Mediterranean Salad

This Mediterranean salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or light lunches. Crisp vegetables, tangy olives, and creamy feta create a combination of flavors that feels bright and satisfying. I like to prep all the ingredients while the dressing is mixing, so everything comes together quickly. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful on the plate, and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a go-to salad for any season or occasion.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This salad is cozy, versatile, and simple to make. The mix of fresh vegetables, protein-rich feta, and a zesty dressing keeps it satisfying without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for weeknight meals because it comes together in minutes and can be made ahead for lunch or dinner. Budget-friendly ingredients and simple pantry staples make it accessible, while leftovers taste just as fresh the next day. Mediterranean salad is a crowd-pleasing, colorful dish that’s easy to adapt—add beans, roasted veggies, or a grain for extra heartiness. Save it on Pinterest for a fresh, quick, and healthy family meal.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use firm, ripe vegetables for the best crunch and flavor.

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and chop all vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the onion, and crumble the feta. Measure out olives, oil, and vinegar so the salad can be assembled quickly.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning until tangy and flavorful. This will be the dressing for the salad.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh herbs over the top. Toss lightly again or leave as a garnish. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Mediterranean salad is quick to prep and requires no cooking. It’s easy to assemble ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge for a few hours. Perfect for meal prep, weekday lunches, or a fast side dish for dinner. You can mix and match vegetables depending on what’s on hand, keeping it simple and flexible.

Tips & Tricks

Crisp Veggies: Wash and dry lettuce thoroughly. Wet leaves can make the salad soggy quickly.
Flavor Balance: Taste the dressing before tossing. Add more vinegar if you like a tangier kick or a pinch of salt for depth.
Cheese Handling: Crumble feta by hand for a rustic texture. Avoid pre-packaged blocks that can be too salty.
Olive Placement: Add olives last to prevent overpowering the salad with their briny flavor.

Variations

Meaty Version: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna to make it a filling main dish. Keep the vegetables fresh and crisp for balance.
Vegetarian Option: Add chickpeas or cooked quinoa for extra protein and texture without changing the fresh taste.
Ingredient Swap: Replace romaine with spinach or arugula for a different texture and flavor. Swap Kalamata olives for green olives if preferred.
Flavor Boost: Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle with a dash of smoked paprika or fresh mint for extra aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Side: Serve alongside grilled meats or fish for a light, refreshing accompaniment.
Family-Friendly Bowl: Serve in a large salad bowl with extra dressing on the side for picky eaters.
Picnic Ready: Pack in a mason jar for lunch or a casual outdoor meal.
Party Presentation: Layer ingredients in a clear dish for a colorful, Pinterest-worthy serving idea.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage: Store salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep dressing aside to prevent soggy greens. Lasts 2–3 days for best texture.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold. No reheating needed. Add fresh dressing if it has been refrigerated.
Freezing: Not recommended for fresh vegetables; freeze only feta or olives if needed separately.
Make-Ahead Tips: Chop all vegetables and store in separate containers. Mix just before serving for maximum freshness.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Rest Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 180–220 per serving
Protein: 6–8 grams
Fiber: 4–5 grams
Values vary depending on type of cheese and oil used.

FAQs

Yes, chop veggies in advance and store separately. Toss with dressing just before serving.

Ensure lettuce is dry before tossing and add dressing last.

Absolutely, bell peppers, radishes, or zucchini work well.

Add extra vinegar, lemon juice, or herbs for more flavor.

Best eaten the same day, but components last 2–3 days separately.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean salad is a bright, fresh, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, quick to assemble, and can be customized with whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand. I often tweak the herbs or add a few roasted vegetables to change it up. Save this recipe on Pinterest for light family meals, busy weeknights, or a colorful, healthy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, flexible, and naturally delicious every time.