Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 20-25 minutes Total time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup + ½ tablespoon (4.5 tablespoons / 67ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons red-wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- ⅜ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⅜ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- For the Salad:
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into ¾-inch dice
- 2 ¼ cups cucumber, peeled (optional), seeded (optional), and cut into ¾-inch dice
- 1 ½ cups green bell pepper, seeded and cut into ¾-inch dice
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅜ cup (6 tbsp) pitted Kalamata olives, halved or quartered
- ¾ cup (approx. 4 oz / 115g) block feta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes or crumbled
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In the bottom of a large serving bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red-wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced green bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and optional capers directly into the bowl with the vinaigrette.
- Add Fresh Herbs (Optional): If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or mint over the salad ingredients.
- Toss Gently: Just before serving, gently toss all the ingredients together until the vegetables and feta are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the tomatoes mushy or break down the feta too much.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a side dish or light main course.
Recipe Notes:
- Quality Ingredients: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes and good quality extra-virgin olive oil and feta cheese (preferably block feta packed in brine) for the best taste.
- Cucumber Prep: You can leave the cucumber skin on for extra nutrients and texture, or peel it if preferred. Seeding the cucumber (scooping out the watery center) can prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Tossing: Tossing just before serving keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
- Variations: Add other Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, or chickpeas if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Estimates based on standard nutritional databases including optional herbs/capers. Actual values may vary based on specific brands, vegetable sizes, and precise measurements.)
- Calories: Approx. 186 kcal
- Total Fat: Approx. 15.7 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 4 g (Estimate)
- Total Carbohydrates: Approx. 9.3 g
- Dietary Fiber: Approx. 3 g (Estimate)
- Total Sugars: Approx. 5 g (Estimate)
- Protein: Approx. 3.7 g
- Sodium: Approx. 450 mg (Estimate, depends heavily on feta and olives)
