Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (2024)

Enjoy this delicious Easy Mediterranean Salad made with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onions. It’s a great option for summer lunches.

Now that the temperature is so warm in North American, it is time to have dinner parties outside and enjoy the outdoors. One of the dishes that really screams summer is a good and delicious bowl of salad, don’t you agree? It is flavourful and lighter than other meals.

Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (1)

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If you are like me, you probably love salad of any kind and eat them all year long, not only during the summer. I love salads that have seafood, such as Avocado Tuna Salad, Salmon Chopped Salad, and Shrimp Avocado Tomato Salad.

Mm… They are so good, super simple to make, and packed with good protein. Also, the salads with chicken are great and delicious, such as Pesto Chicken Salad and Chimichurri Chicken Chopped Salad.

But I have to say that this Mediterranean Salad is one of my favourite salads because it has all the veggies I love like cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. On top of this, the dressing is made with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic and is very easy to make, and goes really well with all these yummy ingredients.

I love Mediterranean flavour, like in my Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, so this salad is always a hit.

I also love this Mediterranean Salad because of the sun-dried tomatoes since it adds lots of flavor.But when I buy my sun-dried tomatoes, I always choose the ones that are packed in extra virgin olive oil since this oil is good for you. Some brands sell sun-dried tomatoes with unhealthy vegetable oils, which are loaded with trans fat and various industrial chemicals. So, buy sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil like this one. You can buy it easily on Amazon.

Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (2)

Ingredients To Make This Mediterranean Salad

  • Cherry tomatoes – you can also use grape tomatoes or Roma.
  • Yellow bell pepper – you can also use red or orange bell peppers as well.
  • Red onions – if you find red onions to taste too strong, you can swap for shallots.
  • Black olives or kalamata olives – sliced in half. If you don’t like olives, just skip them.
  • Cucumber – I like to buy seedless cucumbers to make preparing them easier. You can also use English cucumber.
  • Feta cheese – crumbled on top, omit the cheese you are following the Whole30 diet.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – I like using the tomatoes from a jar in oil but you can use the ones in the bag as well. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, replace it for artichoke hearts.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – you can use avocado oil as well. Any neutral oil is fine.
  • Garlic – freshly minced garlic is my go-to.
  • Lemon juice – I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice and not bottled lemon juice. You can also replace lemon juice for red wine vinegar.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley – or use any fresh herbs of choice. Besides parsley, you can also use fresh dill or fresh mint. They go well with the Mediterranean flavours too. Of course if you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried parsley or oregano.

How to make this salad

  1. In a large bowl, toss together all of the vegetables.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Optional: if you like Dijon mustard, add 1 teaspoon of it in this mixture.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, and toss.
  4. Top with fresh parsley.

How Long Does This Mediterranean Salad Last?

You can keep this Mediterranean salad in the refrigerator for three to four days, which makes it a perfect meal prep solution.

This recipe will make four servings. You can divide the Mediterranean salad into four portions and be prepared for lunch for the next four days.

Since there isn’t any lettuce in this salad, you don’t have to worry about it getting soggy with the vinaigrette. The dressing “marinates” the salad, which actually makes it taste even better the next day!

What Else Can I Add To This?

For a serving of protein, I like adding some chicken breasts to this Mediterranean salad as well. To make the chicken, check out this Chopped Chicken Salad recipe orGarlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts.

You can also add some salmon to this as well. Check out this Pan Seared Salmon Recipe or Simple Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe.

Alternatively, you can add chickpeas or white beans to themediterranean salad instead. Keep in mind that you already include feta cheese, which has protein. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, crumbled goat or blue cheese would also be delicious in this salad.

You can also add more vegetables to this such as fresh spinach, artichokes, arugula, romaine or radishes. You can also add some nuts and seeds to this for an added crunch.

This is a perfect salad to enjoy during summer dinners or lunches outside. I really think you should give this salad a try. I promise you won’t regret it! 😉

Other easy Mediterranean recipes to try:

  • Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad
  • Easy Mediterranean Chopped Salad
  • Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
  • One-Pan Mediterranean Roast Chicken
  • Mediterranean Mashed Potatoesrecipe
  • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

More delicious salad recipes to try:

  • Super Easy Avocado Cucumber Tuna Salad: This recipe is light, flavourful, and creamy because of the avocados. And, the lemon dressing is super fresh!
  • Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad: Loaded with fresh summer veggies, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a low-carb diet.
  • Easy Mediterranean Chopped Salad: Another refreshing veggie salad made with red onions, black olives, lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light lemon dressing!

Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (3)

3.42 from 178 votes

Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Enjoy this delicious Easy Mediterranean Salad made with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers,sun-dried tomatoes, and red onions. It’s a great option for a summer lunch!

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup red onions sliced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • 1 medium cucumber diced
  • 3 tablespoons feta cheese crumbled (omit if you are following whole30)
  • 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes julienne cut
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onions, black olives, cucumber, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

    Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (4)

  • In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt,and pepper.

    Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (5)

  • Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, and toss. Top with fresh parsley

    Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (6)

Tips

  • This recipe tastes great on its own for a quick lunch but is truly outstanding with some good quality protein. I love serving this salad with Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil, Low-Carb Salmon Burgers, or Lemon Roasted Breast Chicken and even with Rosemary Lemon Roasted Chicken Breasts. All these protein recipes are delicious and ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a light and healthy dinner meal.
  • I recommend using seedless cucumbers, so you don’t have to remove the seeds. The skin is also thinner.
  • You can replace lemon juice for red wine vinegar.
  • Other than parsley, you can also use fresh dill or fresh mint.
  • To store: Store the Mediterranean salad for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 Calories: 241kcal (12%) Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) Protein: 4g (8%) Fat: 23g (35%) Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) Cholesterol: 10mg (3%) Sodium: 278mg (12%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 5g (6%)

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.

© Author: Olivia Ribas

Similar Recipes:

  • Salmon Chopped Salad Recipe

  • Easy Chopped Chicken Salad (Meal-Prep)

  • 50 Healthy Salad Recipes

  • Mediterranean SaladRecipe

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Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (11)
Easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does a Mediterranean salad contain? ›

This Mediterranean salad recipe is super fresh and full of fantastic flavor. It's made with delicious ingredients like crisp lettuce, spicy red onion, tomatoes, olives, crunchy cucumber and feta cheese. Top everything off with a bright, homemade lemon and olive oil dressing!

What is the difference between a Greek and Mediterranean salad? ›

The primary difference lies in the use of specific ingredients. While both salads incorporate fresh vegetables and olive oil, Greek salad is characterized by the addition of feta cheese and Kalamata olives, giving it a uniquely Greek flavour.

What is Mediterranean dressing made of? ›

This basic homemade Greek dressing or sauce is made up of a few key ingredients: lemon juice and olive oil, with garlic and dried oregano, whisked together until emulsified. The basic ratio to make ladolemono is 1:3--one part lemon juice to three part excellent extra virgin olive oil.

What is Greek salad made of? ›

A traditional Greek salad consists of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. This classic combination is delicious, so I stick to it, just adding a handful of mint leaves for a fresh finishing touch. My olives of choice are Kalamata olives.

What are the 2 most recognized ingredients in Mediterranean diet? ›

Fruits, veggies, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil are foods you'll eat most often with the Mediterranean Diet.

Is Mayo OK on Mediterranean diet? ›

Avoid sauces made from cream or mayonnaise. Choose whole-grain breads, whole wheat pasta and pizza crust, brown rice, beans, and lentils. Cut back on butter or margarine on bread. Instead, you can dip your bread in a small amount of olive oil.

Is balsamic vinegar used in Mediterranean food? ›

Similar to olive oil, balsamic vinegar holds a revered place in both Italian and Mediterranean culinary traditions. It serves not only as a standalone condiment but also as a versatile accompaniment to a wide array of dishes.

Is ranch dressing ok on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The condiment is a Mediterranean-diet staple and an easy swap for just about any sauce. You can switch out ranch dressing for some oil and vinegar on your salads or add the ingredient to your soups to give them a lighter and tangier flavor.

What is the healthiest salad dressing? ›

Oil and vinegar.

In general, dressings with fewer ingredients tend to be healthier. And it doesn't get any simpler than oil and vinegar. “This is a great option, because it won't have any added sugar or salt,” says Allers.

Is it OK to eat Greek salad everyday? ›

Conclusion. Greek salad is much more than a simple dish; it's a powerhouse of nutrients, offering myriad health benefits ranging from improved heart health to weight management. By making it a regular part of your diet, you can enjoy these benefits while indulging in one of the Mediterranean's most beloved dishes.

Is feta cheese good for you? ›

While feta cheese provides you with an excellent source of nutrients like calcium and protein, it also contains high amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Feta is lower in fat than many other cheeses, however, and is considered a reasonable option to eat in moderation.

What are the most popular salads in Greece? ›

This simple Greek salad recipe, or Horiatiki, keeps things traditional. No need to fuss with a dressing, just toss ripe tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, onion, olives with good olive oil and red wine vinegar, top with tangy feta cheese, and you're all set!

What does a Mediterranean menu consist of? ›

It includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils as well as seafood and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. It also includes a moderate amount of chicken, turkey, eggs and fermented dairy, like yogurt or kefir, while limiting red meat, sweets and processed foods.

What are the three main components of a Mediterranean diet? ›

Top 7 Principles of the Mediterranean Diet
  • Emphasis on Plant-Based Foods. ...
  • The Role of Healthy Fats: Olive Oil and Nuts. ...
  • Moderate Consumption of Fish and Poultry. ...
  • Low Reliance on Red Meat and Processed Foods. ...
  • The Significance of Whole Grains and Legumes. ...
  • The Place for Dairy: Cheese and Yogurt.
Feb 4, 2024

What vegetables are considered Mediterranean? ›

Vegetables common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, celeriac, chicory, collard greens, cucumbers, dandelion greens, eggplant, fennel, kale, leeks, lemons, lettuce, mache, mushrooms, mustard greens, nettles, okra, onions (red, ...

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