Horta (Greek greens with olive oil and lemon)
Nutrition per serving
A very simple Greek dish: greens (chard, spinach, dandelion) boiled and then dressed with olive oil and lemon. Detoxifying, light and full of minerals, it is the classic Greek healthy side dish.
Prep: 10 min | Cooking: 12 min | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Very easy
Calculated per serving from the Anses Ciqual 2025 values for each ingredient, based on the quantities in the list. Household measures (spoonfuls, pieces) use average weights. 160 kcal · 2 g protein · 3 g carbohydrate · 14 g fat
Ingredients
Method
- Wash the greens thoroughly.
- Boil them for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Season generously with olive oil, lemon juice and salt.
Nutritional benefits
Greens (chard, spinach, dandelion) are very low in calories but rich in iron, folate, calcium and antioxidants. Simply boiled and dressed with olive oil and lemon (which helps the body absorb iron), they make a detox side dish that is emblematic of the Cretan diet. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Variations and substitutions
- With beetroot or radish tops (zero waste).
- With rocket or mustard greens.
- With a poached egg for a complete dish.
- As a side with grilled fish.
Storage and making ahead
Keep for 3 days in the fridge; enjoy warm or cold.
💡 Good to know
Dress generously with olive oil and lemon: the simplicity of the dressing is what makes horta.
Related reading
Discover more vegetarian recipes · vegan recipes · weight-loss recipes · gluten-free recipes · dairy-free recipes.
Ingredients in this recipe: chard · spinach · dandelion greens · olive oil · lemons.
You might also like these recipes: Homemade ratatouille · Baba ganoush (aubergine caviar) · Tomato and cucumber gazpacho.
