If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and color, this Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an easy-to-make, wonderfully textured salad packed with juicy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese all tied together with a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a side for dinner, or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this salad sails through with its Mediterranean charm and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are at the heart of this salad, each bringing their unique touch of taste, texture, and color that make this recipe so irresistible. The beauty of this Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe lies in the balance of crunchy veggies, savory olives, and tangy cheese, all coming together effortlessly.
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and moisture to the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts with juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Provides a mild, tangy sharpness that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color): Brings crisp texture and a sweet, peppery flavor.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Lends a briny, slightly salty depth.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds creamy tanginess and richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Infuses the salad with a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp): Gives a bright, zesty lift to the dressing.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Smooths everything out with fruity richness.
How to Make Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and chopping the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. This chop size ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors, giving you a rainbow of texture and color in each forkful.
Step 2: Combine Core Ingredients
Place the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl, then add the pitted and halved Kalamata olives along with crumbled feta cheese. The contrast of the savory olives and creamy feta will uplift the crisp veggies beautifully.
Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs and Dressing
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the bowl for a lovely herbal brightness. Then squeeze the juice of one lemon on top and drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. These simple dressings make this salad shine without overpowering the fresh produce.
Step 4: Toss Gently
With a gentle hand, toss the salad to combine all the ingredients evenly. You want to mix it well but keep the veggies from getting soggy or bruised. This keeps every bite crisp and tasty.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give your salad a taste test and if you want more zing, add a little extra lemon juice or a splash more olive oil. This step personalizes the salad to your liking.
Step 6: Serve or Chill
You can serve your Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe immediately for the freshest crunch or refrigerate it for up to three days. The flavors mingle beautifully over time, making it even more delightful.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe

Garnishes
Top your salad with a few whole Kalamata olives and an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley or crumbled feta for a pretty finish. A few freshly cracked black pepper flakes add a subtle kick and artful appeal.
Side Dishes
This salad is a superstar side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or falafel for a Mediterranean-themed meal that satisfies and nurtures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe in individual clear glass bowls to show off its colorful layers. For parties, consider a vibrant salad bar station so guests can customize with extra toppings like pine nuts, cucumbers, or hummus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, perfect for light lunches or easy grab-and-go snacks.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the fresh vegetables and feta cheese can become watery and lose their texture after thawing.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold, reheating is not recommended. For best enjoyment, eat it chilled or at room temperature after taking it out of the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta is traditional and adds that perfect salty tang, goat cheese or ricotta salata can be great substitutes that similarly complement the salad’s flavors.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to this salad to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are fantastic additions if you want to transform the salad into a satisfying, protein-packed main dish.
How long can I store the dressing separately?
The lemon juice and olive oil dressing can be mixed ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk again before using to recombine the ingredients.
Can I make this salad spicier?
Of course! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced fresh chili peppers can give your Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe a lively kick.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that never gets old — fresh, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean sunshine. It’s perfect any time you want something light yet full of flavor without fuss. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it become your go-to salad to brighten up your table and your day.
Print
Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, combining crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers with tangy Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a simple lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil dressing, it’s perfect as a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces to ensure even and easy-to-eat salad bites.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped vegetables along with the pitted and halved Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, layering the flavors.
- Add Herbs and Dressing: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the mixture and then drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to dress the salad.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together, making sure the dressing evenly coats every piece for balanced flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust by adding more lemon juice or olive oil if desired, to suit your preference.
- Serve or Store: Serve the Mediterranean Chopped Salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate it for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Use any color of bell pepper to add a variety of flavors and vibrant colors.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Serve as a light lunch on its own or as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
- Additional seasonings like black pepper or dried oregano can be added for extra flavor if desired.

