This easy Mediterranean salad brings our summer salad series to a close. This simple yet tasty salad uses the usual vegetables that are probably already on your grocery list but is significantly dressed up by the Greek style Vinaigrette. By combing olive oil, red wine vinegar with fresh basil and oregano this salad presents some complex flavors. Add in the feta and chickpeas it all comes together. Why oh why is feta so good and seem to go with everything?!
This salad delivers protein through the feta and the chickpeas. Pretty much any kind of chicken would go well in this salad if you wanted to make this an even hardier meal.
For the vinaigrette we used herbs from the garden. In 2019 we planted a small oregano plant in our garden bed and at the time did not know that it is a perennial. It sure did come back this year and has gone into a number of our meals. A lot of folks seem to be able to get into to grow in the house though we have not been that lucky. I would love to continue moving towards more perennial plants as they seem more like an investment than a decoration.
This salad is very tasty and pretty cost effective and gives you the benefits of fresh veggies and plant based protein. Keep reading on for more preparation instructions and cooking tips!
Preparing the Vinaigrette Dressing
When you are combining all the ingredients, you are just trying to emulsify the dressing. The process of emulsifying is basically when 2 liquids that don’t normally combine, i.e. a fat (oil) mixed with an acid (vinegar). You will want to mix the salad dressing again right before you serve it, otherwise depending on how long the dressing sits, you may find the oil and vinegar has separated again.
You can really up this dressing by adding in some plain Greek yogurt, and feta cheese, giving it a much creamier texture. If you don’t have fresh basil or oregano, feel free to use dried, just make sure to use the proper amount. Here’s a pretty good explanation on using the 3 to 1 ratio from The Spruce Eats.
Tips for the best Mediterranean salad
The great thing about a Mediterranean salad, is you can mix and match ingredients to make it your own.
- Olives – I suggested Kalamata olives, but you can add regular black or green olives, whatever really satisfies your palate. Also, Kalamata are typically more expensive.
- Cheese! You don’t have to just be limited to feta. Try throwing on ricotta (sweeter taste), halloumi, or mozzarella (cut up in small cubes).
- The meat – add in some protein to make it an entree! Chicken, lamb, or beef can make this salad so very filling!
- Greens – You can switch out the leafy greens you add, from try the different varieties of romaine lettuce for a more traditional salad ; Like more of a crunch? Try kale instead.
Recipe Cost: $ 15.07 ($ 3.77/serving)
PrintEasy Mediterranean Salad
An easy vegetarian, Mediterranean salad, using simple ingredients, is a must have salad. Combining chick peas, with fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, and olives, provides a great mix of textures and flavors. Served with a red wine vinaigrette dressing and topped with feta cheese, to perfectly complement the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 min.
- Total Time: 10 min.
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/2 c. red wine vinegar ($0.36)
- 1/2 c. olive oil ($1.20)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced) ($0.05)
- 2 tbs fresh basil (chopped) ($2.64)
- 1 tbs fresh oregano (chopped) ($0.15)
- 2 tbs lemon juice ($0.08)
- Salt to taste
Salad
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced) ($0.63)
- 1 c. cherry tomatoes (about 25 – cut in halves) ($2.98)
- 4 c. leafy greens (I like arugula and spinach) ($2.19)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced) ($0.25)
- 1/2 c. Kalamata olives ($1.68)
- 1/4 c. feta cheese ($2.02)
- 1 15.5 oz can chick peas ($0.84)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl, and mix. Set aside. Before serving, make sure to mix again to emulsify the oil and vinegar.
- In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables together and toss (pepper, tomatoes, greens, onion, olives)
- Add in the chick peas and feta cheese.
- Add the salad dressing and toss to coat. Enjoy!
Notes
The Vinaigrette dressing can be saved and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keywords: fresh salad, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian salad, easy vegetarian salad
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