Mediterranean Salad is a fresh and colorful mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, creamy feta cheese, and a handful of bright herbs like parsley and oregano. It’s the kind of salad that feels light and refreshing but still full of flavor with every bite.
I love making this salad when I want something quick but special. The lemony dressing brings all the ingredients together perfectly, and I always find myself adding a little extra olive oil because it just makes everything taste richer. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies and enjoy a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in your day.
My favorite way to serve this salad is alongside grilled chicken or warm pita bread. Sometimes I even toss in some chickpeas to make it a bit heartier for lunch. It’s one of those easy dishes that everyone at the table seems to enjoy, simple but satisfying with just the right balance of crisp, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes add sweetness and color. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, try cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, which are a nice bite-sized alternative.
Cucumber: Use English or Persian cucumbers for less bitterness and thinner skin. If you want, you can peel regular cucumbers to avoid any bitterness.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a crunchy, sweet flavor. If you prefer, yellow or orange bell peppers work just as well and bring a nice color mix.
Red Onion: Gives a tangy sharpness. If raw onions feel too strong, soak the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite.
Kalamata Olives: These olives bring a salty, briny taste. If you can’t find Kalamata, black olives or green olives with pimentos make a decent swap.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and a salty punch. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based feta or omit cheese and add some toasted nuts for texture.
Dressing: Extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice are a fresh, simple combo. You could use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice for a different but still bright flavor.
How Can I Keep Vegetables Crisp and Fresh in the Salad?
To keep your salad veggies crisp, follow these tips:
- Use fresh, firm vegetables and dice them evenly for uniform texture.
- After cutting cucumbers and onions, soak them in ice-cold water for 10 minutes. This refreshes and firms them up.
- Add salt to the dressing, not the veggies directly, to avoid drawing out water too early.
- Toss the salad gently with dressing right before serving, so the veggies won’t get soggy.
- If making ahead, store chopped veggies separately and combine just before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – big enough to toss all the ingredients without spilling.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes chopping tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers quick and easy.
- Cutting board – a sturdy surface helps you chop safely and efficiently.
- Whisk or fork – perfect for mixing the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring spoons – for accurate amounts of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost that makes the salad a full meal.
- Throw in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Swap feta for mozzarella or goat cheese for a milder, creamier taste.
- Include chopped mint or basil instead of parsley for a fresh herb twist.
How to Make Mediterranean Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Salad is quick and easy! You’ll spend about 10 to 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and mixing everything together. You can serve it right away or chill for up to 1 hour to let the flavors blend nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Grab a large salad bowl, then add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size for easy eating and a nice presentation.
2. Add Olives and Herbs:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and Kalamata olives into the bowl. These add great flavor and color to your salad.
3. Sprinkle Feta Cheese:
Evenly scatter the crumbled feta cheese on top of the vegetables and olives. The creamy, salty feta makes the salad taste amazing.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until everything is combined well.
5. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together so each bite gets a little bit of dressing and flavor.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a quick taste. Add more salt or pepper if you want it a bit stronger.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Mediterranean Salad is ready! You can enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge for up to 1 hour to blend the flavors well. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or a fresh snack.
Can I Use Other Types of Olives?
Absolutely! While Kalamata olives are traditional, you can substitute with black olives or green olives with pimentos if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I Make Mediterranean Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the salad up to an hour in advance and keep it refrigerated. Toss it again before serving to refresh the flavors and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Avoid adding extra dressing until serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Can I Add Protein to Make It a Full Meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions to boost the protein and make the salad more filling.
