Healthy Levantine Salad Recipe – Fresh and Flavorful
Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Do you want to try something new and exciting with fresh ingredients that you can just chop up and toss together? Look no further than this Levantine Vegetable Salad recipe – perfect for all seasons, and inspired by the rich and flavorful cuisine of the Mediterranean.
As a lover of all things healthy and delicious, I created this salad to be a refreshing twist on the classic mixed vegetable salad. With fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and tangy green olives, this salad is full of flavor and texture. Add in some crumbled feta cheese for an extra satisfying bite.
But what brings it all together is the dressing – a perfect blend of olive oil, lemon juice, cider vinegar, and dried oregano. The flavors fuse together beautifully to create an unforgettable taste that will leave you craving more.
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep your body happy and healthy. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that are readily available at your local grocery store. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish to serve at your next party, this Levantine Vegetable Salad is sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old bland salads that seem to be missing some major flavor and excitement? Look no further – this Levantine Vegetable Salad Recipe is here to rescue your taste buds.
Featuring a mix of fresh and vibrant ingredients, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, green olives, feta cheese, and more, this mixed vegetable salad is perfect for any occasion – from a quick and easy weekday lunch to a colorful addition to your dinner party spread.
But what really sets this salad recipe apart is the mouth-watering dressing. With a tangy blend of fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and dried oregano, each bite will make your taste buds sing with joy. The contrast of the crisp vegetables and salty olives with the creamy feta cheese and zesty dressing is simply irresistible.
Not only is this salad recipe packed with delicious flavors and textures, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Made with all-natural ingredients and no preservatives or artificial flavors, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that your body will thank you for. Plus, with the option to add in grilled chicken or salmon for protein or switch up the vegetables to fit your personal preferences – this salad recipe allows for endless customization possibilities.
Trust us when we say that once you try this Levantine Vegetable Salad Recipe, you’ll never want to settle for a boring salad again. So go ahead and give our recipe a try – we guarantee you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the fresh and flavorful ingredients used in this Levantine Vegetable Salad recipe. The vegetable salad comes together with a simple dressing of olive oil, cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice.
Ingredients (1x):
- 1 large cucumber
- 3 roma tomatoes
- 1 medium red onion
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1/2 head of lettuce
- Handful of green olives
- Handful of kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
Dressing Fattoush (فتوش) Lebanese:
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Ingredients (2x):
- 2 large cucumbers
- 6 roma tomatoes
- 2 medium red onions
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 head of lettuce
- Two handfuls of green olives
- Two handfuls of kalamata olives
- Four tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
Dressing Fattoush (فتوش) Lebanese:
- Six tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of one whole lemon
- Two teaspoons of dried oregano
Ingredients (3x):
- Three large cucumbers
- Nine roma tomatoes
- Three medium red onions
- One and a half green bell peppers
- One and a half head(s) of lettuce
- Three handfuls of green olives
- Three handfuls of kalamata olives
- Six tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley
Dressing Fattoush (فتوش) Lebanese:
Nine tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Juice of one and a half lemons
Three teaspoons of dried oregano.
These ingredients can easily be doubled or tripled to fit your serving size. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as sliced carrots or radishes.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to dive into making this delicious Levantine Vegetable Salad Recipe! Here are the steps you need to follow.
Preparation
- Wash and chop all the vegetables using a sharp knife and a cutting board. Make sure to remove the seeds from the green bell pepper, and chop everything into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the green onions and chop the parsley. Keep these aside for later.
The Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl or jar with lid, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Whisk everything together or close the jar and shake it well until combined.
Bringing It All Together
- In a large salad bowl, add the lettuce leaves as a base.
- Then add in the chopped cucumber, chopped red onion, sliced green onions, chopped parsley, chopped tomatoes, kalamata olives, and green olives.
- Pour in the prepared dressing and toss everything together using tongs or clean hands.
- Lastly, crumble feta cheese over the top of your mixed vegetable salad.
