Mediterranean Salad with Hummus (Printable)
A vibrant, refreshing blend of crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and creamy hummus. Ideal for a light lunch or satisfying side.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 cucumber, diced
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
06 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
→ Cheese
07 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
→ Hummus
08 - 1 cup hummus
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Additions
15 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
16 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
# Directions:
01 - In a spacious salad bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, pitted and sliced Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley.
02 - In a separate small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the combined vegetables. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure an even coating.
04 - Add the crumbled feta cheese to the dressed vegetables. Gently toss once more to distribute the cheese throughout the salad.
05 - If desired, fold in the cooked chickpeas and toasted pine nuts at this stage for added texture and flavor.
06 - Spread the hummus evenly in a substantial layer across a large serving platter, or divide it among individual plates to form a base.
07 - Carefully mound the dressed salad mixture atop the hummus layer. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy its freshness.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It's a dream come true for those sweltering days when turning on the stove is simply out of the question.
- The way the creamy hummus cradles the crisp, zesty vegetables makes every spoonful a delightful surprise.
02 -
- Don't be shy with the lemon juice; its brightness is what truly makes this salad sing.
- Always use fresh parsley; dried just doesn't offer that same vibrant lift.
03 -
- For the creamiest hummus layer, let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes before spreading to make it more pliable.
- Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust seasonings as needed; this is your moment to perfect the flavor balance.