Organic Mediterranean Summer Salad

Mediterranean Salad

Summer, with its beautiful and abundant array of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs, is premier salad season.  Summer is the best time, when fresh fruits and vegetables are at the peak of perfection, to experiment and create new food preparations and styles.  Use brightly colored summer fruits, berries, vegetables and edible flowers to prepare beautiful, dazzling, eye-appealing meals.  Be an artist in the kitchen.  When the temperature rises and you are not particularly in the mood to cook nothing perks and pleases the palate like a freshly prepared salad.  Mediterranean Salad, a longstanding favorite of mine, features a unique and refreshing medley of summer produce and fresh seasonal herbs.  A basic olive oil dressing, like the one I have included, is all the salad really needs.   For those that are cheese enthusiasts knock yourself out and throw in some feta.

Mediterranean Summer Salad can be eaten just as it is or dressed up with meats and cheeses.  It can be served as an excellent accompaniment to grilled fish, grilled meat, pasta, baked red potatoes, or quinoa.  For those of you who are fans of salad, as I am, make sure to give Mediterranean Salad a try. 

Mediterranean Summer Salad

1 head of crisp organic romaine lettuce, washed and torn or cut into bite-size pieces
1 organic red bell pepper, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces
2 organic Persian cucumbers, washed and sliced into bite-size pieces
2 stalks organic celery, chopped
1 small organic red onion, sliced
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 T. fresh basil, chopped
1 t. fresh mint, chopped
sprinkling of fresh oregano, chopped
Greek olives

In a large salad bowl assemble the salad.   Drizzle with olive oil dressing and garnish with Greek olives.

Variation:  If you tolerate dairy products - feta cheese is a lovely addition.

Mediterranean Summer Salad With Olive Oil Dressing

  
Olive Oil Dressing

1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
juice of 2 lemons
1/2 t. dry mustard
1/2 t. sea salt
1/4 t. honey

Place all ingredients in an amber glass jar (dark jars help prevent oxidation of oils) and shake.  Store in fridge.

Organic, Fresh and Raw