Chopped Mediterranean Salad with Homemade Dressing

This fresh Mediterranean salad with homemade dressing is easy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. Customize, store, and enjoy a tangy, healthy meal!

If you love bright, fresh flavors and crave a nutritious meal that’s easy to throw together, this Chopped Mediterranean Salad with Homemade Dressing will quickly become your favorite salad. Packed with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy mozzarella pearls, briny black olives, and juicy grapes, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The homemade dressing, featuring extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar, adds the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Unlike store-bought salad dressings, this homemade dressing is free of preservatives and artificial flavors, allowing the fresh ingredients to shine. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal prep option, a vibrant side dish, or a hearty lunch, this simple Mediterranean salad is both nourishing and satisfying. Keep reading to learn why you’ll love this recipe, how to make it, and the best way to store it for later enjoyment!

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Salad Recipe

• Packed with Mediterranean flavors – This salad features classic Mediterranean ingredients like black olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh oregano, making it one of the best Mediterranean recipes to try!
• Easy and quick to prepare – With just a little chopping and mixing, you’ll have a flavorful salad ready in minutes.
• Homemade salad dressings taste better – This Greek dressing recipe is fresher and healthier than store-bought salad dressings.
• Perfect for meal prep – Store leftovers in an airtight container for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Customizable – Swap out types of lettuce, add feta cheese, or toss in extra bell peppers to make this salad your own.

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

A great Mediterranean salad recipe starts with fresh ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Salad Ingredients:

• Romaine lettuce – A crisp, sturdy base that holds up well with dressings. You can also use other types of lettuce like iceberg or spinach.
• Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) – Add a protein boost and creamy texture.
• Mozzarella pearls – Soft and creamy, they balance the bold Mediterranean flavors.
• Artichoke hearts – Their briny, slightly tangy taste adds depth to the salad.
• Grapes – A sweet contrast to the salty and tangy elements.
• Black olives – Briny and savory, these bring a distinct Mediterranean touch.
• Cucumber – Adds refreshing crunch.
• Cherry tomatoes – Bursting with sweetness and juiciness.
• Roasted red peppers – Smoky and sweet, they complement the other flavors beautifully.
• Peperoncini – Give the salad a bit of zesty heat.
• Parmesan – A salty, umami-rich finishing touch.
• Parsley & fresh oregano – Provide fresh herbs that enhance the overall taste.

Dressing Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil – The best choice for homemade salad dressings due to its rich, smooth flavor.
• Dijon mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a slight tang.
• Apple cider vinegar – A staple in many Mediterranean chickpea salad dressings for a subtle fruity acidity.
• Maple syrup – Balances out the acidity with natural sweetness.
• Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dressing and enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the taste of the rest of the ingredients.

How to Make the Recipe

Making this chopped salad is incredibly easy! Follow these simple steps:

1. Chop your vegetables – Dice the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion to create an evenly textured salad.
2. Assemble the salad – In a large salad bowl, layer the romaine lettuce as the base. Then, add chickpeas, mozzarella pearls, artichoke hearts, grapes, black olives, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, peperoncini, parmesan, and fresh herbs.
3. Prepare the dressing – In a small mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good shake or whisk until smooth.
4. Toss and serve – Pour the delicious dressing over the salad, toss well, and enjoy!

Check Out My Other Salad recipes

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftovers or want to make this salad ahead of time, follow these storage tips:

• Keep ingredients separate – For the best results, store the chopped vegetables and the homemade dressing separately in an airtight container. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
• Refrigerate properly – Store the salad in a large salad bowl with a lid or divide it into meal prep containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Shake the dressing before using – The dressing may separate over time. Simply give it a good shake before drizzling it over your salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use the freshest ingredients – The key to a great Mediterranean salad recipe is using high-quality, fresh ingredients like fresh herbs, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Make it a full meal – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa for extra protein.
• Customize to your taste – Swap out mozzarella for feta cheese, add red onion for extra bite, or use a mix of types of lettuce for a varied texture.
• Try different dressings – While this Greek dressing recipe is amazing, you can also experiment with other homemade salad dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette or tahini dressing.

Enjoy This Flavorful Mediterranean Salad!

This simple Mediterranean salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a meal prep option, this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Plus, with its delicious dressing, crisp veggies, and tangy elements, it’s a salad you’ll never get bored of! Try it today and bring the best of Mediterranean flavors to your table.

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