Enjoy this fresh and vibrant and easy Mediterranean Salad Recipe, packed with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet bell peppers, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and sharp red onions. Refreshing, colorful, and incredibly easy to make, this salad is a go-to for hot summer days!
Always on Repeat
This is my husband’s favorite salad! I probably make it for him at least once a week for dinner, usually to pair with our favorite grilled chicken thighs or broiled salmon, or a delicious baked pork chops.
Made with a refreshing mix of cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onions, black olives, cucumber, sun‑dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta—tossed in a simple lemon‑olive oil dressing—this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
It’s the kind of side that brightens everything on the plate and comes together in just about 10 minutes —making it a weekday staple in my kitchen. Light yet satisfying, zippy and fresh, it complements proteins beautifully and elevates any meal without extra fuss.
Vegetables: I’ve made this salad with cherry, Roma, and grape tomatoes, yellow or red bell peppers, and English cucumbers. After testing many times, I love this combo for sweetness, crunch, and color. Red onion adds a bite, but shallots are great if you want it milder.
Sun-dried tomatoes & olives: I’ve tried jarred and dry sun-dried tomatoes; the jarred kind in oil gives the best flavor and texture. Kalamata olives or black olives work well—skip them if you prefer.
Cheese: Feta is my favorite after testing many versions. Goat cheese or Parmesan also works, but feta gives that creamy, tangy punch.
Dressing: I’ve tested fresh garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar) —fresh always wins for aroma and brightness. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Fresh herbs: Parsley, dill, basil or fresh mint all shine here. I’ve made this salad many times with each, and fresh herbs always make a big difference.
How to Make this Mediterranean Salad
Step 1: Chop all the ingredients, then toss them together in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients for the dressing together.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, and toss.
Olivia's Recipe Tip
Opt for ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs for the most vibrant mediterranean flavors.
Allow this Greek salad to sit for a few minutes after tossing to let the flavors meld together.
Using a good extra-virgin olive oil enhances the dressing’s flavor, giving this side dish a richer, more authentic taste.
You can also add more vegetables to this, such as fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, arugula, romaine lettuce, or radishes.
I like adding some chicken breasts to this Mediterranean salad for a serving of protein. To make the chicken, check out this Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts or Lemon Roasted Breast Chicken.
You can also add some salmon to this as well. Check out this Pan Seared Salmon Recipe or Baked Salmon.
Alternatively, you can add chickpeas or white beans to the Mediterranean salad instead. Keep in mind that you already include feta cheese, which has protein. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, crumbled goat or blue cheese would also be delicious in this salad.
More Salad Recipes to Try:
Mediterranean Salad Recipe – Fresh Veggies & Zesty Dressing!
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 cup red onions sliced
- ½ cup black olives sliced
- 1 medium cucumber diced
- 3 tablespoons feta cheese crumbled (omit if you are following whole30)
- 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes julienne cut
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red onions, black olives, cucumber, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture, and toss. Top with fresh parsley
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I noticed vinegar listed in the Instructions but not ingredients. Is vinegar to be included for the dressing, if so what kind and how much?
I am sorry. It was a typo. There is no vinegar on this recipe! It is only olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper for the dressing. Thanks for noticing that. Hope you enjoy this recipe!
I love the salad recipes 😄. Healthy eating for my weight and heart. Had a heart attack last year due to clogged arteries. Have to include veggies and fresh fruit everyday un my diet. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Ooops! Typo error 😒 Have to have veggies and fresh fruits included in my diet. Great salad recipes.
Recipe states 1/2 lemon juice but not the measurement. Half what?
So Sorry about that, Karen. It’s actually 1 tbsp of lemon juice. Thanks for pointing it out 🙂
Made this last night and wasn’t a fan of the dressing. It wasn’t tasty at all. I wouldn’t make this again. I did like the ingredients listed for the salad.
Try the copykat recipe for Zoe’s salad dressing, it’s wonderful! Hopefully you will enjoy those flavors we do for sure and often! Marinating chicken and fish in it… it’s great!
Muito pratico e gostosa essa receita
Isso mesmo. Muito fácil de fazer!
I made this salad and served it along with a quiche for girlfriends. The salad was really good although it got kind of soggy from the juices & dressing. I suggest that excess juices be poured off & dressing be added just before serving. Also probably just as good and easier with pre-cut feta cheese.
Yes absolutely, the dressing should be added just before serving. Thanks for pointing it out 😉
delicious (and healthy) salad!!! will make again for sure!!!
Awesome!
This is my go to now. I use only salt and pepper to dress it. There are plenty of flavors and natural juices.
Yes there are plenty of flavours. It’s so good and I’m happy you like it!
That salad looks fantastic! This is a perfect make-ahead fancy-ish lunch!
Totally!
I made this salad today and it was q great success. Delicious and healthy..thank you for sharing it
So happy to hear that!!
This is a very healthy salad I ever ate chickpea but it taste delicious with salad
yes it does!
So good! Will definitely make again
Awesome!