Mediterranean cucumber salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Bursting with fresh flavors, crisp textures, and bright colors, this salad is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a zesty side dish, or a healthy potluck contribution, mediterranean cucumber salad is a versatile and delicious choice. Therefore, let’s embark on a flavorful journey to explore the world of mediterranean cucumber salad, uncovering its origins, its preparation, and why it’s a must-have recipe for anyone seeking a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine.
Table of Contents
What is Mediterranean Cucumber Salad? Defining Freshness and Flavor
At its heart, mediterranean cucumber salad is a simple yet elegant salad that showcases fresh cucumbers as its star ingredient, complemented by other vegetables and a bright, flavorful dressing, all reflecting the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region. This salad is prized for its refreshing qualities, its ease of preparation, and its healthy, vibrant character.
Key characteristics of mediterranean cucumber salad include:
- Cucumbers: The Refreshing Core: The defining ingredient is undoubtedly fresh cucumbers. They provide the salad’s crisp texture, mild flavor, and hydrating qualities. Mediterranean cucumber salad relies on the coolness and refreshing nature of cucumbers as its central element. Therefore, cucumber quality is paramount.
- Fresh Vegetables: Vibrant and Colorful: Beyond cucumbers, mediterranean cucumber salad incorporates a medley of other fresh vegetables, adding color, texture, and nutritional value. These often include tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and sometimes olives, creating a vibrant and visually appealing dish. Furthermore, the variety of vegetables contributes to its nutritional richness.
- Herbaceous Aromatics: Fresh and Fragrant: Fresh herbs are essential for adding aromatic depth and complexity. Dill, mint, and parsley are commonly used, contributing bright, herbaceous notes that enhance the overall freshness of the salad. These herbs are integral to the mediterranean flavor profile. Thus, fresh herbs are a defining aromatic element.
- Olive Oil and Lemon Dressing: Light and Zesty: The dressing is typically a light and zesty vinaigrette based on olive oil and lemon juice. This classic mediterranean dressing enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables without being heavy or overpowering. Olive oil provides richness and healthy fats, while lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. Therefore, the dressing is key to the mediterranean character.
- Feta Cheese (Optional but Common): Salty and Tangy: Feta cheese is a frequent addition, although optional, providing a salty and tangy counterpoint to the fresh vegetables and bright dressing. Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty element that is characteristic of many mediterranean salads. However, the salad is also delicious without cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Simplicity at its Best: Mediterranean cucumber salad is known for its quick and easy preparation. It requires minimal cooking and comes together rapidly with fresh, readily available ingredients. This simplicity makes it ideal for everyday meals and quick side dishes. In addition, ease of preparation is a key advantage.
However, mediterranean cucumber salad is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients, bright flavors, and the simple elegance of Mediterranean cuisine.
A Culinary Journey: Tracing the Origins and Influences
The origins of mediterranean cucumber salad are rooted in the long and rich culinary history of the Mediterranean region. This salad is not a single dish with a precise point of origin, but rather a representation of common ingredients and culinary practices prevalent throughout the Mediterranean for centuries. Therefore, let’s trace the historical and cultural influences that shaped mediterranean cucumber salad.
- Ancient Mediterranean Agriculture: Abundance of Key Ingredients: The foundation of mediterranean cucumber salad lies in the agricultural abundance of the Mediterranean region. Cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and herbs have been cultivated in this region for millennia. Olive trees, the source of olive oil, and lemon trees, providing lemon juice, are also integral to Mediterranean agriculture and cuisine. Furthermore, the availability of these key ingredients naturally led to their combination in simple, fresh dishes.
- Traditional Mediterranean Diet: Emphasis on Freshness and Simplicity: Mediterranean cucumber salad perfectly embodies the principles of the traditional Mediterranean diet. This dietary pattern emphasizes fresh, seasonal vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy, and limited red meat. Mediterranean cucumber salad, with its focus on fresh vegetables, olive oil dressing, and optional feta cheese, aligns perfectly with these dietary guidelines. Thus, it reflects the core tenets of the Mediterranean diet.
- Greek Salad (Horiatiki Salata): A Close Relative: Mediterranean cucumber salad shares close kinship with the classic Greek salad, Horiatiki Salata. Greek salad typically includes tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil and oregano dressing. Mediterranean cucumber salad can be seen as a variation or simplified cousin of Greek salad, often omitting olives and oregano while still retaining the core elements of fresh vegetables, feta (optional), and olive oil dressing. Moreover, Greek salad serves as a direct culinary ancestor.
