Nothing says great Mediterranean dish like an abundant salad filled with traditional ingredients: Vine-ripened tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onions, feta cheese, all tossed with quality extra virgin olive oil, wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice. But there’s more than one way to serve up this incredible dish.
Here, we have provided a little background about Mediterranean salads, along with a few easy to make recipes you can whip right up at home that are guaranteed to thrill your family and friends.
So, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s get started.
A Little Background
Mediterranean salad is often referred to as country salad, peasant salad, and village salad. Fitting in a way, since it practically takes a village of gardeners coming together to create a dish from an array of so many fresh, simple, ingredients. Healthy, light, and filled with flavor, a Mediterranean salad can beautifully represent an entire meal. Simply pour a glass of wine, break some crusty bread, and it is the perfect snack, lunch, or dinner.
In Greece, a Mediterranean salad would generally not include lettuce. It would likely incorporate staple ingredients like fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. And, of course, it would be served with a great glass of wine.
Here are a couple of easy recipes, including one for Mediterranean salad dressing, just to get you started.
Mediterranean Salad with Cucumbers
Ingredients
2 medium cucumbers
4 vine-ripe tomatoes
1 red onion
½ cup Feta cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons wine vinegar
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup pitted kalamata olives
Directions
First, peel the cucumbers and slice them fairly thick. Then, place the pieces in a salad bowl and set aside. Cut the tomatoes into large pieces, and add them to the salad bowl, too. Thinly slice the red onion, and add it to the bowl as well. Now, add the Feta, extra virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, kalamata olives, and salt and pepper to taste.
Toss gently, and serve!
Black Olive Mediterranean Salad
Ingredients for the Dressing
1/3 C extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp wine vinegar
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp oregano
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Ingredients for the Salad
2–1/2 C of your favorite salad greens
1/2 C sliced, pitted black olives
1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
1 C cucumbers, sliced thin
1/2 C red onion, sliced thin
1/4 C Feta cheese, crumbled
Directions
Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set it aside, then toss all the salad ingredients in a larger serving bowl. Add the dressing to the salad, and toss again. Plate and serve. Enjoy!
Garden Fresh Mediterranean Salad
Dressing Ingredients
1/4 C wine vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
Sea salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste (Red pepper flakes can be substituted, if you prefer)
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/3 C Extra virgin olive oil
Salad Ingredients
2 hearts of romaine, coarsely chopped
3 Vine-ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 cucumber, sliced
1 red onion sliced
4 Oz Feta cheese
Instructions
Whisk together in a bowl. or shake in a closed jar, all the dressing ingredients. Make sure they are well combined. Place the salad ingredients in a large serving bowl. Add the dressing and toss well. Sprinkle with a little extra Feta Cheese and serve.
Anytime Mediterranean Dressing
If you just want to make the dressing, and drizzle it on top of crusty bread, or pour it over fresh, garden produce, here’s a great, easy, recipe.
Ingredients
1/3 C wine vinegar
1 medium lemon, juiced
1 tsp Dijon
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 tsp oregano
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 C Extra Virgin olive oil
Directions
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients, except the extra virgin olive oil. Slowly add the oil, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk, until it’s well incorporated. Use the dressing immediately, or store it covered in the refrigerator for a few days to drizzle on all your favorite salads and fresh produce. Delicious!
At Glass and Vine. you will find a setting that is beyond stunning, with outdoor seating next to the spectacular Peacock Park, views of the glistening bay, encompassed by a secret garden. Our creative menu, and excellent service, will fulfill your culinary dreams.
Be sure to try our popular Mediterranean salad with fresh lemon vinaigrette.
We are located in Miami at 2820 McFarlane Road And, for your convenience, we now offer takeout with curbside pickup. To order, please give us a call at 305.200.5268.
