Middle Eastern Salad Recipe
The Middle East is known for its wealth and the richness of its culture and traditions. However, there is one treasure that is often undermined – its cuisine. Exquisite and exciting, the flavors of the Middle East are second to none when it comes to nutritional value, taste, and presentation. Middle Eastern salads are particularly incredible – these make for excellent side dishes, and some are wholesome enough to serve as an entire meal in themselves.
A classic Middle Eastern salad is made of fresh vegetables, with a tangy dressing that is great for both the taste buds and the calorie chart. An easy dish packed with flavour, this salad can be made in 15 minutes or less, and is sure to please those dining with you.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Serving size: Serves 4 persons
Utensils: Mixing bowls, spoon, salad platter
Ingredients:
– 10 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
– 1/2 kg tomatoes, diced
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/3 cup chopped parsley
– 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1/3 cup chopped basil leaves
– Fresh lemon juice (use approximately four lemons)
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
– Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
– Pita bread for serving
Instructions
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1
Mix the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil together in a large mixing bowl. Make sure you wash them thoroughly before you chop/dice/mince them, and ensure that you use the freshest ingredients possible – old, wilted vegetables will ruin the salad completely.
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2
In another small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk the lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper together, and then add the olive oil slowly to make an emulsion. It is essential to drizzle the olive oil in gently, whisking and incorporating small quantities at a time – do not pour it all in at once, as this will cause all the oil to separate from the dressing, and remain floating on the top.
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3
Pour this dressing onto the vegetables, and toss them all together properly, in order to coat them evenly. Then, put the salad on a platter, add on the feta cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with toasted pita bread for a wholesome and filling meal.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Pita bread for servingNext%20stop%3A%20Pinterest "Pin It")
