Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with our tantalizing Mediterranean salad. This vibrant dish is a delightful symphony of fresh, seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy dressings, capturing the essence of the region's vibrant cuisine. From the crisp crunch of cucumbers and bell peppers to the juicy sweetness of tomatoes and the savory bite of olives, each ingredient harmoniously blends to create a refreshing and flavorful experience. Drizzled with a zesty dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and fragrant herbs, this salad is a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Mediterranean. Accompaniments like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or creamy feta cheese add an extra layer of richness and depth, turning this simple salad into a satisfying meal. This versatile dish is perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a refreshing side to grilled meats or fish. Discover the taste of the Mediterranean with our collection of Mediterranean salad recipes.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD
This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is loaded with the flavors of the Mediterranean, and pairs well with grilled proteins, such as fish, pork, chicken or steak. If you make this in advance, reserve a bit of the dressing to add right before serving, as the pasta has a tendency to soak up the dressing as it sits over time.
Provided by Kim's Cooking Now
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain well. Rinse with cold water and drain well again.
- Combine orzo, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and Asiago cheese in a large bowl.
- Whisk garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the orzo mixture and toss lightly to combine. Add basil and parsley and mix well. Let sit for 20 minutes for flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 819 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
MEDITERRANEAN BULGUR SALAD
Whether it's nutritioin or taste you're after, it doesn't get any better than this. Bulgur, beans, tomatoes, pine nuts and olive oil team up in this vegetarian main dish salad. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 35m
Yield 9 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring broth and bulgur to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender and broth is almost absorbed. Remove from the heat; let stand at room temperature, uncovered, until broth is absorbed. , In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. , In a large serving bowl, combine the bulgur, beans, tomatoes, cucumber and onions. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and pine nuts.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 298 calories, Fat 17g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 657mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
MEDITERRANEAN ZUCCHINI AND CHICKPEA SALAD
Chopped zucchini, chickpeas, tomatoes, and fresh basil in a light balsamic dressing. Or you can use red wine vinegar! Makes a great side dish or light lunch. Not necessary, but best if chilled at least a couple hours to let flavors blend.
Provided by ChristineM
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Zucchini Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Mix zucchini, chickpeas, tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, feta, Kalamata olives, olive oil, basil, vinegar, rosemary, capers, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper together in a large bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 258.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 11.1 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 514.6 mg, Sugar 4.8 g
FAVORITE MEDITERRANEAN SALAD
Got a crowd coming over for a backyard barbecue? This crisp, big-batch Mediterranean salad recipe makes a great accompaniment to any main dish you fix on the grill. -Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 28 servings (3/4 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a very large salad bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 69 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 117mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE ROASTED RED PEPPER AND LENTIL SALAD
A perfect summer salad to share with friends and family over a picnic or for dinner. This whole food lentil salad recipe is super easy to make, plus it's vegan-friendly!
Provided by Pooja Mottl
Categories Salad Beans Lentil Salad Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Toss red pepper halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast until the peppers are very soft and crisp at the edges, about 20 minutes. Allow peppers to cool, then dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine lentils and cold water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, add a pinch of salt, and simmer, covered, until the lentils are just tender to the bite, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and cool. Transfer cooled lentils to the mixing bowl.
- Gently mix in the onion, celery, carrots, and parsley. Add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Combine the Dijon mustard, chopped shallots, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar in a blender. Blend on High for 10 seconds. Gradually add olive oil and blend again until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over lentils and stir gently with a wooden spoon. Taste the salad and add remaining dressing if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Fat 32.2 g, Fiber 12.1 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 673 mg, Sugar 8.9 g
MEDITERRANEAN PASTA SALAD
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 31m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then rinse with cold water to cool.
- Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the vinegar, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in enough of the oil to make a smooth dressing; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, onion, pepperoncini, olives and oregano in a bowl. Add the cooked pasta, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the vinaigrette and both cheeses and toss. Chill until ready to serve.
MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD
This is a delicious lentil salad, that keeps very well in the refrigerator.