That’s it! Now you have a beautiful Levantine Vegetable Salad that is colorful and bursting with flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy with toasted pita bread on the side to scoop up any leftover dressing.
Remember that you can always add or substitute ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand. The important thing is to have fun in the kitchen and make every recipe your own.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making a mixed vegetable salad, there are endless variations and substitutions you can make to suit your taste buds. In this Levantine vegetable salad recipe, I’ve used specific ingredients traditional to the Levantine cuisine such as cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, feta cheese and green olives. However, feel free to swap them out for your favorite vegetables or add more based on what you have available in your kitchen.
If you prefer a spicier salad, you could consider adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Instead of green olives and kalamata olives, try using other types of olives like Castelvetrano or Spanish olives. For an extra crunch, add chopped celery or sliced radish. You could also use arugula or romaine lettuce in place of the mixed greens.
As for the dressing, I’ve used a combination of cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil to give the salad an authentic tangy flavor. But if you’re not fond of this type of dressing, use your favorite vinaigrette or Italian dressing instead. You could even make a creamy dressing using plain Greek yogurt and chopped parsley.
If you want to add some grains to the mix, toss in some cooked bulgur or quinoa. And if you’re looking for a heartier meal, add some protein by grilling chicken or tofu and adding it on top of each serving.
The sky’s the limit with this Levantine vegetable salad recipe. Mix up the ingredients and customize it to your liking – any way you make it will be delicious!
Serving and Pairing
Welcome to the serving and pairing section of this Levantine Vegetable Salad Recipe.
This mixed vegetable salad is versatile, delicious and pairs well with many dishes, making it a suitable choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck. The fresh and vibrant flavors of the vegetables combined with the dressing make it a perfect summer dish to serve at your next party.
One great way to serve this salad is by preparing a bountiful bowl on the center of your dining table, surrounded by pita bread wedges, grilled chicken or tofu, and hummus or baba ghanoush. You can add some kalamata olives and feta cheese crumbles on top of the salad for extra texture and flavor.
You can also serve this vegetable salad as a side dish with grilled salmon or baked chicken breast. The tangy and zesty dressing paired with the crispy vegetables complement nicely with the grilled or baked proteins, making it an excellent balance of flavors for your taste buds.
For those who love Mediterranean cuisine, you can also try serving this Levantine inspired salad along with other Middle Eastern dishes such as Fattoush, Tabouli Salad, Tabbouleh Tabouleh, or Winter Panzanella for an Arabic-themed feast.
As always with any salad recipe, feel free to customize it to match your preferences in terms of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, you can add more protein sources such as chickpeas or quinoa to make it more fulfilling.
I hope you enjoy this Levantine Vegetable Salad recipe and find creative ways to serve it. Bon appétit!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to make this Levantine Vegetable Salad Recipe ahead of time, I recommend that you prepare the salad ingredients separately and just combine them right before serving. This prevents the vegetables from getting soggy, particularly the lettuce. You can store the chopped vegetable salad in separate containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Regarding storing leftovers, it’s best to keep the salad dressing separately from the salad mixture to maintain its freshness. Transfer the dressing into a covered container or jar, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chopped vegetable salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, as long as all components are stored separately.
To reheat your Levantine Vegetable Salad Recipe, you need to avoid heating uncooked items such as lettuce or cucumber, so it’s recommended that you heat only the cooked parts like roasted bell peppers or toasted pita. To do this, place them on a baking sheet and warm them under a broiler for two minutes.
Remember that tomatoes tend to break down upon refrigeration and become quite mushy when reheated, so consider adding fresh tomatoes only right before serving. Generally speaking, this Levantine-inspired salad tastes best when served cold or at room temperature, so try not to reheat more than necessary.
If you plan to serve a larger crowd or simply want leftovers for lunch or dinner, you may like to double or triple your recipe depending on your needs. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the perfect Levantine Vegetable Salad, there are a few tips that can help elevate your salad game. Here are some of my top tips for ensuring the best results:
1. Let the Salad Marinade: While this salad can be eaten immediately after it’s made, it is best to let it marinate for at least an hour or two before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together and creates a more flavorful dish.
