Mediterranean Garden Salad with Herbed Dressing
This vibrant Mediterranean Garden Salad is a culinary delight bursting with fresh vegetables and a zesty herbed dressing that elevates the dish to new heights. Featuring plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, colorful bell peppers, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors. The homemade dressing, rich with olive oil, fresh garlic, and a hint of red wine vinegar, can be made ahead of time for a more melded taste. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the textures and tastes of the Mediterranean with every bite, making it an ideal addition to any gathering or a refreshing weeknight dinner.
6
Servings
200
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 cup (Can use 1/2 cup each olive oil and vegetable oil.)
Fresh Minced Garlic
2-3 teaspoons (Minced.)
Dried Oregano
3 teaspoons (Dried.)
Dried Basil
3 teaspoons (Dried.)
Seasoning Salt
1 teaspoon (Or use 1/2 teaspoon white salt.)
Onion Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
Dijon Mustard
2 teaspoons
Red Wine Vinegar
3 tablespoons
Sugar
1-2 teaspoons
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
To taste
Plum Tomatoes
2 large (Chopped.)
Cucumber
1 small (Coarsely chopped.)
Green Bell Pepper
1 small (Seeded and chopped.)
Red Bell Pepper
1 small (Seeded and chopped.)
Crumbled Feta Cheese
1/2 cup
Red Onion
1/2 (Sliced. Can substitute with 1 green onion, chopped.)
Kalamata Olives
1/2-3/4 cup (Or similar marinated olives.)
Greek Salad Dressing
To taste
Salt
To taste
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, seasoning salt, onion powder, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and sugar until well combined. Adjust seasoning with black pepper to taste.
2
Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, and kalamata olives.
4
Just before serving, drizzle your chilled dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss to blend the ingredients while ensuring the dressing evenly coats everything.
5
Season with additional black pepper and salt to taste if needed, and serve immediately for the freshest flavor. Enjoy alongside crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Garden Salad with Herbed Dressing?
It is a vibrant salad featuring fresh vegetables like plum tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, tossed with a zesty homemade herbed dressing and creamy feta cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the herbed dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, seasoning salt, onion powder, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, sugar, and black pepper.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated before serving?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least one hour, though letting it sit overnight is preferred for better flavor development.
Can I substitute the olive oil in the dressing?
Yes, you can use a mixture of 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup vegetable oil if preferred.
What kind of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Which vegetables are included in the salad base?
The salad base includes chopped plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced red onion.
Is this Mediterranean salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, cheese, and plant-based oils.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
What kind of olives are recommended for this recipe?
Kalamata olives are recommended, or any similar marinated olives.
Can I use green onion instead of red onion?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 red onion with one chopped green onion.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
You should drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad mixture just before serving to ensure the vegetables stay crisp.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
Does this recipe contain any protein?
Yes, each serving provides about 2.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving has 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use regular salt instead of seasoning salt?
Yes, you can replace the seasoning salt with 1/2 teaspoon of white salt.
What type of tomatoes work best for this salad?
The recipe specifies using two large plum tomatoes, chopped.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the flavors.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a main course?
It is perfect as a side dish, but can also be served as a light main course, especially when paired with crusty bread.
What type of mustard is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
Both the green and red bell peppers should be seeded and chopped into small pieces.
Are the herbs in the dressing fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for dried oregano and dried basil.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, the recipe is 'vegan-friendly'; simply omit the feta cheese to make it fully vegan.
Does this recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, it uses 2-3 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
What is the best way to mix the salad?
Gently toss the ingredients with the dressing to ensure everything is evenly coated without crushing the softer vegetables.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, mediterranean, greek, vegetarian, fresh, healthy, vegan-friendly, side dish, and summer recipe.
How much seasoning salt is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
Can I use bottled Greek dressing instead?
The recipe includes ingredients for a homemade dressing, but notes that Greek Salad Dressing can be used to taste.
Is this salad suitable for a summer gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshing summer recipe that is ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners.