Bright & Zesty Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad Recipe Like Ina Garten
Bursting with vibrant colors and Mediterranean zest, this Ina Garten middle eastern vegetable salad recipe delivers a symphony of fresh flavors that dance across your palate.
Crisp vegetables mingle with aromatic herbs, creating a delightful ensemble of textures and tastes.
Each ingredient tells a story of sun-drenched gardens and rustic kitchens.
The combination of chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs brings an irresistible freshness to the table.
Bold spices and a tangy dressing elevate this simple salad into a culinary masterpiece.
Packed with nutrition and intense flavor, this dish promises to be a standout at any gathering.
Grab your cutting board and get ready to savor every vibrant bite of this Mediterranean-inspired creation.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 260 kcal
Servings: 6
What You Need for Ina Garten Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad
For Fresh Produce:
Scallions: Adds a sharp, oniony kick with a crisp texture that brightens the entire salad.
Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, choose ripe, firm ones for the best burst of flavor and vibrant color.
Cucumber: Provides a cool, refreshing crunch and helps balance the salad's bold flavors.
Parsley: Brings a clean, herbal note that adds depth and freshness to the dish.
Mint: Introduces a cool, bright element that complements the Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Basil: Offers a sweet, peppery undertone that adds complexity to the salad.
For Protein and Legumes:
Chickpeas: Hearty and nutty, these provide substantial protein and a delightful creamy texture.
Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly, select a high-quality cheese that adds a salty, creamy dimension.
For Dressing and Seasoning:
Lemon Juice: Delivers a zesty, bright acidity that ties all ingredients together.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Kosher Salt: Helps to draw out and amplify the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and warmth to the salad.
Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, rich base for the dressing that unifies all components.
Tools That Help Build Ina Garten Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad
Large Salad Bowl: A spacious bowl to mix and toss all the fresh vegetables and herbs together.
Small Bowl or Measuring Cup: Perfect for whisking the zesty dressing ingredients until smooth and combined.
Whisk: Essential for blending the lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil into a creamy emulsion.
Sharp Knife: Needed for finely chopping herbs and dicing vegetables with precision.
Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing all ingredients before mixing.
Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
Assemble Ina Garten Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad Easily
Middle Eastern Garden Harvest
Veggie Symphony Preparation Fresh produce gathered in a spacious bowl creates a colorful canvas of flavors and textures.
Aromatic Dressing Crafting a zesty liquid blend of tangy citrus, sharp garlic, and smooth olive oil that will dance with the vegetables.
Flavor Fusion Gently coating each vegetable piece with the vibrant dressing, allowing the herbs and seasonings to mingle and awaken the salad's potential.
Creamy Cheese Accent Sprinkling crumbled feta across the salad, adding a rich and salty dimension that complements the fresh ingredients.
Presentation Moment Serving the salad immediately alongside warm, crispy pita bread for an inviting and interactive dining experience that celebrates Mediterranean freshness.
Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad
Select crisp, ripe vegetables at peak season for maximum flavor and crunch in your Middle Eastern salad.
Experiment with different herb combinations like adding dill, cilantro, or za'atar for unique aromatic variations that enhance the salad's Mediterranean profile.
Prepare vegetables and dressing separately up to 4 hours in advance, combining just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shredded lamb, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and substance.
Introduce heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of harissa, or sliced jalapeños to give the salad a zesty kick that complements the fresh vegetables and herbs.
How to Serve Ina Garten Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad Beautifully
Pair with Warm Pita: Serve alongside freshly toasted pita bread, allowing guests to scoop up the vibrant salad or use it as a delightful dipping companion.
Create a Mediterranean Spread: Complement the salad with hummus, olives, and grilled lamb or chicken to transform it into a complete and satisfying meal.
Elevate Lunch Experience: Pack this salad in a portable container for a refreshing workday lunch, keeping the dressing separate until ready to enjoy for maximum crispness.
Customize with Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or quinoa to make the salad more substantial and protein-packed for a hearty meal option.
Storing Ina Garten Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad
Maximize Freshness: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the feta separate to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Quick Prep Tip: Chop vegetables and herbs in advance, storing them separately to maintain crispness. Combine ingredients just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Smart Portioning: Divide the salad into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pack dressing separately to keep ingredients vibrant and crunchy.
Revive Leftovers: If salad seems slightly wilted, refresh by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Gently toss to redistribute flavors and restore brightness.
Ina Garten’s middle eastern vegetable salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Fresh ingredients combine for a light, refreshing side dish that connects you to classic culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound (454 grams) ripe tomatoes, seeded, cored, and ½-inch-diced
1 hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and ½-inch-diced
10 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
1 can or jar (12 to 16 oz or 340 to 454 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
8 oz (227 g) good feta cheese, ½-inch-diced
⅓ cup (80 mL) chopped fresh parsley
⅓ cup (80 mL) chopped fresh mint leaves
⅓ cup (80 mL) julienned fresh basil leaves
½ cup (120 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
½ cup (120 mL) good olive oil
1 tbsp (15 mL) minced garlic (3 cloves)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Toasted pita bread, for serving
Instructions
Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously dice tomatoes, slice cucumber into uniform pieces, and finely chop scallions in a large mixing bowl.
Herb and Legume Integration: Incorporate chickpeas, freshly chopped parsley, mint leaves, and basil into the vegetable mixture, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
Dressing Composition: Whisk lemon juice and minced garlic together, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, gradually streaming in extra virgin olive oil to create a silky, emulsified vinaigrette.
Flavor Melding: Gently fold the dressing into the vegetable medley, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated and evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Cheese Finale: Crumble feta cheese over the top, performing a light toss to integrate the cheese without fragmenting it excessively, and make final seasoning adjustments to taste.
Serving Suggestion: Present immediately alongside warm, toasted pita bread, showcasing the refreshing Mediterranean-inspired flavors and textures of this vibrant salad.
Notes
Chop with Precision: Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even flavor distribution and appealing texture.
Herb Freshness Matters: Use freshly chopped herbs at peak ripeness for maximum aromatic intensity and vibrant flavor profile.
Emulsify Dressing Carefully: Whisk olive oil slowly into lemon juice to create a smooth, well-blended vinaigrette that coats ingredients evenly.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right after preparation to maintain crisp vegetable texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.