Mediterranean Chunky Salad Delight
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Mediterranean Chunky Salad Delight. Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a centerpiece for your summer gatherings, this salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, all enhanced by the rich notes of olive oil and aromatic oregano. With the addition of briny black olives, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy option for all occasions. Prepare it ahead of time to let the flavors meld together, creating a delightful dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
2 cups (large diced)
Tomatoes
2 cups (cut into chunks)
Red onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Feta cheese
6 ounces (crumbled)
Black olives
about 10 (pitted)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
Dried oregano
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, chunky tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
2
Add in the crumbled feta cheese and pitted black olives, ensuring an even distribution.
3
Drizzle the olive oil over the salad mixture, followed by the dried oregano.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
6
Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or part of a larger Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Chunky Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, black olives, olive oil, and dried oregano.
How should I prepare the cucumbers for this recipe?
The cucumbers should be large diced to maintain the chunky texture of the salad.
How should the tomatoes be cut?
The tomatoes should be cut into chunks to match the diced cucumbers.
What kind of onion is used in this Mediterranean salad?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped red onion.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 6 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe specifies using about 10 pitted black olives.
What kind of oil should be used for the dressing?
The salad is drizzled with 1/4 cup of olive oil for rich, aromatic notes.
Is there a specific herb used for seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
How do I combine the ingredients?
In a large bowl, combine vegetables first, then add cheese and olives, drizzle with oil and oregano, and toss gently.
Why should I toss the salad gently?
Tossing gently ensures the ingredients are combined without breaking up the crumbled feta cheese too much.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should be served chilled.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it ahead of time is recommended so the flavors have time to meld together.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-based salad that includes cheese, making it suitable for vegetarians.
Is the Mediterranean Chunky Salad Delight gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How should the bowl be stored in the refrigerator?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to keep the ingredients fresh while chilling.
What makes this salad a healthy option?
It is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil.
Can this be used as a centerpiece for meals?
Yes, it is ideal as a centerpiece for summer gatherings or as part of a larger Mediterranean meal.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include greek salad, mediterranean salad, healthy salad, vegetable side dish, refreshing salad, summer recipes, and easy salad.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried oregano, but fresh could be used if adjusted for potency.
Does the recipe include a serving size?
The specific serving size is not provided in the raw data, but it uses 4 cups of base vegetables.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe does not call for any added sugar.
What is the preparation for the black olives?
The black olives should be pitted before being added to the salad.
Can I use a different type of olive?
While black olives are specified, you could use Kalamata or green olives for a different flavor profile.
Is this salad considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy salad and requires no cooking.
What is the texture of the salad?
The texture is chunky and crisp due to the large diced vegetables.
Can I add protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
How much red onion is used?
The recipe uses exactly 1/4 cup of chopped red onion.