Zesty Citrus Mediterranean Salad

Name: Zesty Citrus Mediterranean Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups mixed salad greens; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp orange zest; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 4

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Welcome to a refreshing and vibrant twist on a classic salad — the Zesty Citrus Mediterranean Salad! This delightful mix blends bright, fresh flavors perfect for any season, especially when you're craving something light yet satisfying. Let's dive in!

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Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Mediterranean Salad

Mixed salad greens are the foundation of our salad, adding a refreshing crunch and a variety of textures. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet, juicy pop, while Kalamata olives introduce a rich, briny depth. Cucumber adds a cool, crisp element, and red onion provides a sharp, spicy bite. Feta cheese is our creamy, tangy counterbalance, and mandarin orange segments infuse the salad with a sweet, citrusy burst. Finally, fresh mint leaves add an aromatic, cooling finish.

For the dressing, extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice serve as the base, giving the salad a smooth and tangy coating. Orange zest enhances the citrus notes, while salt and black pepper season everything perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Chill your salad bowl before starting to keep everything crisp and cool.
If you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent wilting.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a hearty quinoa dish or a warm flatbread. It's also a fantastic addition to any picnic or potluck spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?: Absolutely! Goat cheese or a mild blue cheese would work well if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?: You can use any olives you prefer, but green olives offer a slightly different, tangier taste.

Zesty Citrus Mediterranean Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients so they're ready to go. In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens first. This forms the base, and it's easier to mix everything else in on top.

Add the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumber, and red onion. If you’re like me, you might find slicing the red onion thinly makes it less overpowering and more pleasant in the salad.

Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top, followed by the mandarin orange segments. These little bursts of sweetness and citrus are what make this salad really stand out.

Finally, scatter the fresh mint leaves. You can tear them by hand for a rustic feel, which also helps release their natural oils and aroma.

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well-combined and slightly emulsified.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Make sure not to over-toss as you want the ingredients to stay intact and look vibrant.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy the fresh, zesty goodness!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A burst of citrus flavor in every bite.
Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
Quick to prepare — ready in under 15 minutes!
Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Great for a light lunch or a side dish.

Ingredients

2 cups mixed salad greens

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup mandarin orange segments

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp orange zest

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, mandarin orange segments, and mint leaves.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange zest, salt, and black pepper.