Crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and salty feta collide in this vibrant Mediterranean Divorce Salad, a celebration of fresh flavors and satisfying textures. The zesty lemon vinaigrette brightens every bite, perfectly complementing the earthy chickpeas and briny Kalamata olives. This salad works so well because it’s a symphony of contrasting elements: the creaminess of the feta against the crunch of the cucumber, the tang of the dressing against the sweetness of the tomatoes. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Why you’ll love this Vibrant Mediterranean Divorce Salad with Divorce Salad Recipe
* Ready in just 20 minutes, this divorce salad recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* It’s packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
* The bright, tangy lemon vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor that will awaken your taste buds.
* Easily customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or protein.
* This vibrant salad is a delightful way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet.
* It’s a visually appealing dish, perfect for entertaining or a simple solo lunch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 1 cucumber, diced
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Substitutions:**
* Feta Cheese: Goat cheese or halloumi can be used as a substitute.
* Red Onion: Yellow or white onion can be used in a pinch, but red onion provides a milder flavor.
* Fresh Herbs: If fresh parsley or mint are unavailable, dried versions can be used, but use a smaller amount (about 1 teaspoon each).
How to make Vibrant Mediterranean Divorce Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Salad
Divorce salad recipe makes every moment feel indulgent. In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted and halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Chef’s Tip: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Tips for Success
* Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
* Don’t overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.
* If making ahead, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
* For a more intense flavor, marinate the red onion in the lemon juice for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to mellow out its sharpness.
Serving Suggestions
This Vibrant Mediterranean Divorce Salad is delicious on its own as a light lunch or dinner. It also pairs well with:
* Grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a heartier meal. You might enjoy it alongside this Cajun Crab Pasta Recipe.
* Pita bread or naan for scooping up the salad.
* Hummus and other Mediterranean dips.
* A glass of crisp white grape juice or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating
This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables may release some liquid as they sit, so you may want to drain it off before serving. The feta cheese will soften slightly over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I freeze this salad?**
Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables will become mushy and the feta cheese will change texture.
**Is this salad gluten-free?**
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
**Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
Yes, you can prepare the salad components (chopping vegetables, making the dressing) ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before serving.
This Vibrant Mediterranean Divorce Salad is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that’s both healthy and satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe to brighten your day, offering a fresh start with every bite. The simplicity of this divorce salad recipe makes it a go-to for quick lunches or vibrant side dishes. Try it and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Vibrant Mediterranean Divorce Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Divorce Salad is a celebration of flavor and independence, packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, briny olives, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s a light yet satisfying meal perfect for a fresh start. This salad is incredibly easy to customize, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or protein. The bright, tangy dressing perfectly complements the earthy vegetables and salty feta, making each bite a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. Enjoy this salad as a main course or a vibrant side dish, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Ready in minutes, this salad will become your new go-to. It’s the perfect way to nourish your body and soul.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or halloumi. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg