Fresh Mediterranean Salad (Printer-friendly)

Vibrant Mediterranean salad with chickpeas, olives, crisp veggies, and tangy lemon-olive oil dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large cucumber, diced
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Legumes

05 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Olives & Cheese

06 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
07 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, omit for vegan)

→ Fresh Herbs

08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 clove garlic, minced
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large salad bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, drained chickpeas, pitted olives, and chopped parsley.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
03 - Pour the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently to ensure even coating.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if desired, omitting this step for a vegan version.
05 - Serve immediately or chill for 15 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to listen to three songs, no stove required.
  • The chickpeas make it filling enough to eat on its own without feeling heavy.
  • Every bite tastes like sunshine, even on a gray day.
02 -
  • Dont skip rinsing the chickpeas, that canning liquid makes everything taste metallic.
  • If the onion is too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for five minutes before adding them.
  • Use a real lemon, the bottled stuff makes the dressing taste artificial.
03 -
  • Chill your serving bowl in the fridge first, it keeps everything crisp on warm days.
  • If youre making it ahead, add the dressing and feta only right before serving.
  • Taste the salad after tossing, a little more lemon or salt can make all the difference.
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