Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing and healthy Greek salad, elevated with the creamy richness of avocado! This isn’t your average Greek salad; it’s a delightful fusion of classic Mediterranean ingredients and the healthy fats of avocado, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly nutritious. Perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a satisfying summer dinner, this Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado is bursting with fresh, wholesome ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized. Imagine juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, salty Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed together with a zesty lemon-herb dressing and the delightful addition of fresh avocado. This recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a balanced and flavorful meal that aligns perfectly with the principles of the Mediterranean diet.

Greek Salad with Avocado (Mediterranean Diet Approved!)

A refreshing and healthy Greek salad boosted with creamy avocado, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This recipe is packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors and is easily customizable.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Bowl

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 1 Ripe Avocado diced
• 1 Cucumber diced
• 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes halved
• 0.5 Red Onion thinly sliced
• 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives pitted and halved
• 0.5 cup Feta Cheese crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Dill chopped (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Dice the avocado, cucumber, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
• Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese.
• In a large bowl, combine the avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocado can become mushy.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
• Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts. Adjust the amount of red wine vinegar to your liking.

Keyword avocado salad, easy recipe, Greek salad, healthy recipe, mediterranean diet, summer salad, vegan adaptable, vegetarian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado is more than just a salad; it’s a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:

• Unbelievably Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and briny olives creates a symphony of textures and tastes. Each bite is a burst of freshness.
• Simple and Quick to Make: With minimal chopping and a simple dressing, this salad comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Incredibly Versatile: Feel free to add your own personal touch! Experiment with different herbs, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, or swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what’s in season. The possibilities are endless!
• Perfectly Balanced Meal: This salad offers a great balance of healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, protein from the feta cheese, and fiber from the vegetables. It’s a complete and satisfying meal.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make this salad a feast for the eyes. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply impressing your guests.
• Mediterranean Diet Friendly: This recipe adheres to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fresh produce, healthy fats, and lean protein. It’s a delicious way to incorporate the benefits of this healthy eating style into your daily life.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond its deliciousness, this Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado offers a multitude of benefits that make it a must-try recipe:

• Boost Your Health: The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. This salad is a delicious way to incorporate these benefits into your diet.
• Increase Your Energy Levels: The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber will keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day. Say goodbye to afternoon slumps!
• Improve Your Digestion: The high fiber content of this salad promotes healthy digestion and keeps your gut happy.
• Support Weight Management: This salad is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
• Easy Meal Prep Option: Prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Explore New Flavors: This recipe is a fantastic way to expand your culinary horizons and experience the vibrant tastes of Mediterranean cuisine. You might discover new favorite ingredients!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Let’s gather the ingredients and tools you’ll need to create this amazing Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado:

Detailed List of Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado: Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure. This ensures it’s perfectly ripe and creamy. Secondary Keyword: ripe avocado
• 1 cucumber: English cucumbers are preferred for their mild flavor and less watery texture. Peel and seed if desired. Secondary Keyword: English cucumber
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes: Halving them increases the surface area, allowing for better flavor absorption from the dressing. Secondary Keyword: cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion: Thinly slicing the red onion helps to mellow its sharpness. Soaking it briefly in cold water can further reduce its pungency. Secondary Keyword: red onion
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives: These briny olives add a salty, umami depth to the salad. Pitting and halving them makes them easier to eat. Secondary Keyword: Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Use high-quality feta for the best flavor. Crumbling it yourself ensures a more even distribution throughout the salad. Secondary Keyword: feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its superior flavor and health benefits. Secondary Keyword: extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds a tangy balance to the richness of the avocado and feta. Secondary Keyword: red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Dried oregano provides a classic Mediterranean touch. Fresh oregano can be substituted, using about 2 tablespoons. Secondary Keyword: oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor significantly. Secondary Keyword: black pepper
• Optional: Fresh parsley or dill, chopped: For garnish. Fresh herbs add a vibrant touch of color and flavor. Secondary Keyword: fresh parsley, Secondary Keyword: fresh dill

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Large bowl: For combining all the salad ingredients.
• Small bowl: For whisking together the dressing.
• Sharp knife: For dicing the avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes, and thinly slicing the red onion. A good quality knife makes all the difference.
• Cutting board: To protect your countertops and provide a stable surface for chopping.
• Whisk: To thoroughly combine the dressing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Serving bowl: To beautifully present your finished salad.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry all the vegetables. Dice the avocado and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In the large bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Be gentle to prevent the avocado from mashing.
3. Make the Dressing: In the small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You might want to add a little more vinegar for extra tanginess or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Avoid over-mixing, which can lead to bruised avocado and a watery salad.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to customize your Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado:

• Avocado Ripeness: Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch. If your avocado is too ripe, you can use less of it to prevent the salad from getting overly mushy.
• Red Onion Handling: If you find red onion too strong, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
• Herb Alternatives: Experiment with different herbs, such as mint, basil, or thyme.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans for extra protein and texture.
• Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese for a delicious vegan version. You can use vegan feta alternatives or simply enjoy the salad without cheese.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Seasonal Variations: Use seasonal vegetables to create unique flavor combinations. Add bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts during the summer months.
• Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for a brighter, more acidic flavor.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

This Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado is a nutritional powerhouse! While the exact nutritional values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used, a serving generally provides a good balance of:

• Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Fiber: The vegetables provide ample fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
• Protein: Feta cheese is a good source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Antioxidants: Tomatoes and olives are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.
• Vitamins and Minerals: This salad provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate.

The Mediterranean diet, which this salad aligns with, has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved brain function, and weight management. The combination of ingredients in this salad offers a delicious and effective way to harness the power of Mediterranean eating.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Diet Approved! Greek Salad with Avocado is a delightful and healthy addition to your culinary repertoire. Its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and nutritional benefits make it a perfect choice for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own unique version. Remember to share your culinary creations with us – we’d love to see your pictures and hear your feedback! And don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes on our website for more culinary inspiration. You can also find more inspiring recipes on our Pinterest page! Happy cooking!