Mediterranean Pita Crunch Salad
This Mediterranean Pita Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for warm weather dining. Featuring a medley of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and crisp pita pieces, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Drizzled with a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing, it's an ideal side for grilled meats or a light main dish. Enjoy it as a delightful lunch or dinner option, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
2
Servings
241
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
English cucumber
1/2 (peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice)
souvlaki pita bread
2 (cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
garlic clove
1 (finely minced)
red bell pepper
1/4 (cut into 1/4 inch dice)
tomato
1 (chopped fine)
small red onion
1 (chopped into 1/4 inch dice)
feta cheese
2 ounces (crumbled)
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons (finely chopped or 2 teaspoons dried mint, crumbled)
sumac
to taste (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and arrange a rack in the middle.
2
Place the diced cucumber in a sieve and sprinkle it with a pinch of salt. Allow it to drain for 20 minutes, then pat it dry with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
3
In a large baking pan, combine the pita bread pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss well to coat and season lightly with salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pita is golden-brown and crisp. Check at the 15-minute mark to ensure even browning and redistribute as necessary. Once done, let the baked pita cool slightly.
4
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season the mixture to taste and continue whisking until the ingredients are well emulsified.
5
Add the diced red bell pepper, chopped tomato, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and mint leaves to the bowl. Gently fold in the baked pita pieces and cucumber until everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning as preferred.
6
Serve the salad on two large plates, and if desired, sprinkle with sumac for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
17g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Pita Crunch Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing dish featuring fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and crisp baked pita pieces drizzled with a lemon-garlic dressing.
How many calories are in this salad?
There are 241 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What type of cucumber is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using half of an English cucumber.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be peeled and cut into 1/4 inch dice.
Why do you salt the cucumber?
Salting the cucumber for 20 minutes helps drain excess moisture to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
What kind of pita bread should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 pieces of souvlaki pita bread.
At what temperature should the pita be baked?
The pita should be baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does it take to bake the pita pieces?
Bake the pita for 20-22 minutes until they are golden-brown and crisp.
How much olive oil is used in the recipe?
A total of 6 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between baking the pita and making the dressing.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and finely minced garlic.
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 3 tablespoons of fresh mint with 2 teaspoons of crumbled dried mint.
Is the Mediterranean Pita Crunch Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 17g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
There are 7g of protein per serving.
What is the optional garnish for this salad?
Sumac is recommended as an optional garnish to add an extra layer of flavor.
How should the pita bread be cut?
The pita bread should be cut into 3/4 inch pieces.
What type of bell pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 of a red bell pepper, diced into 1/4 inch pieces.
How much feta cheese is included?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
How do you ensure the pita bakes evenly?
Stir the pita pieces occasionally during baking and check them at the 15-minute mark.
What fresh herbs are included?
The salad includes finely chopped fresh parsley and fresh mint leaves.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The small red onion should be chopped into 1/4 inch dice.
What is the primary citrus used for the dressing?
Fresh lemon juice is used to provide a zesty flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a light meal?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a light meal and a summer dish.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 12 total ingredients.
Can this salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
How should the tomato be prepared?
The recipe requires one tomato, chopped fine.
What is the purpose of the sieve in this recipe?
The sieve is used to hold the diced cucumber while it drains after being salted.
How much garlic is used in the dressing?
One finely minced garlic clove is used in the dressing.