Israeli Salad with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers, finely chopped 2 cucumbers, finely chopped
• 4 tomatoes, finely chopped 4 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and parsley.
2. 2.
   Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
3. 3.
   Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad.
4. 4.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
6. 6.
   Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumbers — Choose firm and crisp cucumbers for the best texture in the salad.
• Tomatoes — Opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes to enhance the flavor of the salad.
• Bell peppers — Use a variety of colors for a visually appealing salad.
• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, crumble the feta cheese just before adding it to the salad.
• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeno pepper to the salad.
• Customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as radishes or carrots.
• Serve the salad as a filling for pita bread or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil according to your taste preferences.
• Make the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop even further.

Serving advice

Israeli Salad is best served chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch. It pairs well with grilled meats, falafel, or as a topping for hummus. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Israeli Salad in a large serving bowl, showcasing the vibrant colors of the vegetables. Consider arranging the salad in a circular pattern, starting with the cucumbers in the center and layering the other ingredients around them. Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top for an attractive finishing touch.