Mediterranean Pepper Salad: A Savory Blend of Vibrant Peppers

Vibrant Mediterranean Pepper Salad: A Symphony of Flavors

If you're craving a fresh and zesty side dish that mirrors the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, look no further. This delightful salad is inspired by a classic treat you could find at Zabar’s, yet it’s uniquely yours to recreate at home, minus the green bell peppers, thanks to my personal twist. By quick-pickling the red onion, we can sweeten its taste and add a delightful crunch. What’s even better? This salad gets tastier as it sits—perfect for meal prep!

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: 1-2 hours (or up to a couple of days for enhanced flavor)

Ingredients List

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 red onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 bell peppers in assorted colors (I used red, orange, and yellow)
• 1 kirby cucumber, chopped
• 1/4-pound firm feta cheese, cubed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

Start by combining the red wine vinegar, cold water, kosher salt, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Toss in the red onion and let it sit while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Now it's time to showcase your chopping skills! Remove the seeds and cores from the bell peppers, then cut them into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice the cucumber and feta into similar-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix together the vibrant bell peppers, cucumber, feta, and Kalamata olives.

Once your onions have marinated and softened, drain them and incorporate them into the vegetable medley, saving the pickling liquid for later. Drizzle about a quarter cup of the vinegar mixture over the salad, and follow with a generous pour of olive oil. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Stir gently to combine and either serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two for the flavors to meld.

Oh! Almost forgot to mention, if you adore grape tomatoes, feel free to toss in a cup of those too—they make a delightful addition! If you’re not a fan, no worries; the salad is still incredibly flavorful without them.