Name: Mediterranean Crunch Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 oz shredded kale; 10 oz romaine lettuce; 1 large English cucumber; 2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes; 1/2 red onion diced; 15 oz chickpeas; 1.5 cup sliced green olives; 1.5 cup sliced red cabbage; Feta cheese (optional); 2 cups seasoned croutons (or you can make your own if you prefer); 1 tbsp zaatar seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup hummus (I used garlic but you can use plain or even red pepper hummus); 1 crushed garlic clove; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional); ½ cup loosely packed basil; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp onion powder

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Let's explore the vibrant and refreshing flavors of our Mediterranean Crunch Salad. This recipe was inspired by the delightful flavors of Sweetgreen's Hummus Crunch Salad. This is my favorite summer salad and a dish that celebrates the wholesome goodness of Mediterranean flavors. Drawing inspiration from this iconic dish, our Mediterranean Crunch Salad pays homage to the flavors and textures that make Mediterranean cuisine so irresistible.

Fresh garden salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, and creamy dressing in a white bowl on a wooden table.

With fresh kale and romaine, fresh veggies, fresh herbs, crispy croutons, and a homemade creamy hummus salad dressing, this recipe has tons of flavor and is sure to become a family favorite. And the best part is, it's on your table in 15 minutes. You've got to love a fast and easy healthy meal. I also love using this recipe for meal prep. You can add some chicken breast to make a full meal of it or it works great as a side dish as well.

If you want to check out another great Mediterranean recipe, you'll love my One Pot Mediterranean Orzo. If you are in the mood for something different, you can also try my Taco salad bowl. Speaking of Taco, that got me thinking about my loaded taco potato bowl. YUM! OK! Let's go back to Earth.

Discovering the Essence of Mediterranean Cuisine

As you may know, Mediterranean food is some of my favorite food! Renowned for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple yet flavorful preparations. From the azure waters of Greece to the sun-drenched hillsides of Italy, the Mediterranean region teems with an abundance of colorful fruits, vegetables, grains, and aromatic herbs. It was amidst this culinary paradise that I first fell in love with the vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness of Mediterranean cuisine—a love affair that continues to inspire my culinary creations to this day.

Mediterranean Crunch Salad Video

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Elevating the Crunch Factor: Za'atar Breadcrumbs

To add an extra layer of texture and flavor to our salad, we've created a tantalizing topping of Za'atar Breadcrumbs to top our leafy greens. Made with seasoned croutons, aromatic za'atar seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil, these crunchy breadcrumbs elevate the salad to new heights, adding a delightful crunch and a hint of Middle Eastern flair.

Savoring Every Bite: Hummus Dressing

No Mediterranean salad would be complete without a creamy and flavorful dressing to tie it all together. Our Creamy Hummus Dressing, made with hummus, fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of garlic and spices, infuses the salad with a burst of Mediterranean sunshine and bright flavors. Whether drizzled generously over the salad or served on the side for dipping, this dressing is sure to transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Crunch Salad Ingredients

Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at end of blog post

Salad:

8 oz shredded kale
10 oz romaine lettuce
1 large English crisp cucumber or 3-4 Persian cucumbers
2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes
½ red onions, diced
15 oz can of chickpeas
1.5 cups sliced green olives, kalamata olives or black olives
1.5 cups sliced red cabbage
Feta cheese (optional)

Za'atar Breadcrumbs:

2 cups seasoned croutons
1 tablespoon za'atar seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil

Hummus Dressing:

½ cup store-bought hummus or homemade hummus (garlic, plain, or red pepper)
1 crushed garlic clove
3 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
½ cup loosely packed basil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder

Fresh veggie salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, and creamy dressing in a white bowl, perfect for a healthy meal.

How To Make Mediterranean Crunch Salad

Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at end of blog post

Salad

Start by washing your romaine and kale. In a large bowl, drain and massage your kale with a teaspoon of olive oil for about a minute to tenderize it.
On your cutting board, slice your cucumber lengthwise, then in half and into ½" thicks slices.
Slice your cherry tomatoes and olives in half. Dice your onions and add all your ingredients to the top of your salad.
Add your chopped cabbage and drained and washed chickpeas. I used pre packaged cabbage to save time but you can also cut your own.

Za'atar Breadcrumbs

Blend your croutons, olive oil, and za'atar seasoning in a food processor. I'm using store bought seasoned croutons. I like to chop mine into smaller bits but you can leave it in bigger pieces if that's what you prefer.

Hummus Dressing

Combine all your ingredients in a food processor until creamy.

Combine

Top your salad with your breadcrumbs and dressing and serve! Or, if you are serving it later in the day, do not combine and toss all ingredients before serving.

Exploring the Ingredients: Freshness Meets Flavor

Kale and Romaine Lettuce: These hearty greens provide the base for our salad, offering a combination of crispness and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

English Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and refreshing, these vibrant vegetables add a burst of sweetness and acidity to the salad, balancing out its richness and texture.

Red Onion and Red Cabbage: Diced red onion and sliced red cabbage infuse the salad with a pop of color and a hint of peppery sweetness, enhancing its visual appeal and nutritional value.

Chickpeas and Green Olives: Protein-rich chickpeas and briny green olives add a satisfying crunch and a depth of flavor to the salad, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Optional Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta cheese lends a luxurious touch to the salad, providing a contrast to its crisp and refreshing ingredients.

Za'atar Breadcrumbs: Made with seasoned croutons and aromatic zaatar seasoning, these crunchy breadcrumbs add a Middle Eastern twist to the salad, infusing it with exotic flavors and textures.

Hummus Dressing: Creamy hummus, fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of garlic and spices come together to create a luscious and flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the salad's bold and vibrant flavors.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Can I customize the ingredients in this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to personalize the salad by adding or substituting ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. You can experiment with different types of greens, vegetables, proteins, and toppings to create your own unique twist on this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

How long will the Hummus Dressing last in the refrigerator?

The Hummus Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, give it a good stir or shake to recombine any separated ingredients.