Mediterranean Herb Delight Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Herb Delight Salad combines a medley of fresh herbs and crisp vegetables for an explosion of flavors and textures. The addition of cinnamon in the dressing adds a unique warmth that perfectly complements the freshness of the ingredients. Ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish with your favorite main course, this salad is a refreshing way to enjoy wholesome ingredients. Feel free to customize the herbs according to your taste preferences—if you prefer not to use mint, simply increase the parsley and cilantro for a delicious twist. Serve it with toasted whole wheat pita for added crunch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat pita bread
2 (toasted and cut into strips)
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh mint
3 tablespoons (chopped)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
scallions
2 (thinly sliced)
red pepper or green pepper
1 (thinly sliced)
medium tomatoes
3 (diced)
lettuce
4 cups (chopped and washed)
sumac
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (for dressing)
lemons
2 (juiced)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for dressing)
salt
to taste
fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, mint, cilantro, scallions, sliced red or green pepper, and diced tomatoes, tossing gently to incorporate.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cinnamon, salt, and fresh ground pepper until well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure that the ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Allow the salad to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together.
5
About 5 minutes before serving, toast the whole wheat pita breads in a toaster or on a skillet until golden and crisp.
6
Once toasted, cut each pita in half crossways and then slice each half into 3 strips, resulting in 12 pita pieces.
7
To serve, arrange 6 pita strips around each plate, creating a cozy border, and spoon the herb salad mixture generously into the center.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Herb Delight Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring a medley of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a unique cinnamon-infused dressing, served with toasted pita strips.
What fresh herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons each of chopped fresh parsley, fresh mint, and cilantro.
Can I substitute the mint if I do not like it?
Yes, if you prefer not to use mint, you can simply increase the amounts of parsley and cilantro for a delicious alternative flavor.
What makes the dressing unique?
The dressing is unique because it includes a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon, which adds a distinct warmth to the citrus and oil base.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the Mediterranean Herb Delight Salad is vegan as it contains only plant-based ingredients like vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and pita.
How do I prepare the pita bread for this salad?
Toast the whole wheat pita breads until golden and crisp, cut each in half crossways, and then slice each half into 3 strips.
How many pita pieces are produced for serving?
Toasting and slicing two whole wheat pitas results in a total of 12 pita pieces.
Why should the salad rest for 15 minutes?
Allowing the salad to rest at room temperature after dressing it ensures that the flavors of the herbs and spices meld together perfectly.
What is the purpose of sumac in this recipe?
Sumac is used as a seasoning to provide a tart, lemony flavor that enhances the overall Mediterranean profile of the dish.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chopped and washed lettuce to serve as the base of the salad.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 scallions, which should be thinly sliced.
Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes, you can use either one red pepper or one green pepper, sliced thinly, depending on your preference.
How are the tomatoes prepared?
The 3 medium tomatoes should be diced before being added to the herb mixture.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cinnamon, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil for the salad dressing.
How many lemons do I need to juice?
You will need to juice 2 lemons to get the required acidity for the dressing.
Is this salad a main dish or a side?
It is ideal for a light lunch or can be served as a refreshing side dish with a main course.
How do I arrange the salad for serving?
Arrange 6 toasted pita strips around each plate to create a border and spoon the herb salad mixture into the center.
What type of pita bread is used?
The recipe specifically calls for whole wheat pita bread for added nutrition and texture.
When should I toast the pita?
You should toast the pita about 5 minutes before serving to ensure it is warm and crisp when eaten.
How many ingredients are in the Mediterranean Herb Delight Salad?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used in this recipe, including the seasonings.
How much cinnamon is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for the dressing.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to combine the chopped parsley, mint, cilantro, scallions, peppers, and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
How much lettuce is used per serving?
While servings are not specified, the recipe uses a total of 4 cups of chopped lettuce.
Is the salad served cold or at room temperature?
The salad is intended to rest and be served at room temperature to allow the herb flavors to be most prominent.
What are the primary flavor notes of this salad?
The flavor profile is fresh and herbaceous, balanced by tart lemon and sumac, with a subtle warm undertone from the cinnamon.
How much sumac is used?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sumac for seasoning.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add chickpeas or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal.
Are the pita strips toasted on a skillet or in a toaster?
Either method works; you can toast them in a toaster or on a skillet until they are golden.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include salad, mediterranean, herbs, healthy, vegan, light meal, and sumac.