Mediterranean Salad

When I think of a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, the Mediterranean Salad comes to mind. Picture this: it’s a warm summer afternoon, and you’re lounging in your backyard, the sun shining down, and the aroma of fresh ingredients fills the air. This salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of the season! I remember the first time I made this salad for a gathering. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the creamy feta, and the zesty lemon vinaigrette came together to create a dish that not only looked beautiful but tasted incredible. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and I was more than happy to share it. It’s simple to prepare yet feels elegant enough for any occasion, from casual picnics to festive dinners.

Everything You Need for Mediterranean Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for a delicious Mediterranean Salad. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish. The mixture of crisp vegetables, savory feta, and the refreshing dressing brings everything together beautifully.

• ½ cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy crunch.
• 5 ounces arugula: Provides a peppery flavor and a delicate texture.
• 1 (15-ounce) can reduced sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained: A great source of protein and fiber.
• ½ English cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced 1/4-inch thick (heaping 1 cup): Offers a refreshing crunch.
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved (scant 2 cups): Adds sweetness and color.
• 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice (1 heaping cup): Sweet and crunchy, it enhances the salad.
• ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect topping.
• Lemon vinaigrette: Ties all the flavors together with a zesty kick.

Directions for Mediterranean Salad

Are you ready to dive into the process of making this delightful Mediterranean Salad? Follow these steps for a fresh and vibrant dish. Each step will help you create a salad bursting with flavor and texture.

1. Start by placing the red onion in a small bowl and covering it with cold water. Let it sit for at least five minutes. This simple step helps remove some of the harsh bite of the onion, making it more pleasant to eat. After soaking, drain the onions and set them aside.

2. Next, take a large bowl and add the arugula. Drizzle it lightly with the lemon vinaigrette. Toss the greens gently to coat them evenly with the dressing. You want the arugula to glisten without being drenched.

3. Now, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Toss in the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and rinsed chickpeas. Also, include the drained red onion you set aside earlier. Drizzle a little more dressing over the top and toss everything gently to combine. Be careful not to mush the ingredients!

4. Finally, sprinkle three-quarters of the feta cheese into the salad and toss it very gently one last time. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your preference. Once perfectly seasoned, sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the top. Your salad is now ready to serve!

5. Divide the salad between individual serving bowls. For an extra touch, serve with additional lemon vinaigrette on the side, allowing guests to dress their salads as they wish. Enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors of this beautiful dish!

Making Adjustments

Cooking is all about creativity, and the Mediterranean Salad is no exception! Here are some helpful tips to customize this dish to your liking.

• Storage: Store the salad and any leftover dressing separately; the salad will last one to two days in the refrigerator, while the dressing will last up to a week. To refresh the salad before serving leftovers, add some more greens.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad, as the texture of the fresh ingredients will not hold up well after thawing.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken. It also makes a fantastic side dish for any Mediterranean meal.
• Variations: Try adding ingredients like roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, or even some avocado for added creaminess.
• Meal prep: For a quick grab-and-go option, try preparing mason jar salads with the dressing on the bottom and layers of ingredients, finishing with the greens on top.

Serving This Mediterranean Salad

Now that you’ve prepared your Mediterranean Salad, it’s time to think about how to serve it. This dish is versatile and can fit into many occasions!

• Lunch delight: Serve this salad as a light lunch option, perfect for those warm summer days. It’s refreshing and filling.
• Picnic planning: Pack it for a picnic! Its freshness and portability make it a perfect addition to any outdoor gathering.
• Perfect for parties: This salad can be a fantastic side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It’s easy to make and will impress your guests.
• Seasonal celebrations: Given its fresh ingredients, this Mediterranean Salad is a great option for summer celebrations, but it can easily be enjoyed all year round.
• Storage solutions: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop over the next day or two.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Salad is truly a delightful dish that combines healthy ingredients with vibrant flavors, making it a standout choice for any meal. I encourage you to try making this salad at home, whether for a casual lunch or a fancy dinner party. It’s easy, quick, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tastes it. Enjoy the fresh, bright flavors, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family for even more enjoyment!

Mediterranean Salad

The ultimate refreshing dish, Mediterranean Salad combines crisp vegetables and savory feta in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup red onion
• 5 ounces arugula
• 1 can chickpeas reduced sodium, rinsed and drained
• ½ each English cucumber halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 small red bell pepper cut into 1/2-inch dice
• ⅔ cup feta cheese crumbled
• lemon vinaigrette

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Place the red onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit at least 5 minutes, then drain.
2. Place the arugula in a large bowl and drizzle lightly with the lemon vinaigrette. Toss to coat.
3. Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, chickpeas, and drained red onion. Drizzle with a little more dressing then toss gently to combine.
4. Last, add 3/4 of the feta, and toss very gently. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the remaining feta over the top.
5. Divide between serving bowls and serve with additional dressing as desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store the salad and any leftover dressing separately; the salad will last 1-2 days in the refrigerator, while the dressing will last up to a week. To give the salad a refresh before serving leftovers, add some more greens.
• Tip 2: Place the dressing in the bottom of the mason jars. Layer in the other ingredients, finishing with arugula on top. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Previous PostVenetian Brioche Buns

Next Post Apple Jicama Slaw

Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.