Mediterranean Chopped Salad!

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups Romaine lettuce (chopped)

• 1 cucumber (diced)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)

• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and chopped)

• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled or cubed)

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

• 1/4 cup bell pepper (diced, optional for color and crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove (minced)

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled or cubed feta cheese, and chopped parsley.

• If using bell peppers, add them to the salad for an extra pop of color and crunch.

2. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can blend it in a small blender or shake it in a jar with a lid.

3. Combine:

• Drizzle the dressing over the chopped salad and toss gently to combine, making sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

• Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.

4. Serve:

• Serve immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marinate.

• Garnish with extra feta or parsley, if desired.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

• Yes! You can chop the veggies and make the dressing ahead of time, but I recommend not adding the dressing until just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Q2: Can I add protein to this salad?

• Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great options to add protein. You could also toss in some quinoa or grilled lamb for a more hearty version.

Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?

• Yes! While feta is the classic choice for Mediterranean salads, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even Parmesan cheese, depending on your preference.

Q4: How can I make this salad spicier?

• For some heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some sliced jalapeños or hot cherry peppers into the salad.

Q5: What other veggies can I add?

• You can get creative with your Mediterranean chopped salad by adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even sliced radishes for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

• Main Dish: Serve this Mediterranean chopped salad alongside grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or fish. It pairs perfectly with grilled pita and hummus.

• Toppings: Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra texture and flavor.