If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat, look no further than this Mediterranean Salad Recipe. Packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and a pop of creamy feta, it beautifully celebrates the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re serving it as a crowd-pleasing side, a refreshing lunch, or a delicious base for grilled chicken, this salad is sure to tempt your tastebuds and brighten up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mediterranean Salad Recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor, color, or crunch. Don’t be shy about using the freshest herbs and produce you can find—the Mediterranean spirit is all about celebrating good ingredients!
- Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and soaks up the bold flavors of the dressing.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances the saltiness of olives and feta.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings a sweet, crisp bite and a burst of color.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle, zesty sharpness.
- Kalamata Olives: Briny and robust, these olives are a must for Mediterranean flair.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creamy richness and salty tang.
- Fresh Parsley: Lends herby brightness and fresh green color.
- Fresh Mint: Just a hint of mint lifts the flavors and adds an aromatic note.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality oil ties the salad together with silky richness.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Its acidity keeps everything lively and crisp.
- Dried Oregano: Gives the salad a savory, earthy background.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that make every flavor pop.
How to Make Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by washing all your veggies thoroughly. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Prepping these ingredients first gives you the perfect base for building layers of flavor and texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your prepped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and refreshing mint. Each ingredient brings a little something unique, so toss gently to keep their shapes and colors looking vibrant.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. You want the dressing to be well combined and balanced, complementing rather than overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour your luscious homemade dressing over the salad. Using tongs or a wide spoon, toss everything together so the dressing coats every bite. Take your time here—the more even the dressing, the tastier each forkful.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Marry
Let your Mediterranean Salad Recipe sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This short rest allows the vegetables to soak up the dressing and the flavors to mingle into something even more magical. Right before serving, give one last gentle toss.
How to Serve Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special finish, sprinkle a bit more crumbled feta or fresh herbs like mint or parsley right before serving. A dusting of sumac or a squeeze of fresh lemon can add bright, tangy notes that make the salad pop even more.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, and it shines alongside warm pita or crusty bread. For a vegetarian feast, try serving it with hummus, roasted chickpeas, or stuffed grape leaves—it’s wonderfully versatile on any table.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Mediterranean Salad Recipe into a main dish by spooning it over fluffy quinoa or greens, or pile it into pita pockets for a fresh, handheld treat. For party platters, layer it in small jars or cups for colorful, portable servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any salad left, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to two days. The flavors will deepen, but you may notice the veggies lose their crispness a bit—still irresistibly delicious!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Mediterranean Salad Recipe. The fresh vegetables and herbs suffer in the freezer, losing their crunch and vibrant taste once thawed out, so it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this is truly a no-cook, straight-from-the-fridge delight. If serving after storage, simply let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes and perhaps add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to brighten it back up.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in my Mediterranean Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic combination is hard to beat, you can easily swap in vegetables like zucchini, radishes, or even spinach. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility and how it encourages you to use what’s fresh and seasonal.
What’s a good vegan substitute for feta?
If you’re looking to make this salad vegan, try replacing feta with cubes of ripe avocado or a dairy-free feta alternative. Both options give a creamy texture without compromising on flavor.
How far in advance can I assemble the salad?
You can prep the veggies and make the dressing a day ahead, but for best results, combine everything and toss with the dressing up to an hour before serving. This keeps the veggies crisp and the herbs bright.
Is there a way to make this salad more filling?
To boost the protein, toss in a cup of drained chickpeas, white beans, or top with grilled chicken or shrimp. You’ll have a heartier Mediterranean Salad Recipe that easily doubles as a main course!
Should I peel the cucumber?
It’s totally up to you! If you prefer a more tender texture and milder flavor, you can peel it. Otherwise, leave the skin on for extra color, crunch, and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Mediterranean Salad Recipe finds its way into your regular meal rotation—it’s one of those feel-good dishes that everyone seems to love. Give it a try, play with the add-ins, and make it your own! Let the flavors transport you right to the shores of the Mediterranean, no passport required.
Print
Mediterranean Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean salad bursting with fresh flavors and textures. This colorful salad is a perfect combination of crisp vegetables, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty herb dressing.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Allow Flavors to Develop: Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone light lunch.
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
