Italian tomato arugula salad with feta and olives

Name: Italian tomato arugula salad with feta and olives
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ½ large iceberg lettuce head ((shredded)); 50 g (2oz) arugula; 2 hard-boiled eggs; 200 g (7oz) Feta cheese ((diced)); 1 cucumber ((sliced)); 100 g (3 ½ oz) black olives; 10 cherry tomatoes; 3 Tbsp extra-virgin oil; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 clove garlic (minced or crushed) (Italians usually don’t add fresh garlic to the dressing, but I adore its piquancy and don’t find it superfluous here); salt and pepper to taste; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp honey ((or a pinch of sugar))

Italian tomato arugula salad with feta and olives is so scrumptious. Topped with a mustard lemon dressing it’s sure to please any palate

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This Italian tomato arugula salad with feta cheese and olives is the king of vegetable salads. Well, if not the king, then the prince for sure. It’s really gorgeous!

I love this recipe, especially in summer. It’s fresh, healthy, easy to whip up, and it’s ready in 15 minutes!

This tomato arugula salad with feta is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Made with peppery arugula and fresh Iceberg lettuce, tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, sweet juicy tomatoes, and a zesty mustard lemon dressing, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the protein from the eggs will help keep you full and energized throughout the day.

Packed with delicious flavors, protein, and vitamins, it’s the perfect dish to serve as a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

Homemade mustard lemon dressing

This mustard lemon dressing is one of my favorite homemade dressings. It’s a perfect combination of tangy and savory flavors that will brighten up any dish. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, including Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch of honey or sugar, it’s a versatile dressing that everyone will love.

This dressing is a flavorful and healthy addition to Italian tomato arugula salad with feta.

The recipe can be customized to your liking. I usually add a pinch of sugar, but if you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. You can also add different herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Tips for the best Italian arugula salad with feta and olives

These tips will help you create a perfect Italian tomato arugula salad every time.

The freshness of the ingredients is key to a tasty salad. Always try to use fresh greens and vegetables.
Dry the arugula and Iceberg lettuce thoroughly. This serves to avoid a soggy salad.
Don’t dress the salad ahead of time. Combine the ingredients and the dressing before serving.
Don’t over-dress it. Add the dressing gradually and toss until the vegetables are coated evenly.

Variations to the recipe

Tomato arugula salad with feta and olives is really versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find the combination that works best for you. After all, cooking is a fun and creative process, isn’t it?

Here are some add-ins and substitutions that you can try to give your Italian tomato arugula salad a boost:

Make it vegan. Just substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative. Omit the eggs or replace them with a plant-based protein such as chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh.
Add more color. Add ½ chopped bell pepper and some crunchy radishes to make it even more colorful.
Instead of black olives, you can use green olives or any other type that you prefer.
Add some crunchy texture. Toasted almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds will add a nutty and earthy flavor to the tomato arugula salad.
You can substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes. They will add an interesting flavor to the dish.
Make it a complete meal. Add some chickpeas or grilled chicken to make it more satisfying and filling.

You can also add fresh herbs. Basil, mint, cilantro, or parsley are fantastic in this dish and can add a burst of fresh flavor.

Ingredients

To make the perfect Italian tomato arugula salad with feta and olives, you will need the following ingredients:

½ large iceberg lettuce head (shredded)
50g (2oz) arugula
2 hard-boiled eggs
200g (7oz) Feta cheese (diced)
1cucumber (sliced)
100g (3 ½ oz) black olives
10 cherry tomatoes

For the lemon mustard dressing:

3Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic (minced or crushed) (Italians usually don’t add fresh garlic to the dressing, but I adore its piquancy don’t find it superfluous here)
salt and pepper to taste
1Tbsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey (or a pinch of sugar)

How to make Italian tomato arugula salad with feta and olives

Place the chopped Iceberg lettuce and arugula in a large mixing bowl

Add the sliced cucumber

the Feta cheese (diced)

the olives and chopped cherry tomatoes

Make the mustard dressing: in a small bowl whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the ingredients emulsify. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Lastly, add the sliced hard-boiled eggs on top of the salad and serve immediately.

How to serve tomato arugula salad

Italian tomato arugula salad with feta and olives is great for potlucks, barbecues, and outdoor lunches.

You can serve it as is for a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with a slice of fresh crusty bread or a sandwich. I adore it with our Mediterranean bread.

It also makes a perfect side to any dish. Try it alongside:

FAQ

How to store it?

This dish is best served immediately. The lettuce and cucumbers will release moisture as they sit, making the salad soggy. So try to only make what you need the day you serve it. Anyway, If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about a day.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan instead.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the dressing right before serving to prevent the arugula and Iceberg lettuce from wilting.

Italian tomato arugula salad with feta and olives is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that you can enjoy any time of the year. Top it with the homemade mustard lemon dressing and enjoy.

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