This vibrant Mediterranean Salad is a quick, light, and delicious dish that bursts with fresh flavors. Perfect for warm weather, it’s a versatile side dish or light lunch. The salad brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy red onions, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. The addition of fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, basil, or parsley enhances its aromatic flavor, making it even more refreshing. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this Mediterranean salad is both a healthful and satisfying addition to any meal, providing a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s ideal for picnics, BBQs, or as a healthy everyday snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 2 to 3 medium tomatoes, diced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (or fresh mint, basil, parsley, dill)

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• Freshly cracked pepper, to taste

• Optional: feta cheese or olives for added flavor

Directions:

1. Start by dicing the cucumber and tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness.

2. In a large salad bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and your chosen fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, parsley, or basil). If you prefer a more tangy flavor, you can also add some crumbled feta cheese or black olives.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Once mixed, pour this dressing over the vegetables.

4. Toss everything gently until the salad is well coated with the dressing. Let the salad sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a more chilled, refreshing version.

5. Serve this Mediterranean salad as a healthy side dish, with grilled meats, or as a light meal on its own.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 100

• Fat: 9g (mainly from healthy olive oil)

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Protein: 1g

• Fiber: 2g