This quick and refreshing mediterranean salad, comprised of cucumber, tomato, red onion, and cilantro, is effortlessly tossed with lime juice and olive oil. Perfect for summer lunches, it can be prepared in just 10 minutes. Versatile enough to serve as a side salad or a satisfying vegetarian main dish, it’s sure to complement any meal.
Simple mediterranean salad recipe
This effortless salad boasts a refreshing array of Mediterranean flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled fish and meat. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a breeze to whip up. While we enjoy this mediterranean salad with fresh cilantro, feel free to personalize it with your preferred mix of herbs like basil, mint, or parsley.
Additionally, it stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time or bringing along to picnics or potlucks.
Ingredients needed for this salad recipe
Here are the ingredients required for the salad recipe:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 to 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (or mint, basil, parsley, dill…)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
How to prepare an traditional salad
It couldn’t be simpler! The trickiest part is finely chopping the ingredients. We’ve discovered that cutting the veggies into smaller pieces helps the Mediterranean salad blend more evenly with the dressing and makes serving a breeze. Simply chop the cucumber, tomato, and red onion, place them in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, add cilantro, and mix everything thoroughly. Easy as pie.
For the Mediterranean salad preparation: Cut cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes into small cubes. To mellow the flavor, you can soak the diced red onion in water for 10 minutes.
Transfer the diced vegetables and chopped cilantro to a spacious salad bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Stir well to combine, allowing the Mediterranean salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy either at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Helpful tips for preparing the salad
Opt for a high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor of the salad.
Feel free to substitute cilantro with other fresh herbs like mint, parsley, basil, or dill, according to your preference.
Elevate the salad with additional ingredients such as olives, chickpeas, red bell peppers, cooked and chilled couscous, pine nuts, or feta cheese.
Incorporate protein sources like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or shrimp to add more substance to the salad.
Any questions?
How to store the salad?
Simply cover any leftover salad and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
Is Mediterranean salad beneficial for health?
Absolutely! The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, emphasizing plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and moderation. With fresh ingredients and a homemade dressing, this salad is exceptionally nutritious.
Mediterranean salad dressing options
There are various dressing options available for this classic Mediterranean salad. Consider trying a Greek salad dressing or a straightforward pesto vinaigrette, for example!
Take a look more our recipe in our cooking guides.
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