Flavorful Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant and refreshing chopped salad. Inspired by a beloved dish from a local Lebanese eatery, this salad is a delightful medley of fresh garden vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing. The juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and crisp cucumbers combine harmoniously, while the fresh mint, cilantro, and parsley add a fragrant touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It's not just a salad; it's a celebration of flavor! Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this salad is simple to prepare and customizable to suit your palate. Even the meat and potatoes lovers in your life will appreciate its deliciousness!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes (Roma preferred)
2 (chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
Asian cucumber
1/2 (chopped)
Scallions
2 (white and green parts chopped)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, green bell pepper, cucumber, scallions, mint, cilantro, and parsley. Gently mix to combine.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil until well blended.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting for personal preference.
5
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Flavorful Mediterranean Chopped Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring garden vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing inspired by Lebanese cuisine.
What are the main vegetables used in this recipe?
The main vegetables are Roma tomatoes, green bell pepper, Asian cucumber, and scallions.
Which type of tomato is recommended?
Roma tomatoes are preferred for this chopped salad.
Can I use a different type of cucumber?
While Asian cucumber is suggested, you can use other crisp varieties like English or Persian cucumbers.
What fresh herbs are included in this salad?
The salad includes fresh mint, fresh cilantro, and fresh parsley.
Is this Mediterranean salad recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is made from freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How should I prepare the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be seeded and then chopped.
What parts of the scallions should I chop?
You should use both the white and green parts of the scallions.
Do I need to refrigerate the salad before serving?
You can serve it immediately, but refrigerating it for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld better.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-protein, and fresh salad option.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, while the base recipe is low protein, you can easily add chickpeas, feta cheese, or grilled chicken.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe involving simple chopping and mixing.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I substitute lemon juice with something else?
Lime juice or a light vinegar can be used, though lemon juice provides the most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I season the salad?
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to your personal taste preference.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
The recipe was inspired by a beloved dish from a local Lebanese eatery.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended to achieve the intended aromatic and vibrant flavor profile.
Is this salad a good side dish?
Yes, it is an excellent side dish that pairs well with many Mediterranean or grilled meals.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?
Yes, you can substitute red bell pepper if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
No, this recipe is nut-free.
How should the ingredients be chopped?
The ingredients should be finely chopped to ensure a good mix of flavors in every bite.
How do I make the dressing?
Whisk the lemon juice and olive oil together in a small bowl until well blended before drizzling over the vegetables.
Can I make this salad in advance?
It is best when fresh, but you can chop the vegetables in advance and add the dressing just before serving.
Does this salad contain any dairy?
No, this recipe is dairy-free.
What makes this salad 'Mediterranean style'?
The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint are staples of Mediterranean cuisine.
Is the salad spicy?
No, it is a mild and refreshing salad, though you can add black pepper for a bit of zest.