Mediterranean Crunch Salad – A Nutritious and Flavorful Delight
Mediterranean Crunch Salad is a vibrant and nutrient-packed dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors. It combines crisp vegetables, tangy dressings, and flavorful toppings to create a satisfying, healthy meal. Typically, it features fresh greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and crunchy elements like roasted chickpeas or pita chips.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Salad Base:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup kale finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup cucumbers diced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- Crunchy Toppings:
- ½ cup roasted chickpeas
- ¼ cup pita chips crushed
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the romaine, kale, cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables. Toss with the dressing until evenly coated.
Add the Crunch: Top the salad with roasted chickpeas, crushed pita chips, and crumbled feta cheese.
Serve and Enjoy: Mix lightly and serve immediately. Optionally, pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~200-250
Protein: 6-8g
Fiber: 4-5g
Healthy Fats: From olive oil and chickpeas
Vitamins: High in Vitamin A, C, and K
Customization Ideas
Make it Vegan: Replace feta cheese with dairy-free feta or avocado.
Add More Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Boost the Fiber: Toss in cooked quinoa or black beans.
Enhance the Flavor: Sprinkle with sumac or a pinch of za’atar.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Store separately: Keep the dressing in a jar and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Meal Prep Idea: Pre-chop vegetables and store them separately from toppings and dressing for easy assembly.
FAQs
How many calories are in Mediterranean Crunch Salad?A typical serving contains 150-200 calories, depending on the dressing and toppings.
What’s the best dressing for Mediterranean Crunch Salad?A simple olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano dressing works best.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?Yes! Swap pita chips for roasted sunflower seeds or additional chickpeas.
How long does this salad last?It stays fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator if stored without dressing.
Can I freeze this salad?No, freezing will alter the texture of the vegetables. However, you can freeze the dressing separately.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Crunch Salad is the perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and versatility. Whether you prefer store-bought kits like Taylor Farms Mediterranean Crunch Salad or make your own from scratch, it’s easy to enjoy this salad your way.
Keyword Mediterranean Crunch Salad