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
Scale
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.
