This easy recipe for a Mediterranean salad is both healthy and delicious. It is made with fresh ingredients such as lettuce, peppers, onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. The dressing includes olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper, and is whisked together until emulsified. The salad can be customized with grilled chicken, different lettuce types, or vegan cheese options, and can be topped with nuts or other Mediterranean ingredients. It is a light and refreshing option for a meal or side dish, perfect for summer.
Light and Fresh: Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Introduction
Mediterranean cuisine is not only delicious but also known to be a healthy option. It is filled with fresh ingredients, flavors, and lots of vegetables. A Mediterranean salad is a light and fresh option that is easy to make and perfect for any time of the day. So, let us provide you with a simple and quick recipe for a Mediterranean salad.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of lettuce, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves
Dressing
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Procedure
- Preparation: Start by washing all the vegetables, chopping the lettuce into small pieces, slicing onion into long thin strips, and cutting the cucumber, cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper into small pieces.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture emulsifies.
- Serving: In a large bowl, mix the lettuce, sliced onions, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red bell peppers. Add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley to this mixture.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the salad mixture and toss it well, coating the salad with the dressing evenly.
- Your fresh and light Mediterranean salad is ready to serve. Chill it for a few hours if you want to serve it cold.
Variations
- You can add grilled chicken to the salad to make it a complete meal.
- You can use different types of lettuce like romaine, arugula, or kale.
- You can add different types of cheese like goat cheese, or use vegan cheese like almond feta cheese to make it vegan.
- You can add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
- Adding other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts would be a good idea too.
Conclusion
This recipe is easy, quick, and perfect for summer. It can be a healthy, filling meal on its own or as a side dish for any occasion. You can customize the recipe according to your preferences or what is available to you. It is a refreshing change from the usual greens and can be easily made in a few minutes. So, add this delicious Mediterranean salad to your meal, and everyone will be satisfied with a healthy and delicious treat.