Imagine a salad so vibrant, so refreshingly delicious that it will instantly transport you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline with just one bite. This Tomato, Red Onion, Watercress, Feta, and Olive Salad isn't just a side dish—it's a culinary adventure that combines crisp, peppery watercress, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny olives into a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet lunch, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups watercress
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh produce: Rinse cherry tomatoes and watercress thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically through the stem area using a sharp knife. Place halved tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Separate the onion slices and add them to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Trim the tough stems from the watercress and roughly chop the leaves and tender stems. Add watercress to the mixing bowl.
- Drain and crumble the feta cheese into small chunks. Slice the black olives into thin rings.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Gently toss all salad ingredients together in the large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of tomatoes, onions, watercress, feta, and olives.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate watercress.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Use the freshest ingredients possible—the quality of each component makes a huge difference in this simple salad.
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the ingredients to mingle.
- If you want to add extra protein, consider grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use a sharp knife when slicing to keep vegetables crisp and prevent bruising.
- For a more intense flavor, briefly marinate the red onions in the balsamic vinegar before adding to the salad.
- Serve at room temperature to maximize the flavor profile of each ingredient.
- If watercress is unavailable, arugula makes an excellent substitute with a similar peppery kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
