Mediterranean Salad with Hummus (Printable Version)
Discover a vibrant, refreshing Mediterranean creation. Crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and creamy hummus for a perfect light meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Produce
01 - 1 large cucumber, diced
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dairy
07 - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Base
08 - 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Additions
15 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
16 - 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
# Directions:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, pitted and sliced Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh parsley.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the combined vegetables and gently toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad mixture and gently toss again to distribute.
05 - If desired, incorporate cooked chickpeas and toasted pine nuts into the salad.
06 - Evenly spread the hummus in a thick layer on a large serving platter, or divide it among individual plates.
07 - Carefully pile the dressed salad mixture over the arranged hummus.
08 - Garnish the finished salad with extra chopped parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil, if preferred. Serve immediately.
# Top Tips:
01 -
- It's incredibly quick to assemble, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave something fresh and delicious.
- This salad is a fantastic way to use up those odds and ends of vegetables in your fridge, transforming them into a culinary delight.
02 -
- I once tried to make this with dried parsley, and it just wasn't the same; fresh herbs truly make all the difference in this recipe.
- Don't dress the salad too far in advance, or the vegetables can start to get a bit soggy, losing their delightful crispness.
03 -
- To avoid a watery salad, dice your cucumber and bell pepper consistently and ensure your tomatoes are not overly ripe.
- If you have time, let the dressed vegetables sit for about 5-10 minutes before adding the feta; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.