Name: Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Romaine or mixed greens, chopped; 1 cup Cherry tomatoes; 1/2 Cucumber, sliced; 80 g Feta cheese, crumbled; 50 g Black olives; 3 tbsp Olive oil; 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar; To taste Dried oregano, salt, and pepper

When the clock is ticking but your stomach is demanding something far better than sad desk leftovers, I have the answer! We’re talking about bright, fresh flavors that come together faster than you can boil water. Seriously, this Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad is my go-to when I need proper fuel in under ten minutes. It just tastes like sunshine, even if it’s raining outside. This is the kind of salad I love plating—bold colors, simple ingredients, and a look that instantly feels appetizing. Trust me, you won’t even think about those heavier Dinner Dishes later.

Why This Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad Works for Busy Days

Listen, I totally get it. Some days, cooking feels like too much effort, even for lunch. That’s why this salad is a lifesaver! It’s one of those fantastic meal prep heroes when you’re rushing.

It hits every mark you need when you’re busy:

It clocks in at just 10 minutes total—prep and plate!
Everything is fresh, requiring zero actual cooking time.
It’s packed with healthy fats and crisp veggies to keep you energized.

If you’re looking for Quick Dinner Ideas that taste incredible, starting with this Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad base means you’re already winning the day. You deserve a speedy, vibrant meal!

Ingredients for Your Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad

This salad is all about keeping things straightforward. Honestly, you probably have most of what you need right now! We separate the components just so things stay neat, which is key for keeping everything looking as good as it tastes. If you’re trying to plan ahead for those easy lunch bowl days, prepping the dressing ahead of time is a game-changer. The beauty of the Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad is that once you have these fresh items, assembly takes maybe two minutes.

For the Salad Base Components

For the main part of the salad, you’ll want:

2 cups Romaine or mixed greens, chopped (Make sure those greens are crisp!)
1 cup Cherry tomatoes
1/2 Cucumber, sliced
80 g Feta cheese, crumbled (Don’t skimp here!)
50 g Black olives

For the Simple Dressing

This dressing is so basic, but wow, does it pack a punch. You’ll need:

3 tbsp Olive oil (Use the good stuff if you have it!)
1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
To taste Dried oregano, salt, and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad

Okay, get ready because this is the fastest, most satisfying part! We are flying through this Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad in just 10 minutes total—I mean it! My secret is just having everything ready to go. If you’re planning these for later, make sure you check out some great chickpea salad inspiration while these steps sink in.

Assembling the Salad Layers

First things first, grab that big salad bowl. I always put the greens in first. That way, the base is ready to catch all the color. So, dump in your 2 cups of chopped romaine or mixed greens. Next, just scatter everything else over the top. Don’t worry about perfect placement—it’s just going to get tossed anyway! Add your tomatoes, slices of cucumber, that salty feta, and all those lovely black olives.

Preparing the Bright Vinaigrette

While everything is chilling in the bowl, we whip up the dressing. Grab a secondary, smaller bowl—this is important so you don’t get oil mixing with everything else prematurely. Whisk together the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Then, sprinkle in your oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good, vigorous whisk until it looks a little bit emulsified, like it’s ready to hug the vegetables. You can learn so much about flavor balance just by watching a dressing come together at sites like this one.

Finishing and Serving

Now for the payoff! Drizzle that bright vinaigrette evenly over all the ingredients sitting in the salad bowl. Don’t drown it; you want just enough flavor in every bite. Then, gently toss everything together. I use tongs and try to lift the greens up from the bottom so all the feta crumbles don’t just stick to the bottom of the bowl. Serve this Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad right away to keep everything perfectly crisp and fresh!

Expert Tips for the Best Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad

You know, even with a recipe this quick, a couple of little secrets can take your Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad from good to absolutely stunning. It’s all about quality and how you treat those few ingredients we’re using. For instance, please, please use good quality olive oil. It’s the foundation of the dressing, and if it tastes bland, the whole salad will, too. You want that bright, slightly peppery flavor you get from authentic Mediterranean olive oil—you can find great inspiration over at The Mediterranean Dish.

My other big tip is about the cucumber. Don’t just toss them in! I always slice mine thinner than usual or give them a quick scoop with a spoon to remove some of the watery core. This stops your beautiful greens from getting soggy too fast. If you love cucumbers, check out my dedicated cucumber tomato salad post for more ideas on how to prep them perfectly. These small steps ensure your 10-minute lunch lasts!

Making the Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad Work for Dinner Ideas Recipes

I love a recipe that doesn’t quit just because lunchtime is over! While the Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad is truly the definition of Quick Dinner Ideas for those nights you just can’t face the stove, it’s definitely sturdy enough to become a real entree. If you’re building out your list of Dinner Ideas Recipes that keep everyone feeling good, you just need to add a little substance.

The easiest way to transform this into one of my favorite Healthy Dinner Ideas is by adding protein. Seriously, pile on some grilled chicken breast—I often make extra when I’m grilling anyway! Or, if you’re keeping it vegetarian, toss in a can of rinsed chickpeas for amazing fiber and texture. You can find great ideas for boosting that in my avocado chickpea bowl post.

This simple structure is also perfect for preparing larger batches for the whole family for one of those great Dinner Ideas For Family nights. Check out my guide on high-protein chicken wraps for more ways to keep dinners interesting! For inspiration on fresh ingredients, I always peek over at Mediterranean Living.

Variations for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Supper Ideas

The best part about a great salad base like this? It’s your canvas for those nights when you need genuine Supper Ideas but don’t want to make something totally new. This Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad transitions beautifully into heartier meals, perfect for speedy Easy Weeknight Dinners.

If you’re making this for dinner, don’t be afraid to swap textures! If feta is too sharp for the kids, try swapping it out for creamy goat cheese—it melts slightly when it hits the veggies and is divine. Or, add in some color and crunch by tossing in half a thinly sliced yellow or red bell pepper. That extra vegetable is always a win.

Thinking about herbs? Instead of just oregano in the dressing, fresh dill or mint transforms the whole profile! It gives it such a summer vibe. For even more seasonal inspiration, I love seeing what others do with summery watermelon feta salad mixes. It proves that fresh swaps keep things exciting without adding any cooking time!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Your Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad

Okay, full stop on the word ‘reheating’—this is a fresh salad, so we want to keep it crisp! But if you want to set yourself up for ultimate Lazy Dinners later in the week, assembly day is your friend. For this Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad, the trick is keeping things separated.

Store the greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers in one airtight container. Keep the feta and olives in another little section or baggie. The oil and vinegar dressing? It absolutely must go into its own tiny jar. When you’re ready to eat, just combine the components and toss. I love prepping components for my veggie hummus boxes this way! It ensures that ten-minute lunch stays perfect every time, even if you make the components a day ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad

It’s always smart to have a few questions answered before you dive in! People often ask me how to stretch this beyond just two servings, or if it’s actually kid-approved. I love that you’re thinking strategically about making this fit into your whole routine, whether it’s for a super fast lunch or trying to find easy Dinner Ideas For Family! We even have a great guide on healthy snack plates if you need more quick ideas.

Can I make this a Cheap Dinners For A Family option?

Absolutely! To keep this in the running for Cheap Dinners For A Family, focus on the bulk items that are usually inexpensive. Cucumbers and tomatoes are fantastic because they’re rarely bank-breakers, especially when they’re in season. Also, instead of buying super premium spring mix every time, lean heavily on heartier, cheaper chopped romaine. You can also cut back slightly on the feta—it’s delicious, but it’s the priciest component here. Bulk it up with extra cucumber!

Is this recipe suitable for Kid Friendly Dinners?

For the picky eaters among us, I always recommend serving this deconstructed when it’s on the menu for Kid Friendly Dinners. Kids like knowing what they’re eating! Put the greens in their bowl first, and then offer little bowls of the separate toppings: a pile of tomatoes, a pile of olives, and the feta crumbles. Let them build their own plate. Many kids actually love dipping sturdy veggies like cucumber into the bright dressing, which skips the mixing part entirely!

What is the best way to store leftovers for Quick Dinner Ideas?

This is crucial if you’re planning for later Quick Dinner Ideas! You never store leftovers wet. The dressing needs its own sealed jar—always. If you have leftover salad mix (greens, chopped veggies), store that in a container with a paper towel pressed lightly on top; the paper towel absorbs any extra moisture released overnight. When you pull it out tomorrow, just re-whisk the dressing and toss! It keeps everything looking vibrant.

Serving Suggestions for Your Mediterranean Dinner Dishes

While the Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad is perfect on its own when you need a fast, light meal, it gets even better when you pair it with a crusty side! If you’re scaling this up for actual Dinner Dishes, think about what complements those bright, lemony, salty flavors. My absolute favorite addition is warmed pita bread—you can even toast it lightly in the oven until it’s slightly crispy.

For something creamy, a little dollop of hummus makes this entire meal feel substantial and satisfying. I promise, adding hummus or a simple grilled piece of chicken takes this from lunch staple to a full, wonderful Mediterranean plate. If you need a great dip recipe to go alongside, check out my post on bruschetta dip for a fresh starter! You can find tons of inspiration for these kinds of simple pairings over at BBC Good Food.

Recipe Author Information

I’m Clara Bennett, and honestly, designing how food looks on the plate is just as important to me as making sure it tastes amazing! I’m the Lead Plate Designer here at Recipes by Betty, and I believe that even the fastest meals, like our Simple Mediterranean Lunch Salad, deserve to look like you spent hours on them.

You can read a little more about my philosophy on plating and presentation over on my About Page!

By Clara Bennett, Lead Plate Designer at Recipes by Betty.