2. Toast the Pita: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, toast your pita before adding it to the salad. You can either toast them in the oven or on a stovetop. Just be sure to keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly.
3. Use Quality Ingredients: Since this salad relies heavily on fresh vegetables and herbs, using high-quality produce is key. Look for ripe and juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs like parsley and mint.
4. Don’t Overdress: When it comes to dressings, less is more. Use just enough dressing to coat the vegetables without drowning them. You can always add more later if needed.
5. Add Salty and Tangy Elements: To balance out the sweetness of the vegetables, be sure to add salty and tangy elements like olives, feta cheese, or a splash of cider vinegar.
6. Chill Before Serving: Once your salad is ready, give it some time to chill in the refrigerator before serving. This will not only make it more refreshing but also allow all the flavors and textures to marry together.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a perfectly balanced and delicious Levantine Vegetable Salad that will surely impress your guests!
FAQ
Now that you know how to create this delicious Levantine Vegetable Salad, you might have some questions about the recipe, ingredients, and variations. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help guide you through any potential roadblocks in preparing the salad. So, let’s dive into it.
What is Lebanese salad made of?
Lebanese Salad, also referred to as Lebanese Salata, is a quick and simple salad made by combining diced bell pepper, cucumber, onion, green onion, and parsley with chopped tomatoes. It is complemented with a refreshing lemon-mint dressing. It is a great way to add a healthy and light element to your meals. Additionally, you can make it a whole meal by adding grilled chicken or salmon. This recipe was last updated on March 2, 2018.
What is Mediterranean salad made of?
This salad is a classic dish that can easily be made anytime using just three key ingredients: tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley. To augment the flavor, I prefer to add a dash of sumac to give it a hint of zest and complexity.
What is a pasha salad?
Get ready to indulge in a refreshing dish that’ll tickle your taste buds! Our Pasha Salad is a medley of crisp romaine lettuce, spring mix, juicy tomatoes, onions, diced cucumbers, and salty feta cheese! We add olives to give a touch of brininess. A savory protein of your choice can be tossed in as well. The salad is then mixed to perfection with a splash of luscious lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of fresh mint. This salad is the perfect addition to any meal or ideal as a stand-alone dish!
What is Tunisian salad made of?
As you wander through the bustling souks and vegetable markets of Tunisia, you’ll come across heaps of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions – the essential components of the quintessential “Tunisian” salad. This vibrant and healthy salad is a staple dish that is enjoyed by Tunisians of all ages and walks of life.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Levantine vegetable salad recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to any menu. Bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean, this salad is perfect for any occasion from a casual gathering to a formal dinner party. With a variety of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad or a hearty winter dish, this Levantine vegetable salad recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them begging for more. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Levantine Vegetable Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 head lettuce, leaves separated, washed and dried
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1 small cucumber, unpeeled and sliced
- 1 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 lb feta cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2- inch strips
- 1/4 lb kalamata olive
- 1/4 cup pimiento-stuffed green olives
- dried oregano, crumbled
Instructions
- Combine oil,lemon juice,vinegar and pepper in small bowl and whisk thoroughly; set vinaigrette aside.
- Arrange outer leaves of lettuce around edge of serving platter; tear remaining lettuce into small pieces and transfer to small bowl.
- Add half of viniagrette and toss lightly.
- Mound in center of platter.
- Arrange onion slices around and over lettuce.
- Arrange cucumber slices inside ring of onions.
- Repeat, making progressivly smaller rings with tomato slices, feta cheese cubes and green pepper strips.
- Place some Marinated Artichokes and Mushrooms over lettuce in center;arrange remaining artichokes and mushrooms around platter.
- Top center with Kalamata olives; arrange green olives around rim.
- Drizzle salad with remaining vinaigrette and sprinkle lightly with oregano.
- Serve immediately.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!