Provided by Candice
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a saucepan combine lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Drain lentils and vegetables and remove bay leaf. Add olive oil, lemon juice, celery, parsley, salt and pepper. Toss to mix and serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.4 calories, Carbohydrate 16.2 g, Fat 7.1 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 452.8 mg, Sugar 3 g
MEDITERRANEAN BROWN RICE SALAD
My family and friends all love this salad, which they've referred to as "the Greek salad." The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it's a perfect bring-along for a big party. No matter what you're looking for-something with the Greek flavors you love, or just a healthy, simple salad-it will not disappoint! If you'd like, substitute orzo for the rice. -Sarah Hawkins, Wanatah, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 1h5m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine rice and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, 35-40 minutes., Meanwhile, place vinegars, garlic, pepper and salt in bowl and whisk together. While whisking, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in basil., Place spinach in a large bowl; add cooked rice. Stir in tomatoes, green onions and dressing; toss until spinach is wilted. Gently stir in feta. Loosely cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 55 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 291mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
SAM'S MEDITERRANEAN ROTINI PASTA SALAD
One of our local supermarkets had an awesome deal on boxes of pasta and tri-colored rotini was included in their sale. I thought back to my "oh so very poor days" when we would cook a box of pasta, drown it in Italian dressing, and eat it as a meal. When I went looking for a decent Italian dressing to put on it for "old times...
Provided by Maureen Hudson
Categories Pasta Salads
Time 32m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Prepare 1 12 ounce box of tri-color Rotini pasta per package directions or to desired firmness. I suggest cooking to al dente. Drain in colander, rinse with cold water and set aside.
- 2. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, Mediterranean dressing (I use the Wish Bone brand), the optional sea salt (Feta cheese is salty enough for most people), and black pepper until smooth and creamy. If you can't find the Mediterranean dressing, use an oil based good quality bottled Greek dressing. I have made this using both types of bottled dressings and personally think the Mediterranean Italian gives it a better overall flavor.
- 3. Place 1/2 cup of Caesar croutons in a plastic storage bag and either "beat them up" or use a rolling pin to crush them. I've found it's not worth the effort of pulling out the food processor for this small task. Stir the crushed croutons into the creamy mixture.
- 4. Mix in the drained and cooled pasta, Kalamata olives, and crumbled Feta cheese ensuring that the pasta is well coated. If the mixture looks runny, don't fret; the pasta and crushed croutons will absorb the excess liquid. Adding an additional 1/4 cup of crushed croutons would help as well. I've added as much as 1 full cup and found that the next day leftovers were too dry with that amount added. Just keep in mind- the longer this pasta salad sits in the refrigerator while the flavors are mingling, more of the liquid will be absorbed.
- 5. Stir in the optional diced onion and red peppers. Add additional crumbled Feta cheese to the top for garnish if desired and refrigerate for 1-2 hours prior to serving. If the salad is "too runny", try adding an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of crushed croutons.
- 6. Eat and enjoy! I don't like peppers so I don't use them, but I do love the onions for their texture and taste.
HEALTHIER MEDITERRANEAN TUNA SALAD
A very refreshing and light snack or meal! This dish makes a great Mediterranean alternative to your stereotypical tuna salad made with mayonnaise. Serve with whole grain crackers.
Provided by Mareefer09
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Tuna Salad Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine tuna, onion, and parsley in a medium bowl.
- Whisk oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Toss with the tuna mixture.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 169.1 calories, Carbohydrate 1.6 g, Cholesterol 18.9 mg, Fat 10.7 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 179.6 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
MEDITERRANEAN SHRIMP ORZO SALAD
This pretty crowd-pleaser always stands out on the buffet table. With plenty of shrimp, artichoke hearts, olives, peppers and a host of herbs, it's a tasty change of pace from pasta salads. I serve it with a from-scratch vinaigrette. -Ginger Johnson, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cold water and drain well., In a large bowl, combine orzo, shrimp, vegetables, olives and herbs. Add vinaigrette; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 574mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
MEDITERRANEAN RED POTATO SALAD
Here's a salad with loads of disease-fighting antioxidants in the potatoes, tomatoes, onions, basil, garlic and olive oil. True, white potatoes tend to boost blood sugar, but the vinegar in this recipe helps to suppress such rises, making this a healthful salad.
Provided by Ben S.
