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olive salad recipe

Mediterranean Olive Salad

A vibrant Mediterranean olive salad featuring a colorful mix of olives, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese in a simple lemon olive oil dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Green Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 215
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup mixed olives pitted and roughly chopped (Kalamata, green, black)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Prepare the olives by removing pits if necessary and roughly chopping them.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped olives, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
  3. Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil to the bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  7. For best flavor, allow the salad to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve at room temperature as a side dish or light meal.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a variety of olives rather than just one type.
  • This salad tastes even better after it has had time to marinate in the refrigerator.
  • If preparing in advance, add the feta cheese just before serving.
  • Rinse olives briefly if you prefer a less salty salad.