Mediterranean Delight Salad: A Burst of Freshness

Transport your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean with this vibrant and wholesome salad! Packed with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, this Mediterranean Delight Salad is bursting with flavor and nutrients. Perfect as a light meal, a refreshing side dish, or even meal prep for the week, it’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)

1 cup heirloom tomatoes, sliced

1 cucumber, sliced

2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

1 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced

1/2 cup prosciutto, rolled

1/4 cup corn kernels

1 avocado, sliced

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Wash and dry all the vegetables.

Slice the heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado. Halve the hard-boiled eggs and slice the mozzarella.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

On a large serving plate, arrange the mixed greens as the base.

Artfully place the sliced tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, mozzarella, and prosciutto rolls on top of the greens.

Sprinkle the corn kernels over the salad.

Garnish:

Add fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Serve:

Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips and Tricks 

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant herbs like parsley or mint for maximum flavor.

Chop Uniformly: Dice the vegetables evenly for a cohesive texture in every bite.

Marinate the Salad: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after adding the dressing to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Quality Feta: Use high-quality feta cheese for creaminess and authentic Mediterranean flavor. Goat or sheep milk feta often tastes best.

Customize Add-Ins: Add roasted chickpeas, artichoke hearts, or grilled chicken for extra protein and variety.

Homemade Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a light and flavorful dressing.

Crunch Factor: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added texture and a nutty finish.

Serve Cold: This salad tastes best when served chilled, so refrigerate it for a bit before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, serves 4)

Calories: 180-220

Protein: 5-7g

Carbohydrates: 8-10g

Fiber: 2-3g

Sugars: 4-6g

Fat: 14-18g

Saturated Fat: 3-5g

Cholesterol: 10-20mg

Sodium: 300-450mg