Categories Salad Potato Salad Recipes Red Potato Salad Recipes
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, tomatoes, onions, basil, and celery.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper. Add dressing to potatoes and toss. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 159.9 calories, Carbohydrate 19.9 g, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 58.7 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
MEDITERRANEAN TUNA SALAD
In spite of a long list of ingredients, this tuna salad is very quick to prepare. You'll love the fresh flavors. -Renee Nash, Snoqualmie, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the beans, celery, red pepper and green onions. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, mustard, basil, salt and pepper. Pour over bean mixture; toss to coat. Gently stir in tuna., Serve over lettuce. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 682mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
MEDITERRANEAN GREEK SALAD
This is a great salad to take to a barbeque. All ingredients are approximate, so add more or less of any ingredient depending on your own taste.
Provided by Heather
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons reserved sun-dried tomato oil, and red onion. Chill until serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 130.6 calories, Carbohydrate 9.3 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fat 8.8 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 486.4 mg, Sugar 4.5 g
MEDITERRANEAN ORZO CHICKEN SALAD
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water and drain well., In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, cheese, olives and onion. In a small bowl, whisk remaining ingredients until blended. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 16g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 407mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 10g fiber), Protein 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
MEDITERRANEAN TUNA PASTA SALAD
Cubed tuna steak dresses up this hearty, Greek-style pasta salad. The mild tuna flavor blends nicely with the olives, feta cheese and veggies.-Sarah Farley, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute tuna in 1 tablespoon oil until fish flakes easily with a fork; cool. , In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper and remaining oil; shake well. , Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. , In a large salad bowl, combine the pasta, tuna, cucumber, onion, olives, tomato and feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing; gently toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts :
MEDITERRANEAN FARRO SALAD
Steps:
- Bring chicken stock and farro to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender but still chewy, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer farro to a large bowl and let cool, at least 15 minutes.
- Add peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, and parsley to the bowl of farro. Toss together and stir in feta cheese.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper together. Toss vinaigrette with the salad. Serve cooled.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 223 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 11.5 mg, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 6.7 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 660.4 mg, Sugar 3.7 g
MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS AND LENTIL SALAD
Steps:
- In a small saucepan simmer lentils in water to cover by 2 inches until tender but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes, and drain well. Transfer hot lentils to a bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Cool lentils completely, stirring occasionally.
- In a saucepan bring water to a boil and add couscous and salt. Remove pan from heat and let couscous stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil and cool completely, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl whisk together garlic paste, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir lentils and dressing into couscous. Chill salad, covered, at least 3 hours and up to 24.
- Just before serving, stir in remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper.
MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA, CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD
This easy salad takes just minutes to make, but should be chilled for at least 45 minutes for flavors to marry. Great served with grilled meats or chicken.
Provided by Marie
Categories < 15 Mins
Time 10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, toss together chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, dried basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix together olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season to taste with salt.
- Drizzle over salad and toss until well combined, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 45 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled.
MEDITERRANEAN SALMON PASTA SALAD
This quick and easy pasta salad features mezze penne pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, shallot, salmon, and a lemon-pepper-dill vinaigrette. You can use leftover salmon if you like, but those new handy pouches of salmon are great to have on hand in the pantry for salads like this!
Provided by Kim's Cooking Now
Categories Salad Seafood Salad Recipes Salmon Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain, rinse in cold water, drain well, and place in a serving bowl.
- Top pasta with cucumber, tomatoes, and shallot. Break up salmon and sprinkle on top.
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon-pepper seasoning, mustard, salt, and dill in a small bowl for the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.3 calories, Carbohydrate 45.3 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 12.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 495.4 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
Tips:
- Choose fresh, ripe vegetables: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad. Look for vegetables that are brightly colored and free of blemishes.
- Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes: This will help them cook evenly. If you are using a mandoline, be sure to use the safety guard to protect your fingers.
- Don't overcook your vegetables: Vegetables should be cooked until they are tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooked vegetables will lose their flavor and nutrients.
- Use a good quality olive oil: Olive oil is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. Choose an extra virgin olive oil that has a fruity flavor.
- Season your salad to taste: Salt, pepper, and lemon juice are all essential seasonings for a Mediterranean salad. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, thyme, or cumin.
- Serve your salad immediately: Mediterranean salad is best served fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up fresh vegetables, and it is also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With its bright flavors and textures, Mediterranean salad is sure to please everyone at your table.
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