Mediterranean Crunch Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing Crunch Salad, inspired by traditional Armenian cuisine. This salad blends a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and the richness of olive oil, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. From the crispness of romaine and chicory to the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the tangy bite of olives, each ingredient complements the others beautifully. Ideal as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light meal, this salad is sure to brighten your table. Chilling time is not included in the prep time, so feel free to prepare it in advance for extra convenience!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
Red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Garlic clove
1 large (crushed through press)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Romaine lettuce
1/4 head (torn into bite-size pieces)
Chicory lettuce
1/4 head (torn into bite-size pieces)
Fresh ripe tomatoes
2 (cut into 8 wedges each)
Cucumber
1/2 medium (pared and thinly sliced)
Green bell pepper
1/2 medium (cut into 3x1/4-inch strips)
Radishes
3 (thinly sliced)
Scallions
3 (thinly sliced)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Fresh dill
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Greek black olives
12 (whole)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Tear the romaine and chicory leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
3
Add the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, radishes, and scallions to the bowl with the lettuce.
4
Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley and dill over the top, then gently toss the vegetables to combine.
5
Just before serving, give the vinaigrette a quick whisk or a shake to recombine any separated ingredients, then drizzle it over the salad.
6
Toss the salad again to ensure it is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Crunch Salad?
It is a refreshing salad inspired by Armenian cuisine featuring fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a light vinaigrette.
Is the Mediterranean Crunch Salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is vegan as it contains only vegetables, herbs, and oil-based dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary greens used in this salad?
The recipe uses a combination of romaine lettuce and chicory lettuce.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One large garlic clove should be crushed through a press for the dressing.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and chill it, but it is best to add the dressing just before serving.
What fresh herbs are included in the recipe?
The salad features finely chopped fresh parsley and fresh dill.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
Two fresh ripe tomatoes should each be cut into 8 wedges.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for 12 whole Greek black olives.
How is the cucumber prepared?
The cucumber should be pared and thinly sliced.
How should the green bell pepper be cut?
The green bell pepper should be cut into strips measuring approximately 3 by 1/4 inches.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe requires 3 thinly sliced scallions.
How many radishes does the recipe call for?
You will need 3 thinly sliced radishes.
Is this salad considered a side dish or a main meal?
It is versatile and can be served either as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light meal.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, fresh vegetable salad.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
Both the romaine and chicory should be torn into bite-sized pieces.
What type of vinegar is used in the vinaigrette?
The recipe specifies red wine vinegar.
Is black pepper included in the seasoning?
Yes, fresh ground pepper should be added to taste.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.
When is the best time to dress the salad?
You should drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to ensure the freshest taste.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, it requires 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of olive oil.
What cultural cuisine inspired this salad?
The salad is inspired by traditional Armenian cuisine.
Should the vinaigrette be mixed again before serving?
Yes, give the vinaigrette a quick whisk or shake just before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.
Are the olives pitted in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 whole Greek black olives.
Can I add salt to the dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Is there any chicory in this salad?
Yes, it uses 1/4 head of chicory lettuce.
What gives the salad its crunch?
The crunch comes from the fresh romaine, chicory, cucumber, bell pepper, and radishes.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is recommended to serve immediately after tossing with the dressing for the best flavor and texture.