Fresh & Flavorful: My Copycat Mediterranean Salad
(Inspired by Avra Restaurant)
There’s something magical about summer salads that are simple, vibrant, and bursting with freshness—and this Mediterranean Salad is all of the above. Inspired by the gorgeous salad served at Avra Restaurant in Beverly Hills, this version is light, lemony, and full of color and crunch.
This is the kind of dish that makes you want to sit outside, sip something sparkling, and feel totally in sync with the season. It’s also one of those feel-good recipes that gets better as it sits and is packed with nutrients that support energy, digestion, and healthy aging. Win-win-win.
Mediterranean Salad
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Equipment
- large chef's knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowl
- small whisk
- citrus juicer optional
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped Persian cucumbers (or English cucumbers)
- 2 cups finely chopped tomatoes (2 large tomatoes or 4 Roma)
- 2 cups finely chopped green cabbage
- ½ cup red onion finely diced
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or more if desired
- juice of one lemon
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- ¼ cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 pinch sumac for a tangy flavor
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded cabbage, red onion and parsley.2 cups finely chopped Persian cucumbers, 2 cups finely chopped tomatoes, 2 cups finely chopped green cabbage, ½ cup red onion, ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, juice of one lemon, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning, add optional additions to taste.¼ cup finely chopped scallions, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint, 1 pinch sumac
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
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More About This Recipe
Kitchen Tools You’ll Want
- A large chef’s knife for quick, clean chopping
- A cutting board with plenty of surface area
- A mixing bowl big enough to toss all the ingredients
- A small whisk for the lemon-olive oil dressing
- Citrus juicer (optional but makes juicing lemons easier)
Cooking Tips
- Chop everything fine: The signature of a Mediterranean salad is how finely everything is diced. It’s what gives it that amazing texture and makes every bite perfectly balanced.
- Let it marinate: Give the salad 10 minutes to sit before serving—it helps all the lemony, herby flavor soak into the veggies.
- Customize it: Add a sprinkle of sumac for tang, a handful of fresh mint for brightness, or a spoonful of feta or vegan cheese if you want to make it heartier.
- This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and so easy to make ahead. I love packing it in a mason jar for lunch or serving it in big bowls at summer gatherings.
Nutrition
What Makes It Great for Women Over 50?
As we age, the little choices we make—like adding more hydrating, fiber-rich vegetables to our plate—can make a big difference in how we feel. Here’s why this salad checks the wellness boxes:
- Cucumbers are full of water and electrolytes, making them perfect for hydration, especially on hot summer days. They also contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids that support heart and skin health.
- Tomatoes offer a hefty dose of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced inflammation and lower risk of certain cancers. They’re also high in vitamin C, which supports immunity and collagen production.
- Cabbage (especially green cabbage) is one of those underrated cruciferous veggies rich in fiber, vitamin K, and compounds like sulforaphane that may support detoxification and hormone balance.
- Parsley and lemon juice give this salad a bright, cleansing finish and are both great sources of vitamin C and folate—nutrients that help reduce fatigue and support immune function.
Final Thoughts on My Mediterranean Salad
This salad just feels like summer in a bowl—cool, crisp, and full of flavor without weighing you down. It’s a great reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best meals are the ones that rely on beautiful produce, a little lemon juice, and a drizzle of good olive oil.
And for those of us navigating new seasons of life (hello, menopause!), it’s always nice when something so delicious also happens to be incredibly nourishing. This one’s on repeat in my kitchen all summer long—I hope it will be in yours, too.
Let me know if you try it—I’d love to see how you make it your own!