not sure where to start, I am still offering FREE SHIPPING (within the US) for my Limited-Edition Olive Oil with Global Gardens, using the code: KRYSTLAN. [CLICK TO PURCHASE WISE LIFE]

Enjoy!

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EVOO-Drizzled Grilled Peaches 

Nothing says summertime like grilled fruit. This is one of my go-to recipes when hosting friends or family – minimal ingredients, quick prep, and easy instructions that just taste amazing - making it a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

  • Ripe peaches (if you buy them too early, place in brown bag to ripen)

  • EVOO

  • Balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  1. Slice peaches in half and remove pit.

  2. Lightly cover peaches with EVOO. When it doubt, more is better :) 

  3. Place directly on grill and grill until soft all the way through. You’ll see the grate marks on the peaches and will be able to tell they are ready if your fork easily pokes through the peach. (pro tip, don’t move them around once you place them on the grill so you get the lines on the peaches :) )

  4. Remove from grill and serve with a drizzle of fresh balsamic vinegar.

  5. Enjoy! And I promise, you’ll be the hit of the party ;)

 

 
Greek Country Salad

Greek Country Salad (Gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian)

My personal favorite salad, and one my family literally fights over to this day! (the left-over juice at the end is sooo yummy to dip your bread into!). This recipe serves four -- and can be whipped together in under five minutes!


Ingredients:

  • 4 large tomatoes, cut into chunks (we de-skin them). 

  • 1 medium cucumber, cut into ½ inch rounds, then halved

  • 1 green pepper, cut into chunks 

  • ½ medium purple onion, thinly sliced into large half rings 

  • 6 oz feta, crumbled with fingers – but leave them in big chunks

  • 20 Kalamata olives, pitted 

  • 3 tsp dried Greek oregano 

  • 12 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (I just circle the mixing bowl a few times with the olive oil ;) 

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt 

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 

Steps:

  1. Place the tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper and onion in a large bowl and mix. 

  2. Add the olives. 

  3. In a small bowl, mix the oregano, salt and pepper and sprinkle on the top. 

  4. Place the feta throughout the dish. 

  5. Serve with crusty bread (so you can soak up the juicy goodness at the bottom ;) 

 


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Salad Dressing for any Fresh Salad

I love simplicity and allowing the natural flavors of the fresh organic ingredients to come out in my cooking. My go to salad dressing has only 3 ingredients. Fresh lemon, the highest quality olive oil I can find, and a pinch of sea salt.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh organic lemon wedges

  • Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • Pinch of sea salt

Steps:

  1.  Make your salad with fresh organic (when you are able) veggies 

  2. Divide the salad equally among bowls

  3. Drizzle fresh squeezed lemon juice on top of each salad 

  4. Drizzle organic extra virgin olive oil on top of each salad 

  5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top

  6. Enjoy!

 
 
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Krystal Annlifestyle