- Regional Variations Across the Mediterranean: Adaptability and Diversity: While there isn’t one single “official” mediterranean cucumber salad recipe, variations of cucumber salads are found throughout the Mediterranean region. Different countries and regions incorporate local vegetables, herbs, and cheeses, reflecting the diversity of Mediterranean cuisine. For example, some variations might include bell peppers (common in Spain and North Africa), while others might feature mint (prevalent in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines). Therefore, regional adaptations contribute to the variety of mediterranean cucumber salads.
- Modern Popularity: Health and Flavor Appeal: Mediterranean cucumber salad has gained widespread popularity globally in modern times due to its appeal as a healthy, refreshing, and flavorful dish. The Mediterranean diet’s health benefits, combined with the salad’s vibrant taste and ease of preparation, have contributed to its global adoption in home kitchens and restaurants worldwide. Furthermore, contemporary health and culinary trends have fueled its popularity.
However, mediterranean cucumber salad is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary expression of a region, reflecting centuries of agricultural traditions, dietary principles, and a shared appreciation for fresh, simple, and flavorful food.
The Essence of the Salad: Key Ingredients and Their Roles
The beauty of mediterranean cucumber salad lies in the harmonious combination of a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its refreshing flavor and satisfying texture. Therefore, let’s explore the essential components that make up a truly delicious mediterranean cucumber salad.
- Cucumbers: Choosing the Right Variety:
- English Cucumbers (or Persian): Ideal for Salads: English cucumbers, also known as seedless cucumbers or hothouse cucumbers, are the best choice for mediterranean cucumber salad. They have thin skins, few seeds, and a mild, refreshing flavor, making them perfect for raw preparations. Persian cucumbers are a good alternative, sharing similar desirable characteristics. Therefore, English or Persian cucumbers are preferred for their salad-friendly qualities.
- Avoid Waxed Cucumbers: Skin Texture and Flavor: Avoid waxed cucumbers, as the wax coating can create an unpleasant texture and hinder the dressing from penetrating the cucumber. Waxed cucumbers are also generally less flavorful. Opt for unwaxed cucumbers for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Firmness and Freshness: Crispness and Flavor: Select cucumbers that are firm to the touch and have smooth, unblemished skin. Fresh, crisp cucumbers are essential for providing the salad’s signature crunch and refreshing flavor. Thus, freshness and firmness are key selection criteria.
- Tomatoes: Sweetness and Acidity:
- Ripe Tomatoes (But Not Overripe): Flavor and Texture: Use ripe tomatoes that are flavorful but still firm enough to hold their shape when diced. Overripe tomatoes can be too soft and watery for salad. Choose tomatoes that are ripe for sweetness and acidity but firm enough for dicing.
- Cherry Tomatoes or Roma Tomatoes: Good Options: Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, or Roma tomatoes, diced, are good choices for mediterranean cucumber salad. Cherry tomatoes offer concentrated sweetness, while Roma tomatoes have a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Both varieties work well in salads.
- Heirloom Tomatoes (Seasonal Treat): Enhanced Flavor: In season, heirloom tomatoes can elevate mediterranean cucumber salad with their exceptional flavor and variety of colors and textures. Heirloom tomatoes add gourmet appeal and intense tomato flavor.
- Red Onion: Pungency and Bite:
- Red Onion: Vibrant Color and Sharp Flavor: Red onion is typically used for its vibrant color and sharp, pungent flavor. Thinly sliced or finely diced red onion adds a characteristic bite that complements the other fresh vegetables. Red onion provides a contrasting flavor element.
- Mellowing Red Onion (Optional): Reducing Sharpness: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak thinly sliced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. Soaking reduces the sharpness and bite of red onion, making it more palatable for some.
- Bell Pepper (Optional, for Sweetness and Crunch):
- Bell Pepper (Green, Red, or Yellow): Optional Addition: While not always included in the simplest versions, bell pepper, especially green, red, or yellow, can add sweetness, crunch, and color to mediterranean cucumber salad. Bell peppers enhance the textural and flavor diversity. Choose bell pepper color based on desired sweetness level.
