Mediterranean Salad
A refreshing mix of crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. The perfect bright and crunchy side to any Mediterranean meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Add the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk until well combined and slightly emulsified. Set aside.
Combine the salad ingredients
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped green bell pepper.
- Add the pitted Kalamata olives to the bowl.
- Gently toss the vegetables together to mix.
Dress and serve the salad
- Just before serving, pour the prepared vinaigrette over the vegetables.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly without bruising the vegetables.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality vegetables and extra virgin olive oil.
- 2To reduce the sharp bite of the red onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 3Don't dress the salad until you are ready to serve it. This keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- 4You can add other ingredients like romaine lettuce for more greens or chickpeas for added protein.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative.
high proteinHigh protein
For a more substantial salad, add one cup of cooked chickpeas or quinoa to the mix.
quickQuick
In a hurry? Use a quality store-bought Greek or Italian vinaigrette instead of making your own.
kid friendlyKid friendly
To make it more appealing for kids, use milder black olives instead of Kalamata and serve the dressing on the side for dipping.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
The variety of fresh vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers provides a good source of vitamins A and C, which act as powerful antioxidants.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component, offering monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Hydrating Properties
Cucumbers have a high water content, which helps in keeping the body hydrated.
Good Source of Fiber
The fresh vegetables contribute dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, and contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and olives. It's also naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates.
