Middle Eastern Chopped Salad
A vibrant, fresh Middle Eastern chopped salad featuring crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, perfect for light lunches, side dishes, or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 2 fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 2 scallions, trimmed and chopped ⓘ
- 1 sweet yellow pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. black olives, pitted and chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 c. Feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all chopped vegetables, olives, and parsley in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, try adding diced avocado or substituting cherry tomatoes for the fresh tomatoes. You can also use Kalamata olives instead of black olives for a stronger flavor. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can elevate the dish further. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables from the store are a great shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
This Middle Eastern Chopped Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect accompaniment for dishes like Speidini. Serve it alongside warm pita bread or as a refreshing side to hearty Mediterranean recipes. It can also be enjoyed as a light meal on its own, topped with extra feta cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad will continue to release moisture, so it’s best to keep the feta cheese separate until ready to serve. For serving, simply toss again before enjoying or let it come to room temperature for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Middle Eastern Chopped Salad contains roughly 312 calories, with 16g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (111% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 884mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. This allows the flavors to meld while maintaining the salad's crisp texture.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu seasoned with lemon juice and salt. Alternatively, goat cheese can provide a similar tangy flavor if you prefer a different cheese. Both options work well in this salad.
Is this salad vegan?
The salad is almost vegan, but the feta cheese makes it vegetarian. To make it completely vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The salad's bright flavors still shine through without it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).