Description
Mediterranean-inspired cucumber tomato salad from Ina Garten blends crisp vegetables with tangy herbs and zesty dressing. Fresh ingredients create a light, refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 red bell pepper, large-diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, large-diced
- 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, sliced in half-rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Olives:
- ½ pound (227 grams) feta cheese, ½-inch diced (not crumbled)
- ½ cup calamata olives, pitted
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup good red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup good olive oil
Instructions
- Combine diced cucumber, sliced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of vegetables.
- In a separate small bowl, craft the vinaigrette by vigorously whisking minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well integrated.
- Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil into the whisked mixture, continuously stirring to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that will coat the vegetables perfectly.
- Gently pour the prepared vinaigrette over the vegetable medley, ensuring each piece is lightly coated with the aromatic dressing.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives over the salad, using a delicate folding motion to incorporate the ingredients without bruising the vegetables.
- Allow the salad to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, presenting the vibrant mixture at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a Good Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil transforms the vinaigrette’s taste, adding depth and richness that elevates the entire salad’s flavor profile.
- Dice Feta Properly: Precise 1/2-inch cubes maintain the cheese’s structural integrity, creating perfect bite-sized pieces that distribute evenly throughout the dish.
- Adjust Vinaigrette to Taste: Personalize the dressing by tasting and tweaking salt, pepper, and vinegar levels to match your unique flavor preferences.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to rest for 30 minutes enables ingredients to mingle, intensifying the overall taste and allowing flavors to develop completely.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Select crisp, firm vegetables at peak freshness to guarantee maximum crunch, brightness, and authentic Mediterranean-style salad experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg