Easy Bright Mediterranean Salad
This Easy Bright Mediterranean Salad is designed for those evenings when time is at a premium, yet the desire for a fresh, nutritious meal is high. Featuring straightforward ingredients and a zesty dressing, it comes together swiftly, delivering a well-balanced and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect solution for anyone seeking culinary reliability without sacrificing taste or lightness. A truly effortless way to bring vibrant, wholesome flavours to your table, ensuring a delightful eating experience with minimal fuss.
Quick Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 5.3 oz (150g) mixed or Romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 7.1 oz (200g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4.4 oz (125g) mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved (if large)
- 7.1 oz (200g) tinned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1.8 oz (50g) pitted Taggiasche olives
- A bunch of fresh basil, whole or torn leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella balls, chickpeas, and olives.
- Prepare the dressing by emulsifying the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk well until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Add the fresh basil leaves.
- Gently toss all the ingredients to ensure they are thoroughly coated with the dressing before serving.
Serving & Leftovers
Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its peak freshness. If there are any leftovers, store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. For longer storage, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving, keeping the ingredients separate.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.
One Last Thing
Incorporating simple recipes like this into your weekly routine enables you to enjoy delicious, wholesome meals without stress. It’s a wonderful way to maintain balance amidst a busy life and a desire for good food, transforming cooking into a moment of calm and nourishment.