Name: Mediterranean Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cucumber, diced; 2 to 3 medium tomatoes, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly diced; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (and/or mint, basil, parsley, dill); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Mediterranean Salad is a fresh and vibrant mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. It’s a simple, healthy side dish that comes together quickly and packs a bright, zesty flavor perfect for any meal.

A white bowl filled with a colorful mix of finely chopped vegetables, including bright red tomatoes, green cucumbers, and small bits of purple onion, all mixed together and covered in a light, golden liquid dressing. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the salad. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cucumber, diced
2 to 3 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly diced
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (and/or mint, basil, parsley, dill…)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt and fresh cracked pepper, or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the cucumber, onion, and tomatoes into small cubes. To soften the onion’s sharpness, soak the diced red onion in water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine the diced veggies and chopped cilantro. Pour over the olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mix everything together thoroughly. Let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve at room temperature or lightly chilled. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Try swapping cilantro with other fresh herbs like mint, basil, parsley, or dill to vary the flavor.
Adding crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives can give this salad a richer Mediterranean touch.
For extra crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables will release more liquid over time, so drain any excess before serving. Enjoy chilled or let it come to room temperature for the best flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with a colorful salad made of finely chopped vegetables, including green cucumbers, red tomatoes, light purple onions, and green herbs. The salad has a wet, slightly shiny texture, showing the mixture is dressed with some oil or dressing. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, ready to serve. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and fresh look to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and mix well before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

If fresh lemon juice is unavailable, you can substitute with good quality bottled lemon juice or a mild vinegar like white wine vinegar, but fresh lemon juice provides the best bright flavor.