An all-star, easy-to-follow Mediterranean Salad recipe that is loaded with fresh vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, chickpeas, feta cheese and tangerine.
By Joana Oliveira
Got a crowd coming over? This big-batch salad makes a great starter or an accompaniment to any main dish you prepare. 
This mediterranean salad is loaded with fresh vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, chickpeas, feta cheese and tangerine. All this on a bed of salad greens and drizzled with a tangy tapenade (a popular french dip with olives and capers) and citrus dressing.
Crowd-Pleasing Mediterranean Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A crowd-pleasing salad featuring fresh vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Tomatoes, feta, peppers, olives and greens drizzled with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- Mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, watercress)
- 1 roasted or sautéed red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 roasted or sautéed green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Handful (8) sun-dried tomatoes,
- 1 cup (240 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup (240 ml) canned chickpeas (for crunchiness, sautée in a non-stick pan for 5 minutes or until golden)
- 1 tangerine (or clementine), peeled and split into segments
- Small handful sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Tapenade Dressing
- 1 cup (240 ml) black or kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 tbsp capers
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp tangerine (or clementine) zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- For the dessing, place the olives, capers, olive oil, lemon juice and water in a blender or food processor and blend until it turns into a soft paste. Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk together until emulsified. Set aside.
- Place a generous portion of greens in a big bowl and add all the other ingredients. Just before you are ready to serve, toss the salad with the tapenade dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the tapenade dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tapenade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before drizzling it over the salad.
What type of greens work best as a base for this Mediterranean salad?
You can use a mix of greens such as romaine, arugula, or spinach, depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
How can I adjust the salad for a vegan option?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and consider adding avocado or extra chickpeas for creaminess and protein.
