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Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Fresh Mediterranean Salad Recipe

A Fresh Mediterranean Salad Recipe brings together crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and fragrant herbs in a refreshing bowl you can rely on for quick lunches or light dinners. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and perfect when you want something fresh without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Vegetables Base
  • 2 cups cucumber, diced (preferably Persian or English cucumber)
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Mediterranean Add-ins
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional but recommended for protein)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Wash and prepare all vegetables thoroughly, then cut them into even bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture and freshness throughout the salad.
  2. Slice red onion thinly and optionally soak it briefly in cold water to reduce sharpness while keeping its natural crunch intact.
  3. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, chickpeas, and onions in a large bowl and mix gently to maintain structure.
  4. Add fresh herbs just before dressing to preserve their aroma and fold them in lightly to distribute flavor evenly.
  5. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified for a balanced and flavorful dressing.
  6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients without breaking their texture.
  7. Let the salad rest for a few minutes so flavors blend naturally before serving fresh.

Notes

  • Always use fresh herbs instead of dried substitutes to maintain authentic Mediterranean aroma and brightness.
  • Keep dressing and salad separate if preparing ahead to prevent sogginess and preserve crisp texture.
  • Use high-quality olive oil because it significantly influences the final flavor of the dish.