- Green Bell Pepper (Slightly Bitter Note): Green bell pepper provides a slightly bitter and vegetal note, which can add complexity to the salad.
- Red or Yellow Bell Pepper (Sweetness): Red or yellow bell peppers offer more sweetness and a milder flavor compared to green bell peppers.
- Feta Cheese (Optional): Salty and Tangy Creaminess:
- Feta Cheese (Crumbled): Salty and Tangy Flavor: Feta cheese, crumbled, is a classic and often desired addition. It provides a salty, tangy, and creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the fresh vegetables and bright dressing. Feta adds a signature mediterranean flavor dimension.
- Quality Feta (Sheep’s Milk Feta): Authentic Taste: For the most authentic mediterranean flavor, use sheep’s milk feta cheese. Sheep’s milk feta has a richer, tangier, and more complex flavor than feta made from cow’s milk. However, any good quality feta will work well.
- Olives (Optional): Salty and Briny Notes:
- Kalamata Olives (Pitted, Halved): Classic Mediterranean: Kalamata olives, pitted and halved, are a traditional addition that provides salty, briny, and slightly fruity notes. Kalamata olives contribute to the authentic mediterranean flavor profile and add a distinctive taste.
- Other Olive Varieties (Optional): Variety and Flavor: Other olive varieties like black olives, Niçoise olives, or Castelvetrano olives can also be used, depending on your preference for saltiness, bitterness, and flavor intensity. Experiment with different olives for varied flavor nuances.
- Fresh Herbs: Aromatic Freshness:
- Dill (Fresh, Chopped): Herbaceous and Slightly Anise-like: Fresh dill, chopped, is a quintessential herb for mediterranean cucumber salad. It adds a bright, herbaceous, and slightly anise-like flavor that complements cucumbers and other vegetables beautifully. Dill is a key aromatic element.
- Mint (Fresh, Chopped): Cooling Refreshment: Fresh mint, chopped, provides cooling refreshment and a slightly sweet, aromatic note. Mint adds a refreshing and vibrant element, especially in warmer weather.
- Parsley (Fresh, Chopped): Fresh and Green Notes: Fresh parsley, chopped, adds fresh, green, and slightly peppery notes. Parsley contributes to the overall herbaceousness and freshness of the salad. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its more robust flavor.
However, by carefully selecting these key ingredients and focusing on freshness and quality, you can create a mediterranean cucumber salad that is bursting with authentic flavor and texture.
Crafting the Dressing: Olive Oil and Lemon Vinaigrette Perfection
The dressing is the soul of mediterranean cucumber salad, tying all the fresh ingredients together and providing the signature bright and zesty flavor. A simple yet perfectly balanced olive oil and lemon vinaigrette is the classic choice. Therefore, let’s explore how to create the perfect mediterranean vinaigrette for your cucumber salad.
Key Components of a Mediterranean Vinaigrette:
- Olive Oil: The Rich Base:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Fruity and Robust Flavor: Extra virgin olive oil is essential for an authentic mediterranean vinaigrette. It provides a rich, fruity flavor and healthy fats. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. The quality of olive oil significantly impacts the dressing’s flavor.
- Quantity: Ratio to Acid: The ratio of olive oil to acid (lemon juice) is typically around 3:1 or 2:1 in a mediterranean vinaigrette. This ratio creates a balanced dressing that is rich but not overly oily. Adjust the ratio slightly to your preference for richness.
- Lemon Juice: The Zesty Brightness:
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Essential Acidity: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable for an authentic mediterranean vinaigrette. It provides the essential bright acidity that balances the olive oil and enhances the flavors of the vegetables. Bottled lemon juice lacks the fresh vibrancy of freshly squeezed juice.
- Adjust to Taste: Tartness Preference: The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted slightly to your preference for tartness. Start with the recipe amount and add more to taste if you prefer a more acidic dressing.
- Seasonings: Simple Enhancement:
- Sea Salt: Enhancing Flavors: Sea salt is preferred for its pure flavor and ability to enhance the natural tastes of the ingredients. Salt is essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the best in the dressing.
- Black Pepper (Freshly Ground): Aromatic Spice: Freshly ground black pepper adds aromatic spice and a subtle bite. Freshly ground pepper provides a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground pepper.
