A Mediterranean Freshness by Lina Vexley
Lina Vexley, always passionate about healthy meals, found the perfect balance of freshness and flavor in her Italian Salad. One summer afternoon, she decided to combine her love for Mediterranean ingredients into one vibrant dish. The mixture of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese created a delightful burst of flavors that reminded her of the sun-kissed coasts of Italy. Ever since, this salad became a regular at her table, impressing everyone with its fresh ingredients and simple, yet bold dressing. Let’s dive into making this refreshing and colorful Italian Salad, just like Lina does.
Italian Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup black olives pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese cubed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, black olives, and red onion.
- Add the cubed feta cheese to the vegetables and mix gently to combine.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad and sprinkle with dried oregano.
- Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make the Italian Salad
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by halving 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and slicing 1 cucumber into thin pieces. Add them to a large salad bowl. The tomatoes and cucumber will give your salad a fresh, juicy base.
- Add the Olives and Onions: Pit and halve 1/4 cup of black olives, then slice 1/4 cup of red onion thinly. Toss these into the bowl with the tomatoes and cucumber.
- Add Feta Cheese: Cube 1/2 cup of feta cheese and add it to the bowl. Feta will bring a creamy texture and salty flavor that complements the vegetables.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the salad. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano on top for that classic Italian seasoning.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Lina Vexley’s Italian Salad brings a burst of freshness with every bite. The blend of vibrant vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, all drizzled with a simple balsamic dressing, makes this salad both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side or a light meal, this salad is perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, delicious, and captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors!