If you made a New Year’s resolution this year, U.S. Government statistics tell us that you most likely pledged to lose weight, get fit, eat healthy, or some combination of the three. But those of you who love to cook know that it can be difficult to create delicious, gourmet food that is also healthy.

All of the most popular American cookbooks are loaded with recipes that are teeming with sugar, saturated in butter, and slathered in oil. Any culinary expert will tell you, however, that the quality of food is not determined by the quantity of sugar, butter and oil, but rather by the quality and freshness of the ingredients used. The freshest fruits, vegetables, herbs, and cuts of meat are always the most flavorful. Whenever possible, try to use produce within one or two days of your purchase. If you wait longer, frozen fruits and vegetables will not only be more bland in taste, but will also contain fewer nutrients.

Here is a quick, easy, and mouthwateringly delicious recipe that exemplifies how important it is to use fresh ingredients. And the best part? You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to do it!

Ten-minute Greek Salad

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. You’ll need:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, roughly chopped
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 5 ounces of black olives
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 15 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 large brick of feta cheese
• 6 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• A few pinches of ground black pepper

1) In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, onion, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumber.

2) Crumble the feta cheese over the salad by hand.

3) Combine the olive oil, oregano, lemon juice and pepper in a small cup and whisk with a fork.

4) Pour dressing over salad, toss by hand, and serve.