Healthy Mediterranean Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

A healthy Mediterranean salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region with a light yet satisfying lemon-tahini dressing. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants derived from fresh ingredients.

The keyword for this article will be Mediterranean Salad. The Mediterranean diet has long been celebrated for its heart-healthy benefits due to the abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Incorporating such dishes into your weekly meals can contribute positively towards your overall well-being.

The cooking time for this salad is approximately 15 minutes, while it serves four people. Here’s a breakdown of how you can prepare this delightful dish:

Ingredients

• Cup of romaine lettuce, chopped finely into bite-sized pieces
• Twice the amount of cherry tomatoes sliced in half lengthwise
• Halved cucumber
• A small red onion, thinly sliced
• Two tablespoons of pitted Kalamata olives
• Handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Dash of olive oil for drizzling over the salad just before serving
• Fresh lemon juice, preferably one large lemon squeezed into about two tablespoons
• Three tablespoons of tahini
• A couple teaspoons of honey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

To start preparing this Mediterranean Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing, first gather all the necessary ingredients. Begin by washing thoroughly each component to ensure they are clean.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion pieces, and pitted olives. Stir gently so that all vegetables are evenly distributed within one another in your salad bowl.
2. For making the lemon-tahini dressing, mix tahini with freshly squeezed lemon juice along with honey for sweetness if desired (this step can be adjusted based on personal preferences). Season to taste by adding salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a slightly tangier flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice.
3. Once your salad ingredients are combined well in the mixing bowl, drizzle some olive oil over them followed immediately by pouring the prepared dressing carefully into the center of the greens. With clean hands or utensils, gently toss everything together until all parts are thoroughly coated and evenly dressed with the dressing.
4. The final touch is to garnish your salad with fresh parsley leaves scattered around the top of it. This adds color and freshness before serving immediately after preparation.

Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean Salad which brings together various elements characteristic of this well-known dietary style! It’s perfect for lunch, side dishes at dinner time, or even as part of a light snack during weekdays when you're looking forward to something healthier yet flavorful without compromising on taste. Share it with friends and family who might appreciate trying out new recipes too!

Remember that Mediterranean salads are incredibly versatile; feel free to substitute some components according to what’s available in your pantry or market! Whether using different types of greens like arugula instead of romaine, changing up the fruit choices such as adding chunks of pomegranate seeds for extra crunchiness and sweetness, or adjusting portion sizes depending on dietary needs - this versatile recipe allows plenty of room for personalization. So go ahead – make it your own unique creation!