LunchEasyGluten-Free

Greek Salad

Crisp cucumber, vine-ripened tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and tangy feta tossed with oregano-lemon dressing. A Mediterranean staple for stable IBD periods.

Greek Salad
Total Time
15m
Servings
4
Calories
185
Fiber
3g
Protein
5g
Carbs
10g
Fat
15g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
Remission

Watch Out For

red onionsevere

High in fructans - one of the most common IBD/IBS triggers

Tip: Omit entirely or substitute with green scallion tops only (1-2 tbsp)

tomatoesmild

Nightshade vegetable - some report increased inflammation; acidity may irritate

Tip: Reduce to 1 medium tomato or substitute with roasted red bell pepper

feta cheesemild

Contains 0.5-1.5g lactose per 100g - low but not zero

Tip: Use lactose-free feta or omit; nutritional yeast adds savory depth

raw vegetablesmoderate

Raw vegetables require more digestive work than cooked

Tip: This is a remission recipe - wait until raw vegetables are tolerated

cucumber skinsmild

Insoluble fiber in skins can be harder to digest

Tip: Peel cucumbers completely

Ingredients

    Salad

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • High FODMAP
  • Dressing

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Combine the chopped romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, sliced cucumber, and Kalamata olives in a large mixing bowl. Add red onion if using.

    Equipment: large mixing bowl
  2. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.

    Equipment: small bowl, whisk
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

    Tip: Use clean hands or salad tongs - gentle tossing prevents bruising
  4. Transfer to serving plates or bowls and top with crumbled feta cheese.

  5. Serve immediately while vegetables are crisp and fresh.

Notes

Storage

Best served fresh. Store undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Only dress what you plan to eat immediately - dressed salad wilts quickly.

Skip the onion

Red onion is high-FODMAP and commonly triggers symptoms. Omit entirely or substitute with the green parts of scallions only (1-2 tablespoons). The salad remains delicious without it.

Peel the cucumber

Cucumber skins contain insoluble fiber that some find harder to digest. Peel completely if you have strictures, are recovering from a flare, or simply find skins bothersome.

Feta alternatives

For dairy-free needs, omit feta or use lactose-free feta. Nutritional yeast (2 tbsp) provides savory depth without dairy. Add extra olives to compensate for lost salt and fat.

Add protein

Top with 4-6 oz grilled chicken breast, baked white fish, or canned tuna (in water) for a complete meal with 25-30g protein total.

Quality feta

Authentic Greek feta (sheep's or goat's milk) has lower lactose and better flavor than cow's milk versions. Look for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) on the label.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches