Albanian Inspired Mediterranean Salad

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, sliced (500g) 2 large cucumbers, sliced (500g)
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (600g) 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (600g)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g) 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g) 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g) 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (100g) 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (100g)
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g Kalamata olives, pitted 100g Kalamata olives, pitted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 12g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (8g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion.
2. 2.
   Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and fresh mint to the bowl.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon dressing ingredients (see below).
4. 4.
   Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
5. 5.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cucumbers — For a crisper texture, remove the seeds before slicing.
• Feta cheese — Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Kalamata olives — If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute Kalamata olives with black olives.
• Fresh herbs — Feel free to adjust the amount of parsley and mint according to your taste preferences.
• Lemon dressing — To make the lemon dressing, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of honey (optional), 1 clove of minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
• Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
• Serve the salad with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
• Customize the salad by adding other Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
• Make sure to use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Albanian inspired Mediterranean salad as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a filling for pita bread or wraps.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for an extra touch of elegance.