- Optional: Dried Oregano (Authentic Mediterranean Note): A pinch of dried oregano can be added for a more pronounced mediterranean flavor, especially if you are omitting fresh oregano from the salad itself. Oregano adds a classic Greek note.
Making the Vinaigrette: Emulsification and Flavor Blending:
- Whisking or Shaking: Emulsifying the Dressing: To create a well-emulsified vinaigrette (where oil and lemon juice are combined rather than separated), whisk the ingredients vigorously in a bowl or shake them in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Emulsification creates a smoother, more cohesive dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Perfecting the Balance: Always taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning to your preference. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Taste and adjustment are crucial for vinaigrette perfection.
- Make Ahead (Optional): Flavors Mellow and Meld: You can make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to several days. In fact, allowing the vinaigrette to sit for at least 30 minutes or even a few hours allows the flavors to mellow and meld together, enhancing its overall taste. However, whisk or shake again before using as it may separate upon standing.
However, mastering this simple yet exquisite olive oil and lemon vinaigrette is key to unlocking the true mediterranean character of your mediterranean cucumber salad.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Crafting Delicious Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Now, let’s combine our understanding of ingredients and dressing with a detailed, step-by-step recipe for making a truly refreshing and authentic mediterranean cucumber salad. This guide will ensure you can recreate this classic dish with ease and confidence.
Recipe: Classic Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Yields: 4-6 servings as a side salad
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 15 minutes (optional, recommended for best flavor)
Ingredients:
- 2 large English cucumbers (or 3-4 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced or diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: Pinch of dried oregano
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Citrus juicer
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash and dry all vegetables. Thinly slice or dice cucumbers. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice or finely dice red onion. Dice bell pepper (if using). Halve Kalamata olives (if using).
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper (if using), and Kalamata olives (if using).
- Add Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh dill, mint, and parsley to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (if using) until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the olive oil and lemon vinaigrette over the vegetables and herbs in the mixing bowl.
- Toss Gently: Gently toss all the ingredients together to combine them evenly, ensuring the dressing coats the vegetables. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Feta Cheese (Optional): If using feta cheese, gently crumble it over the top of the salad. You can toss it lightly or leave it mostly on top for visual appeal.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor, chill the mediterranean cucumber salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving, or up to 30 minutes. Chilling enhances the flavors and allows them to meld. However, chilling is optional if you prefer to serve it immediately.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the mediterranean cucumber salad and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
- Serve Fresh and Chilled: Serve mediterranean cucumber salad immediately, chilled or slightly chilled. Serve in bowls or on plates. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean!
Tips for Recipe Success:
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this salad highlights the quality of ingredients. Use the freshest vegetables, herbs, and extra virgin olive oil you can find for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overdress: Start with the recommended amount of dressing and add more sparingly if needed. Mediterranean cucumber salad is best lightly dressed, allowing the fresh vegetable flavors to shine through.
- Adjust Herbs to Taste: Adjust the amounts of dill, mint, and parsley to your personal preference. You can also experiment with other mediterranean herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Chilling the salad for a short time before serving enhances the flavors and allows them to meld together beautifully.
- Serve Fresh: Mediterranean cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it soon after assembling for optimal texture and flavor.
However, by following these step-by-step instructions and incorporating these tips, you can confidently create a truly delicious and refreshing mediterranean cucumber salad that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with every bite.
Nutritional Information: Classic Mediterranean Cucumber Salad with Feta (per serving, approximate)
(Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient quantities, dressing amounts, and feta cheese used.)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 180-250 | |
| Protein | 6-8g | 12-16% |
| Fat | 14-20g | 22-31% |
| Saturated Fat | 4-6g | 20-30% |
| Cholesterol | 20-30mg | 7-10% |
| Sodium | 500-700mg | 22-30% |
| Carbohydrates | 8-12g | 3-4% |
| Fiber | 2-3g | 8-12% |
| Sugar | 4-6g | |
| Vitamin C | Varies | |
| Vitamin K | Varies | |
| Potassium | Varies |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are approximate and can vary significantly based on specific recipe and ingredient choices, especially feta cheese quantity and dressing amounts. Mediterranean cucumber salad can be a good source of healthy fats, some protein (especially with feta), and vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and herbs.
FAQs
Q: What makes mediterranean cucumber salad healthy?
