Mediterranean Tomato, Olive & Feta Delight Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing Tomato, Olive, and Feta Delight Salad. Made with lush, garden-fresh Roma tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, this salad embodies the essence of Greek cuisine. Enhanced with a zesty salad dressing and chopped parsley, it offers a perfect balance of taste and texture. The optional addition of crunchy cucumber adds freshness, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion. Chill the salad for at least three hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, and serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious juices. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress your guests.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Greek salad dressing
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons (Store-bought or homemade)
Feta cheese
3/4 cup (Broken into small pieces, not finely crumbled)
Fresh parsley
1-2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Roma tomatoes
6 large (Chopped)
Cucumber
1/2 small (Peeled, seeds removed, and chopped (optional))
Kalamata olives
3/4 cup (Pitted and sliced (or use similar brined olives))
Red onion
1 small (Thinly sliced (or to taste))
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (As needed)
Salt
optional (To taste)
Crusty bread
as needed (For serving on the side)
Instructions
1
In a large glass bowl, combine the Greek salad dressing with the chopped fresh parsley. Mix well to integrate the flavors.
2
Gently fold in the feta cheese, taking care not to crumble it too finely. The pieces should remain chunky for texture.
3
Add the chopped Roma tomatoes, optional cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. Carefully toss all the ingredients together until well coated in the dressing.
4
Season the salad with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of salt, but remember that feta and olives are already salty.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 3 hours, or up to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and check for seasoning. Serve chilled alongside crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Tomato, Olive & Feta Delight Salad?
It is a refreshing salad made with Roma tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this Mediterranean salad?
The main ingredients include Greek salad dressing, feta cheese, fresh parsley, Roma tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and red onion.
Can I use store-bought Greek salad dressing?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade Greek salad dressing for this recipe.
How should the feta cheese be prepared?
The feta cheese should be broken into small pieces rather than finely crumbled to maintain a chunky texture.
Is the cucumber a required ingredient?
The cucumber is optional but adds a refreshing crunch to the salad if you choose to include it.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for a minimum of 3 hours and up to 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Why is it important to chill the salad?
Chilling allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing and the flavors of the feta and olives to develop fully.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Large Roma tomatoes are recommended for their firm texture and garden-fresh flavor.
Can I use different types of olives?
While Kalamata olives are preferred, you can use other similar brined olives if needed.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be thinly sliced to ensure it provides a subtle bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
Salt is optional; keep in mind that feta cheese and Kalamata olives are already quite salty.
What is the recommended side for this salad?
It is best served with crusty bread, which is perfect for dipping into the remaining juices and dressing.
Should the parsley be fresh or dried?
Freshly chopped parsley is used to enhance the vibrant, herbaceous profile of the salad.
How do I prevent the feta from becoming mushy?
Gently fold the feta into the dressing and vegetables rather than stirring vigorously to keep the pieces intact.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
The recipe recommends 3 to 6 hours for best results; longer storage may cause the tomatoes to release too much liquid and become soft.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How much Greek dressing is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of Greek salad dressing.
What should I do if the salad is too dry after chilling?
You can add an extra splash of Greek dressing or olive oil before giving it a final gentle toss before serving.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?
Yes, cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute, though Roma tomatoes are specified for their classic salad texture.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe does not contain nuts, but check your store-bought dressing labels to be sure.
Should I peel the cucumber?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling the cucumber and removing the seeds before chopping.
Can I add black pepper?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste to season the salad.
Is this a light meal or a side dish?
It can be served as both; it works beautifully as a light summer meal or an impressive side dish for gatherings.
What category does this salad fall under?
This dish falls under mediterranean, greek, tomato, and olive salad categories.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the best quality.
Can I add protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas would complement the Mediterranean flavors well.
What bowl should I use to mix the salad?
A large glass bowl is recommended for combining and chilling the salad.
Does the salad need to be served cold?
Yes, the salad is best served chilled to maintain its refreshing quality.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 6 large Roma tomatoes.