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- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped into small cubes - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper, to taste Gather these fresh ingredients for a bright Mediterranean salad. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor. Cucumber offers a cool crunch, while bell pepper brings a sweet note. Red onion adds a sharp taste that balances well with the feta cheese's creaminess. Kalamata olives add a briny touch that ties all the flavors together. This salad is not just tasty; it's also healthy. Each serving holds about 200 calories with 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 10 grams of carbs. The healthy fats from olive oil and feta support heart health. The fresh veggies provide vitamins and minerals, making this salad a great choice for any meal. - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Spatula Use a large mixing bowl to combine your ingredients easily. A whisk helps mix the dressing well, ensuring all flavors blend. A spatula is perfect for gently folding in the feta cheese and olives without breaking them apart. These tools make creating your Mediterranean salad simple and fun. You can find the full recipe here for detailed steps! To make your Mediterranean salad shine, start with the vegetables. First, wash the cherry tomatoes. Cut each tomato in half. Next, grab a cucumber. Dice it into bite-sized pieces. Choose a bell pepper, any color you like. Chop it into small cubes. Finally, take a red onion. Slice it thinly. Make sure all these pieces are even and ready for mixing. Now, it's time to mix. In a large bowl, add your prepared vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Gently stir them together. Then, toss in the Kalamata olives. Cut them in half if they aren't already. Add the crumbled feta cheese. Use a spatula to fold everything together. Be gentle to keep the feta intact. You want a lovely blend of colors and flavors. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Add dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until it’s well combined. This will create a bright and zesty dressing. Drizzle it over your salad mix. Toss gently, ensuring all ingredients get coated. This dressing makes the salad fresh and flavorful. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make a great Mediterranean salad, start with fresh ingredients. Go for bright, firm cherry tomatoes. Choose cucumbers that feel heavy and have smooth skin. Pick bell peppers that are shiny and firm. A crisp red onion adds a nice bite. Fresh herbs like parsley really boost flavor. To keep your salad vibrant, chop ingredients just before serving. This helps lock in their crunch and color. A quick rinse under cold water also helps revive wilting greens. Serve your Mediterranean salad chilled or at room temperature. It tastes best when the flavors meld. Use a large, shallow bowl for a pretty presentation. You can garnish with extra parsley or feta on top. Try serving it with crusty bread or grilled chicken for a full meal. One common mistake is overmixing delicate ingredients. Stir gently to keep the feta and olives whole. Another mistake is using too much dressing. Start with a little, then add more if needed. This way, you keep the salad light and tasty. {{image_4}} You can easily jazz up your Mediterranean salad with some fun add-ins. Here are a few tasty options: - Avocados: They add creaminess and healthy fats. Just dice them and mix in. - Chickpeas: These add protein and a nice texture. Use canned ones for ease! - Different Cheeses: Try using goat cheese or mozzarella for a twist. They melt nicely! Adding these ingredients boosts flavor and nutrition. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! Seasons change, and so can your salad! You can swap ingredients based on what's fresh. - Summer: Add in juicy peaches or fresh basil for a sweet touch. - Autumn: Include roasted butternut squash or apples for warmth. Using seasonal ingredients keeps your salad vibrant and full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to support local farms! If you have specific diet needs, you can adapt this Mediterranean salad easily. Here are some ideas: - Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your dressing is safe. - Vegan: Skip the feta cheese and use tofu or a nut-based cheese instead. These swaps keep the dish inclusive and tasty for everyone. Enjoy the freedom to create your own version! To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. This salad lasts about 2 to 3 days. The veggies will stay fresh, but the feta may soften. Freezing this salad isn’t ideal. Fresh veggies lose crunch and taste when frozen. If you must freeze, store only the olives and feta in a separate bag. They freeze well. Use them later to make a fresh salad. You don’t need to reheat this salad. It tastes best cold or at room temperature. If it sits in the fridge for a while, mix it gently before serving. This will refresh the flavors and textures. Enjoy this delightful salad straight from the fridge or let it sit out for about 15 minutes to take off the chill. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Bliss Salad. A Mediterranean salad can last for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. The veggies will stay crisp, but the feta may soften a bit. To keep it fresh longer, store the dressing separately. This way, you keep the salad crunchy until you are ready to eat. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it a day before serving. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This helps to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy. It’s a great option for parties or meal prep. If you want to skip feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. For a dairy-free option, use vegan feta or even avocado. These swaps will still give you a creamy texture. Each option brings its own unique flavor, so choose what you like best. Yes, this Mediterranean salad is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients are free from gluten. If you are gluten-sensitive, this salad is a safe choice. You can enjoy it without worries. You can customize your Mediterranean salad in many ways. Add ingredients like chickpeas, artichokes, or even roasted vegetables. For extra protein, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also change the herbs or use different dressings. The options are endless, so make it your own! This Mediterranean salad is fresh, quick, and easy to make. We covered the ingredients, preparation, and tips for the best taste and freshness. Remember to use good tools and store leftovers well for later enjoyment. Whether you customize it with add-ins or enjoy it as is, this salad is a versatile dish. Overall, it’s a healthy option for any meal. Enjoy trying these ideas in your kitchen!

Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Experience the bursting flavors of this Mediterranean Bliss Salad that’s both refreshing and hearty! With cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, this vibrant dish is perfect for any gathering or a light meal. In just 15 minutes, you can create a colorful salad drizzled with a zesty dressing that will leave your tastebuds singing. Click through to explore this easy and delightful recipe that will elevate your salad game!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 bell pepper (any color), chopped into small cubes

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix gently until all the vegetables are evenly distributed.

    Next, incorporate the halved Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to stir gently to avoid breaking the feta too much.

      In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until well combined and emulsified.

        Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure that all components are coated with the dressing.

          To finish, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the salad. Give the mixture one last gentle toss, allowing the parsley to integrate without bruising the ingredients.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | Serves 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow decorative bowl. Garnish with additional parsley leaves and a light sprinkle of feta on top for added visual appeal. For an extra touch of elegance, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber around the perimeter of the bowl, creating a colorful display that enhances the salad's vibrant ingredients.