Refreshing Mediterranean Salad with Zesty Lemon Caper Vinaigrette
Enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavors with this vibrant salad made of crisp mixed greens, juicy grape tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. The salad is enhanced by a delightful lemon caper vinaigrette that combines tangy lemon juice, savory garlic, and the unique brininess of capers. This dish is not only perfect as a light meal on its own, but it also serves as a great side or main course when complemented by grilled chicken or succulent shrimp, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
minced shallot
1 teaspoon (minced)
minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon (minced)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (preferably whole grain)
honey
1/2 teaspoon
capers
1 1/2 tablespoons (with their liquid)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
vinegar
1 tablespoon (preferably red wine)
fresh parsley
1 teaspoon (chopped)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup
mixed greens
1 lb (washed and dried)
grape tomatoes
16 (halved)
kalamata olives
1/2 cup (pitted)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
red onion
1/2 (sliced thin)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl or a jar, combine the minced shallot, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, capers with their liquid, fresh lemon juice, vinegar, chopped parsley, and black pepper to create the dressing.
2
Whisk or shake the dressing well until all ingredients are fully combined. For best flavor, prepare this dressing in advance and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3
In four serving bowls or plates, generously distribute the mixed greens as the base.
4
Top the greens with the halved grape tomatoes, pitted kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion to create a colorful and appealing presentation.
5
Before serving, give the dressing a good shake, then drizzle it over the salads, adjusting the amount to your taste. It’s delicious, but you may not need to use all of it.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
11g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Refreshing Mediterranean Salad?
The salad features a burst of Mediterranean flavors with a tangy lemon caper vinaigrette, savory garlic, and briny kalamata olives.
Is this Mediterranean salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains mixed greens, vegetables, feta cheese, and a plant-based vinaigrette.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 225 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients in the Zesty Lemon Caper Vinaigrette?
The dressing includes minced shallot, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, capers with liquid, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, fresh parsley, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the dressing sit before serving?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to let the dressing sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What type of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of pitted kalamata olives.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The salad is topped with 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
How many ingredients are required in total for this recipe?
This recipe requires a total of 15 ingredients.
Can I add protein to this Mediterranean salad?
Yes, it serves as an excellent main course when complemented by grilled chicken or succulent shrimp.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?
The recipe specifies using 16 grape tomatoes, halved.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
One serving contains 15g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content of this dish?
This salad contains 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 7.5g of protein per serving.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the vinaigrette?
Red wine vinegar is the preferred choice for this vinaigrette.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe suggests using Dijon mustard, preferably the whole grain variety.
How are the red onions prepared for this salad?
The red onion should be sliced thin before being added to the salad.
Should I use the liquid from the caper jar?
Yes, the instructions specifically mention using the capers along with their liquid for added flavor.
Is there any sweetener in the dressing?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of honey is used to balance the acidity of the lemon and vinegar.
What are the recommended greens for the base?
The recipe uses 1 lb of washed and dried mixed greens.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How should I serve the dressing?
Shake the dressing well and drizzle it over the salads, adjusting the amount to your personal taste.
Does the recipe call for fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley.
How much garlic is included in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette includes 1/4 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much shallot is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of minced shallot.
Is this salad a good choice for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'summer salad' and described as refreshing and vibrant.
How many serving bowls should be prepared?
The instructions suggest distributing the ingredients into four serving bowls or plates.
Can I store the dressing?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in a jar and store it in the refrigerator.
What provides the saltiness in this salad?
The saltiness comes from the briny kalamata olives, capers, and crumbled feta cheese.
Is the red onion a large part of the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced, to provide a sharp contrast to the other ingredients.
Is this salad easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy salad recipe' that involves simple whisking and assembly.