Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing salad. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a simple yet flavorful dressing.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Kalamata olives are a type of Greek olive known for their rich flavor and dark color. Feta cheese is a brined curd cheese that adds a tangy and salty taste to the salad. Both of these can be found in the international or cheese section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients For Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Mixed greens: A blend of various leafy greens, providing a base for the salad.
Cherry tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a burst of flavor and color.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, pungent flavor.
Kalamata olives: Greek olives that bring a rich, briny taste.
Feta cheese: Crumbled cheese that adds a tangy and salty element.
Olive oil: Used in the dressing for a smooth and fruity flavor.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and depth to the dressing.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the red onion for this Mediterranean salad, soak the thinly sliced pieces in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. This will help to mellow out the sharpness and make the onion's flavor more subtle, allowing the other ingredients to shine through.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mixed greens - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach provides a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a great alternative.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size, making them an easy swap.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini offers a similar crunch and can be eaten raw, just like cucumber.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used thinly sliced in salads.
kalamata olives - Substitute with black olives: Black olives have a similar briny flavor and can be used if kalamata olives are unavailable.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture, making it a good alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in salads.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can be used in place of red wine vinegar in dressings.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
How to Store / Freeze This Salad
- Store the Mediterranean salad in an airtight container to keep the mixed greens and other vegetables fresh.
- Keep the dressing separate from the salad if you plan to store it for more than a few hours. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy.
- If you have already mixed the dressing with the salad, consume it within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.
- For longer storage, place the salad in the refrigerator immediately after preparation. The cool temperature helps maintain the crispness of the cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
- To freeze the salad, it is recommended to only freeze the dressing and not the vegetables. Freezing the mixed greens and other fresh ingredients can result in a loss of texture and flavor.
- Pour the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray for easy portioning.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The dressing can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, thaw the dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good whisk before drizzling over the fresh salad.
- If you have leftover feta cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week.
- For the best taste, always use fresh kalamata olives and red onion when preparing the salad.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Separate the mixed greens from the rest of the salad to prevent them from wilting during reheating.
- Place the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the vegetables are warmed through but not overcooked.
- Alternatively, you can lightly sauté the vegetables in a pan with a small amount of olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just until they are warmed.
- Once the vegetables are reheated, allow them to cool slightly before combining them back with the mixed greens.
- Drizzle the salad with the remaining dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the feta cheese on top just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large bowl: for combining mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
Small bowl: for whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Whisk: to mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
Salad tongs: to toss the salad and ensure even distribution of the dressing.
Cutting board: for slicing the cucumber and halving the cherry tomatoes.
Chef's knife: to slice the cucumber and red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Measuring cups: to measure out the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
Measuring spoons: to measure the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Serving bowl: to present the salad attractively before serving.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-wash and chop: Wash and chop all vegetables in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Use pre-crumbled feta: Save time by buying pre-crumbled feta cheese instead of crumbling it yourself.
Pre-make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing ahead of time and store it in a jar.
Batch prep: Prepare enough ingredients for multiple salads at once. This way, you can quickly assemble the Mediterranean salad throughout the week.
Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ unit cucumber, sliced
- ¼ unit red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.
Nutritional Value
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