This easy Mediterranean Salad recipe is a fresh, vibrant chopped salad made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Loaded with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet bell peppers, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and red onions, it’s bursting with classic Mediterranean flavors. Quick to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or weeknight dinners, this refreshing salad is one you’ll make again and again.
Always on Repeat
I have to smile every time I make this salad because it’s truly my husband’s favorite. If you came to my house on almost any random weeknight, there’s a very good chance this Mediterranean salad would be on the table.
I probably make it at least once a week, sometimes more in the summer and it’s one of those recipes I can practically make with my eyes closed.
What I love most is how simple it is. Just a little chopping, a quick whisk of the dressing, and it’s done. No complicated steps, no cooking, no special equipment.
This salad pairs beautifully with garlic butter lamb chops or my Dijon Chicken for an easy, well-balanced meal. It’s also fantastic with salmon, one of my go-to proteins for quick dinners. Try it with my Baked Salmon, and you’ll have a wholesome, flavorful dinner on the table in no time.
All ingredients and their amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Vegetables: I always made this salad with cherry, Roma, and grape tomatoes, yellow or red bell peppers, and English cucumbers and 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 both the dry-packed and the jarred sun-dried tomatoes, and in my experience, the jarred ones in oil are the best choice here. They’re softer, more tender, and already infused with herbs and olive oil, which adds even more richness to the salad. The dry ones can work, but they’re usually chewier and need to be rehydrated first.
Kalamata olives: As for the olives, Kalamata olives are always my go-to because they add that classic Mediterranean briny, salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Black olives also work if you prefer a milder flavor. Olives really give this salad that bold, authentic Mediterranean feel.
Cheese: Feta will always be my favorite for Mediterrenean salads. After testing this salad so many different ways, feta is the cheese I always come back to. I’ve tried it with goat cheese and even freshly grated Parmesan, and while they’re both delicious, feta just gives this salad that bold, creamy, tangy punch that makes everything pop.
Dressing: When it comes to the dressing, I’ve tested this salad so many different ways (bottled dressings, garlic powder, even pre-minced garlic) and nothing compares to using fresh ingredients. Freshly minced garlic, good-quality extra virgin olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice (or red wine vinegar) make a huge difference in both flavor and aroma. I always finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and I adjust depending on how salty the feta and olives are. It’s simple, but when the ingredients are fresh, the flavor is incredibly vibrant and balanced.
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.
Tips For Making the Best Chopped Salad
- 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.
- You can also add chickpeas, white beans, or farro to turn it into a hearty vegetarian dish.
More Salad Recipes to Try:
Mediterranean Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette
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!