Oriental-inspired Romanian Salad

Ingredients

• 2 large tomatoes, diced (400g) 2 large tomatoes, diced (400g)
• 1 English cucumber, sliced (300g) 1 English cucumber, sliced (300g)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g) 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g) 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (150g)
• 1 cup pitted black olives (150g) 1 cup pitted black olives (150g)
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 16g (10g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, bell peppers, black olives, crumbled feta cheese, parsley, and mint leaves.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. 4.
   Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — For a creamier texture, choose a high-quality feta cheese made from sheep's milk. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for a milder variety such as Danish feta.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top of the salad.
• For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• If you're not a fan of olives, you can substitute them with capers for a tangy twist.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as radishes or thinly sliced red onions.
• This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish for a summer barbecue.

Serving advice

Serve the Oriental-Inspired Romanian Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish alongside your favorite main course. It is best enjoyed chilled to enhance the flavors.

Presentation advice

To make the salad visually appealing, arrange the colorful vegetables in a large serving bowl and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves for an added touch of freshness.