Mediterranean Salad Recipe (Perfect for Busy Weeknights!)
This Mediterranean Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with fresh greens, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is tossed in a homemade zesty lemon-oregano dressing. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be easily customized with added protein for a heartier meal. Serve it as a light main dish, a refreshing side, or part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Equipment
- 🔧 Equipment Needed for Mediterranean Salad
- To make this Mediterranean Salad effortlessly, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- ✔ Cutting Board – For chopping veggies and herbs.
- ✔ Sharp Knife – Essential for slicing cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives.
- ✔ Salad Bowl (Large Mixing Bowl) – To toss and mix the ingredients evenly.
- ✔ Small Bowl or Jar with Lid – For preparing and storing the homemade dressing.
- ✔ Whisk or Fork – To mix the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- ✔ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- ✔ Tongs or Salad Servers – For easy tossing and serving of the salad.
- Optional:
- ✔ Mandoline Slicer – If you want ultra-thin, even slices of onion and cucumber.
- ✔ Citrus Juicer or Reamer – For easily extracting fresh lemon juice.
- ✔ Grater (for fresh garlic or lemon zest) – If you prefer a finer garlic texture or want to add lemon zest for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cucumber diced
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Slice the Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- 2️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- 3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
- Drizzle the Mediterranean dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to combine.
- 4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- 💡 Recipe Notes & Tips
- Make-Ahead Option: Chop the veggies and store them separately in an airtight container. Add dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Vegan Alternative: Omit feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese or avocado for a creamy texture.
- Dressing Storage: Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week in a sealed jar. Shake well before using.
- 🔁 Variations & Customization Ideas
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Grain Bowl Version: Toss in quinoa, farro, or couscous for a heartier meal.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts for extra texture.
- Different Greens: Swap romaine for arugula, baby spinach, or kale.
- 📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- (Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Notes
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Mediterranean Salad pairs well with: Grilled Lemon Chicken or Baked Salmon for a protein-rich meal.
Warm pita bread and hummus for a classic Mediterranean spread.
Stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) or falafel for a vegetarian pairing.
A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or iced mint tea for a refreshing contrast.
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📢 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how you customized i
This Mediterranean Salad pairs well with: Grilled Lemon Chicken or Baked Salmon for a protein-rich meal.
Warm pita bread and hummus for a classic Mediterranean spread.
Stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) or falafel for a vegetarian pairing.
A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or iced mint tea for a refreshing contrast.
📌 Save & Share This Recipe!
💾 Save for later: Bookmark this page for quick access.
📌 Pin it: Share on Pinterest to keep this recipe handy!
📢 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how you customized i