Creamy Mediterranean Summer Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Creamy Mediterranean Summer Salad. This fresh and colorful dish is an adaptation of the traditional Greek 'village' salad, featuring a delightful combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and pungent onions, all brought together by a rich, homemade dressing akin to Caesar. For added depth, we've infused the dressing with balsamic vinegar, enhancing both the taste and the overall presentation. Enjoy this salad as a refreshing side for barbecues or a light lunch on warm days, perfect for cooling down while savoring the essence of summer.
N/A
Servings
55
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Caesar salad dressing
1/2 cup (None needed)
Cherry tomatoes
1/2 lb (Halved)
Feta cheese
1/2 cup (Crumbled)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (None needed)
Cucumber
1 (Cubed)
Onion
1/4 cup (Diced)
Kalamata olives
1/4 cup (Optional, whole or sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the caesar salad dressing and balsamic vinegar. Whisk them together for about two minutes to ensure they are fully blended.
2
Next, add the cubed cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced onion, crumbled feta cheese, and optional kalamata olives to the bowl.
3
Gently toss the salad with your hands or a large spoon until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
4
If you're segregating the olives, add them to your portion or mix them in if everyone enjoys the flavor.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken.
6
Once adequately chilled, serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this refreshing dish on its own or as a side for grilled meats, pasta, or any summer fare!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
3g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Mediterranean Summer Salad?
It is a fresh and colorful adaptation of a traditional Greek village salad, featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and onions in a creamy dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients are Caesar salad dressing, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, cucumber, onion, and optional kalamata olives.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 55 calories.
Is this Mediterranean salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
What type of dressing is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses a mixture of 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumber should be cubed before being added to the salad.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken.
How much fat is in this salad?
There are 4 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add olives to this salad?
Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of kalamata olives, either whole or sliced, as an optional ingredient.
How do I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the onion?
You should use 1/4 cup of diced onion.
How do I make the dressing mixture?
Whisk the Caesar dressing and balsamic vinegar together for about two minutes in a large mixing bowl until fully blended.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
It is a chilled dish that can be served cold from the refrigerator or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 7 ingredients.
What can I serve this salad with?
It is perfect as a side for grilled meats, pasta, or as a light lunch on its own.
What is the purpose of adding balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar is infused into the dressing to add depth, enhance flavor, and improve the overall presentation.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, involving simple chopping and whisking.
How should I mix the ingredients together?
Gently toss the salad with your hands or a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
Should the feta cheese be crumbled?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include salad, Mediterranean, Greek, summer, refreshing, healthy, easy recipe, vegetarian, and chilled dish.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of Caesar salad dressing.
Is this a good dish for a BBQ?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a refreshing side for barbecues.
How do I store the salad while it's chilling?
Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
What if some people don't like olives?
You can segregate the olives and add them only to specific portions or leave them out entirely since they are optional.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features fresh vegetables and moderate protein.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad is creamy due to the Caesar dressing, but maintains crunch from the cucumbers and onions.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You need 1/2 lb of cherry tomatoes.
What makes this different from a traditional Greek village salad?
While it uses traditional ingredients like feta and cucumber, it replaces the standard oil and vinegar with a creamy Caesar-style dressing.