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.
Making Delicious Mediterranean Salad Recipe
To prepare this salad, you will need:
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens romaine lettuce, chopped or (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red onion, chopped
- 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
Ingredients
- 4 cups lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 medium red onion chopped
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup feta crumbled
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey sweetener
- 1 cup chickpeas cooked and rinsed
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Nutrition
Variations and Tips
- Add grilled chicken or salmon for added protein
- Substitute goat cheese for feta
- Use different types of olives, such as green or black
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
1 Comment. Leave new
This salad looks so fresh, colorful, and delicious! 🥗😍 A perfect light and healthy meal!