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Mediterranean chopped salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Homemade Dressing

Full of veggies and pasta in a zingy, mildly sweet homemade dressing, this has become our favorite anytime salad to enjoy gleefully
Course Brunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 8
Author Vanitha Bhat

Ingredients

FOR THE DRESSING:

  • ½ cup extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 2-3 tablespoons date syrup or any sweetener
  • 2-3 cloves of minced or grated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon mixed herbs
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons Pink salt or to taste

FOR THE SALAD:

  • 1 cup pasta I used rotini pasta; cooked al dente and cooled
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomato halved
  • 1 heart romaine lettuce trimmed and chopped into bite sized pieces (about 3 cups)
  • ½ cup red radish chopped
  • ½ cup chopped red onions
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped English cucumber
  • 1 cup edamame

Instructions

TO MAKE THE DRESSING:

  1. In a small bottle or jar, add the oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, grated garlic, herbs, date syrup, grainy mustard, salt and pepper.

  2. Close the jar and shake well for about 10 seconds to emulsify the dressing.
  3. Set aside.

TO MAKE THE SUMMER SALAD:

  1. In a large bowl, combine all the chopped salad ingredients, including pasta and edamame if using.

  2. If serving immediately, pour the dressing, mix well and serve.

  3. But if serving later or in portions, spoon as much of the salad ingredients needed to finish at that time in a separate bowl and add the required amount of dressing; as much as needed.

  4. Toss gently and serve.

Recipe Notes

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge; dressing and veggies separately. Mix only as much of the salad and dressing as needed.
  • Dressing lasts for at least a week or two so feel free to make a large batch (double or triple the amounts) and use it with any salad or even as a marinade.
  • Other salad options are chickpeas, beans, paneer, tofu etc.
  • For more deliciousness, you can stir in chopped walnuts, chopped dates or even raisins just before serving; some of my salad favorites!
  • Feta cheese bits too add a lovely savory hit in the salad. Again, sprinkle just before eating!
  • Enjoy and Happy Eating!