Mediterranean Taverna Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that takes you straight to a sunny Greek seaside café. Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cubes come together in every bite. They’re tossed in a simple oregano-kissed olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
It’s fresh, bold, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for summer gatherings, weekday lunches, or as a side to grilled meats and seafood. The rustic, wholesome ingredients mean you can prepare it in minutes, yet it still feels special and restaurant-worthy.
Inspired by traditional Greek village fare, this salad is often served with crusty bread to soak up the savory dressing. Whether enjoyed at a beachside taverna or in your own kitchen, it delivers a taste of the Mediterranean — refreshing, hearty, and unforgettable.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup feta cheese, cubed
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables. Dice cucumber and bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, feta, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to mix without breaking the feta cubes.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
4. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently until evenly coated.
5. Serve: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve fresh as a side or light main.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use Quality Feta: Choose block feta in brine for the best creamy, tangy flavor and firm texture.
- Balance the Dressing: Adjust vinegar and salt to taste after tossing for perfect flavor harmony.
- Serve Slightly Chilled: Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving for a refreshing, crisp bite.
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