Mediterranean Tomato and Feta Salad with Tarragon-Garlic Dressing
Celebrate the freshness of summer with this Mediterranean Tomato and Feta Salad. Juicy, garden-fresh tomatoes take center stage, complemented by the briny richness of Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese. A delightful tarragon-garlic dressing adds an aromatic twist, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish for any meal, this salad is a classic favorite amongst tomato lovers. Feel free to add thin slices of red onion for an extra layer of flavor if desired. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
4
Servings
205
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
tarragon vinegar
6 tablespoons (none)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
shallot
1 (minced)
garlic
1 teaspoon (minced (or to taste))
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (minced)
olive oil
1 cup (none)
large ripe tomatoes
4-5 (thinly sliced)
kalamata olives
1/2-3/4 cup (pitted and chopped)
feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the tarragon vinegar, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
2
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth and emulsified dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
On a large serving platter, elegantly arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes in a circular pattern.
4
Sprinkle the sliced tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
5
Generously scatter the chopped Kalamata olives over the tomatoes, followed by the crumbled feta cheese.
6
Drizzle the prepared tarragon-garlic dressing over the salad, enough to lightly coat the ingredients.
7
Serve immediately, passing any remaining dressing at the table for guests to use as desired.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
4.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source in this Mediterranean Salad?
The main source of protein in this recipe is the crumbled feta cheese, providing approximately 4.75g of protein per serving.
Can I substitute the tarragon vinegar?
While tarragon vinegar provides a unique aromatic twist, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this salad contains 205 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the tomatoes, feta, and tarragon dressing, are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add red onions to this salad?
Yes, adding thin slices of red onion is highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
What type of olives are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for pitted and chopped Kalamata olives for their briny richness.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, you can replace the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative or seasoned chickpeas.
Is the fresh ginger necessary for the dressing?
The minced ginger adds a delightful aromatic twist, but it can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What should the tomatoes look like for the best presentation?
The recipe suggests using large ripe tomatoes and thinly slicing them to be arranged in a circular pattern on a platter.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the dressing ingredients together ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth and emulsified dressing.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
This salad is low in carbs, containing only 3.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I peel the tomatoes?
No, the recipe calls for thinly sliced tomatoes with the skins on to maintain their structure and nutritional value.
Is this salad suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, with high healthy fats (19g) and low net carbs (3.5g), it is very suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to help emulsify the dressing and add tanginess.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of tarragon vinegar?
If you do not have tarragon vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar and add a pinch of dried tarragon to the mix.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, though it is best served immediately to prevent the tomatoes from becoming soggy.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large ones?
Yes, you can use halved cherry or grape tomatoes if large ripe tomatoes are not available.
What are the primary fats in this dish?
The primary fats come from the 1 cup of olive oil and the feta cheese, totaling 19g of fat per serving.
Is there a specific way to serve the dressing?
Drizzle enough dressing to lightly coat the salad and pass the remaining dressing at the table for guests.
What flavor does the shallot add?
The minced shallot provides a subtle, sweet onion flavor that is less pungent than standard white or red onions.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe; the sweetness comes naturally from the ripe tomatoes.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano; generally, use three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried (about 2 tablespoons).
What makes this a 'summer dish'?
It is labeled as a summer dish because it celebrates the freshness of garden-ripe tomatoes which are at their peak during summer.
How much garlic is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, or more to taste.
Is the salt and pepper amount fixed?
No, salt and pepper should be added 'to taste' both in the dressing and over the sliced tomatoes.
Can I use pre-crumbled feta?
Yes, though crumbling high-quality block feta yourself often results in a creamier texture.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 12 ingredients required to make this salad and its dressing.
Is this salad spicy?
No, the salad is not spicy, though the garlic and ginger provide a slight aromatic zing.