The Mediterranean salad is a timeless classic, originating from the sun-kissed regions of Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. This refreshing dish combines the finest ingredients of the Mediterranean, including juicy tomatoes, crispy feta, and savoury olives.
This refreshing, packed vegetable salad is excellent as a vegetarian main dish which can be served as a side dish with chicken and is also an excellent option for a potluck.
This salad bursts with flavours of the Mediterranean. The fresh lemon juice and the Kalamata olives give the salad a bold flavour. The dressing is made with healthy olive oil fresh lemon for zest and tang, and a touch of salt and pepper which highlights the fresh flavours of the vegetables and adds a nice bit of Mediterranean flair.
1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted & halved lengthwise
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup crumbled feta
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey/erythritol /monk fruit
1 cup cooked & rinsed chickpeas
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Combine greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, red onion, and red bell pepper in a large bowl.
Whisk together olive oil, dijon, lemon juice, sweetener, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Add feta and mix then serve!
Mediterranean Salad Recipe
A versatile, healthy and delicious salad bursting with flavours of the Mediterranean. Easy to prepare dish that will be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
1. Can I make this Mediterranean salad earlier of time?
Yes, you can chop and prepare all the vegetables in advance and store them in a container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it is good to add the dressing and feta just before serving to keep the crisp and stop the salad from becoming soggy.
2. Can I substitute the feta cheese with something else?
Goat cheese is the closest alternative and offers a similarly tangy, creamy flavor that complements the vegetables well. Ricotta salata or shaved Parmesan also work nicely if you prefer a milder or less crumbly cheese option.
3. How can I turn this into a more filling meal?
Adding grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even crispy shrimp on top transforms this salad into a satisfying, protein-packed main dish. The chickpeas already provide a good plant-based protein base, making it filling even without meat.
4. Can I use a different type of olive instead of Kalamata olives?
Yes, green or black olives work as easy substitutes and still add that signature briny depth to the salad. Kalamata olives are preferred for their bold, slightly smoky flavor, but any pitted olive variety will do the job.
5. Is this Mediterranean salad suitable for a vegan diet?
The salad is almost entirely plant based, with the only non-vegan ingredient being the feta cheese. Simply leave out the feta or swap it for a dairy-free alternative to make the whole dish fully vegan-friendly without sacrificing much flavor.
About Devine Dishes
A lifelong love of cooking, one delicious recipe at a time.
Welcome to Devine Dishes! I'm so glad you're here.
I'm the cook, recipe creator, and food lover behind this little corner of the internet. Born and raised in Kenya, my love for cooking started when I was very young. Even as a child, I would happily volunteer to cook for the family, leaving the dishes and laundry for my siblings. Looking back, I think I had already discovered my passion and a clever way to avoid some chores! 😜
Where My Love for Cooking Began
In high school, I chose Home Science and quickly discovered that baking was something I truly enjoyed. I went on to win awards in provincial school baking competitions for three consecutive years. Those were incredibly proud moments for me, and I loved the feeling of creating something delicious with my own hands.
But not everyone saw cooking the way I did.
I still remember the day my chemistry teacher laughed out loud in class after I received one of my baking medals. He told me I was wasting my time with cooking and that I should focus on the sciences, which would give me a better future than cookies and cakes.
It was an embarrassing moment, especially as a student who was proud of something she had worked hard to achieve. But I didn't stop cooking.
That experience stayed with me, not because it changed my passion, but because it reminded me that sometimes you have to believe in yourself even when others don't understand your dreams.
From Cooking for Family to Building a Food Business
Over the years, my love for cooking has taken me on quite a journey.
I've explored different food business ideas, from cooking and selling chapatis and mandazis to catering, meal preparation, and delivery. Each experience taught me something new about food, business, and the joy of sharing a good meal with others.
Today, I'm excited to bring that passion to food blogging.
Devine Dishes is a place where I share the recipes I love, the ones I'm learning, and the ones I can't wait for you to try. You'll find African and Kenyan favorites, comforting family meals, delicious baking recipes, and practical dishes that make cooking at home enjoyable.
My goal is simple: to help you discover recipes that are delicious, approachable, and worth making again.
More Than Just Recipes
For me, food has always been about more than feeding people. It's about family, memories, creativity, and bringing people together.
When I'm not working, you'll often find me trying out new recipes, creating and editing content, or spending time with family. Sometimes we're swimming, watching TV, or simply chatting over a good meal. Those ordinary moments are some of my favorite moments.
I also love traveling and discovering new places, cultures, and foods. I'm hoping to do much more of it in the near future, and I'm excited about the inspiration those experiences will bring to my cooking and future recipes.
Thank You for Being Here
Whether you're visiting Devine Dishes for a Kenyan recipe, looking for something delicious to bake, or simply exploring new meals to try, thank you for being part of this journey.
Every recipe shared here is a little piece of my love for cooking, my experiences, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue something you're passionate about.
I hope you find something delicious, make wonderful memories around your table, and come back often.
Happy cooking!
With love,
Milli
The heart behind Devine Dishes
1 Comment. Leave new
This salad looks so fresh, colorful, and delicious! 🥗😍 A perfect light and healthy meal!