Mom’s Marinated Salad
This Mom’s Marinated Salad is a colorful, crisp, and refreshing dish that perfectly embodies the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in an easy, no-cook recipe. A combination of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onions, and sweet bell peppers creates the base, while black olives and crumbled feta add savory depth and richness. Tossed in a tangy dressing made with olive oil and red wine vinegar, the vegetables absorb the flavors as they chill, resulting in a deliciously refreshing salad that comes together with minimal effort and requires no cooking.
Mom’s Marinated Salad
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cucumbers, washed and diced | 2 large |
| Ripe tomatoes, washed and diced | 3 medium |
| Red onion, washed and diced | 1/2 large |
| Bell peppers, assorted colors, washed and diced | 2 |
| Black olives, pitted and halved | 1/2 cup |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1/3 cup |
| Red wine vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Rinse the cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers thoroughly under cool water and pat them dry. Cut them into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion so its flavor is distributed throughout the salad without becoming overpowering.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
Place the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into a large mixing bowl. Add the black olives and crumbled feta cheese on top, creating a colorful and inviting mixture.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and chopped fresh parsley until the ingredients are well blended and the dressing becomes slightly emulsified.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the dressing evenly over the vegetables, olives, and feta. Using large spoons, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are coated. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or break down the feta too much.
Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour.
Tip: Although the salad can be served right away, chilling allows the flavors to blend beautifully. The vegetables absorb the tangy dressing, creating a more balanced and flavorful dish.
Step 6: Serve Chilled
Remove the salad from the refrigerator, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and juices, and serve cold for the freshest taste.
