If you’re looking to bring the fresh and bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your table, this Mediterranean Layered Salad is the perfect dish. Bursting with color, crunch, and a delightful mix of ingredients, it’s a healthy and easy-to-prepare option that will impress both your family and guests. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing lunch, a light dinner starter, or something special to elevate your meal, this salad is sure to hit the mark.
The Layers of Flavor
This Mediterranean Layered Salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with ingredients that perfectly complement each other, creating a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
Base Layer: Greens and Feta
The base of this salad starts with 2 cups of mixed greens—a perfect foundation for any fresh salad. The greens offer a light, crisp texture, which is enhanced by the crumbled feta cheese. The feta adds a creamy, tangy richness that contrasts beautifully with the fresh vegetables to come.
Vegetable Layer: Crunch and Freshness
Next, we dive into the heart of the Mediterranean with the vegetable layer. Grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while sliced cucumber and black olives give that refreshing crunch and salty flavor that defines Mediterranean cuisine. Chickpeas, a staple in many Mediterranean dishes, bring an earthy and satisfying texture, rounding out this delicious vegetable medley.
Toppings: Bold Flavors
The salad is then topped with thinly sliced red onion and roasted red peppers, which bring a smoky sweetness that enhances the freshness of the vegetables. These toppings also add vibrant pops of color that make this dish not only a treat for your taste buds but also for your eyes.
Dressing: Mediterranean Magic
No Mediterranean dish is complete without a drizzle of a perfectly balanced dressing. For this salad, a simple yet flavorful mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic ties everything together. Seasoned with salt and pepper, this dressing is light but packs enough flavor to elevate each bite.
How to Prepare Your Mediterranean Layered Salad
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and chop your mixed greens.
- Slice the cucumber, halve the grape tomatoes, and slice the red onion.
- Dice the roasted red peppers and ensure your chickpeas are rinsed and drained.
- Layer the Salad:
- Start with the mixed greens as the base.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the greens.
- Layer the tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, and chickpeas on top.
- Finish the salad by adding the red onion slices and roasted red peppers.
- Add the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top layer, ensuring the flavors soak into the salad.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, serve and enjoy this Mediterranean masterpiece, savoring every bite of freshness, crunch, and flavor.
A Healthy and Delicious Choice
This Mediterranean Layered Salad is not just a delicious addition to your meals—it’s also a healthy one. The combination of fresh vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and healthy fats from olive oil makes this salad a nutrient-dense option. It’s perfect for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
So, the next time you want to add a splash of Mediterranean goodness to your day, give this layered salad a try. It’s easy, vibrant, and absolutely delightful!
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Mediterranean Layered Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Dive into the flavors of the Mediterranean with this vibrant and delightful layered salad. Perfectly crunchy and fresh, this salad brings a splash of color and taste to your table. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner starter. Elevate your salad game with a touch of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
Layer 1: Base
– 2 cups chopped mixed greens
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Layer 2: Vegetables
– 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/2 cup sliced black olives
– 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Layer 3: Toppings
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
Layer 4: Dressing
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
– Wash and chop the mixed greens.
– Slice the cucumber and halve the grape tomatoes.
– Slice the red onion and dice the roasted red peppers.
Layer the Salad:
– In a large glass bowl, begin with a layer of chopped mixed greens as the base.
– Add a layer of crumbled feta cheese.
– Next, layer the grape tomatoes, sliced cucumber, black olives, and chickpeas.
– Sprinkle the sliced red onion and roasted red peppers on top for added flavor and color.
Add the Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
– Drizzle the dressing over the top layer of the salad.
Serve:
– Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
– Serve immediately, savoring the Mediterranean-inspired goodness in every bite.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400