A: Mediterranean cucumber salad is healthy due to its focus on fresh, whole ingredients that are central to the Mediterranean diet. Key health benefits include:
- Low in Calories and Fat: Naturally low in calories and fat, especially when made with a light olive oil and lemon vinaigrette and moderate feta.
- Hydrating: Cucumbers are high in water content, contributing to hydration.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Provides vitamins and minerals from cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium.
- Good Source of Fiber: Vegetables contribute dietary fiber, beneficial for digestion and satiety.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Vegetables and herbs are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage.
Overall, mediterranean cucumber salad is a nutrient-dense and refreshing salad that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Q: Can I make mediterranean cucumber salad ahead of time?
A: While components can be prepped in advance, mediterranean cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh. You can:
- Prep Vegetables: Wash and chop vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Make Dressing: Prepare the vinaigrette dressing in advance and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to several days.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: Combine vegetables, herbs, and dressing and toss gently just before serving for optimal freshness and texture. Avoid dressing the salad too far in advance, as the vegetables can become soggy. For best quality, assemble shortly before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for feta cheese in mediterranean cucumber salad?
A: If you are dairy-free or do not have feta cheese, good substitutes in mediterranean cucumber salad include:
- Vegan Feta: Plant-based feta alternatives made from tofu, almond, or cashew can mimic the salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture of feta.
- Halloumi Cheese (Grilled or Pan-Fried): Grilled or pan-fried halloumi cheese provides a salty and savory element with a different texture (firmer and less crumbly than feta).
- Goat Cheese (Chevre): Soft goat cheese (chevre) offers a tangy and creamy alternative, although with a different flavor profile than feta.
- Avocado (for Creaminess): Diced avocado can add creaminess and healthy fats, although it does not replicate the salty or tangy flavor of feta. For a vegan option, consider nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor note alongside avocado.
- Nutritional Yeast (Vegan “Cheesy” Flavor): Nutritional yeast sprinkled over the salad can provide a subtle cheesy, savory flavor for a vegan option, although it doesn’t replicate the texture of feta.
Choose a substitute that best matches your dietary needs and desired flavor profile. Consider whether you are primarily seeking a salty, tangy, or creamy alternative.
Q: How do you prevent mediterranean cucumber salad from becoming watery?
A: To prevent mediterranean cucumber salad from becoming watery:
- Use Fresh, Firm Cucumbers: Choose fresh, firm cucumbers with fewer seeds (like English or Persian cucumbers). Avoid overly ripe or watery cucumbers.
- Remove Cucumber Seeds (Optional): For standard cucumbers (not seedless varieties), you can remove the seeds before slicing or dicing to reduce water content. Slice cucumbers lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
- Salt Cucumbers (Optional): For extra insurance against wateriness, you can lightly salt sliced or diced cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. Salt draws out excess moisture, which you can then drain off before adding the cucumbers to the salad. Rinse salted cucumbers briefly before adding to salad to remove excess salt.
- Dress Just Before Serving: Dress the salad just before serving, rather than dressing it in advance. Dressing draws out moisture from vegetables over time.
- Use Less Dressing: Avoid overdressing the salad. Use just enough dressing to lightly coat the vegetables, rather than saturating them.
By following these tips, you can minimize wateriness and maintain the crisp texture of your mediterranean cucumber salad.
Q: What are some good protein additions to mediterranean cucumber salad to make it a meal?
A: To make mediterranean cucumber salad a more substantial meal, consider adding protein:
- Grilled Chicken or Chicken Breast: Sliced or cubed grilled chicken breast is a classic and versatile protein addition.
- Grilled or Pan-Seared Fish: Flaked grilled salmon, tuna, or cod adds healthy fats and protein.
- Grilled Shrimp or Shrimp Skewers: Grilled shrimp or prawns provide a light and flavorful seafood protein option.
- Chickpeas or White Beans (Cannellini Beans): Roasted chickpeas or cannellini beans offer plant-based protein and heartiness, keeping the dish vegetarian or vegan.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced or quartered hard-boiled eggs add protein and classic salad appeal.
- Grilled Halloumi or Feta Cheese (Increased Portion): Increase the amount of feta or add grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian protein boost.
Choose protein additions that complement the mediterranean flavors and your dietary preferences to create a satisfying and balanced meal.