| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 15g | 6g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 6g | 0.66g |
A lively assortment of colors, flavors and textures, the Bell Pepper Salad with Feta Cheese and Olives is a personal favorite of mine and a tribute to the rich tapestry of my culinary background. This vibrant salad, replete with the warmth and spice of my West African roots, feels like home while at the same time being a healthy and wholesome option for everyone. You can check it out in the image below.
A Salad with a Story
Handed down from a Nigerian aunt (on my mother’s side), this recipe brings together the uniquely rich and salty feta cheese with the sharp tanginess of olives alongside the mild sweetness of bell peppers. The result is nothing short of a taste explosion. It’s a dish that is evocative of the deeply communal nature of Nigerian food culture. In essence, it captures the heartwarming, inclusive experience of sharing a meal with loved ones, much like the big family dinners of my childhood. Moreover, the medley of vibrant colors adds a festive air, making it a great addition to any celebration.
Health Benefits and Pairing Suggestions
Not only does the Bell Pepper Salad with Feta Cheese and Olives make your taste buds dance, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The bell peppers provide ample vitamin C and other antioxidants, while the feta, a rich source of protein and calcium, bolsters bone health. Furthermore, just like all of Mediterranean-style cuisine, the recipe showcases heart-healthy ingredients such as olives and olive oil, with their monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory properties. And let’s not forget the mint and parsley, herbs revered for their digestive and immunity-boosting prowess.
Moreover, being as versatile as it is, this salad can accompany many a dish. It makes a striking complement to grilled chicken, seafood, or Muffulettas, a New Orleans-style sandwich that I’ve always felt has a hearty southern resonance. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy it as a stand-alone light meal, it’s that satisfying!
So whether you’re hankering for a tangy treat, a healthy meal, or just wishing to relive flavors that echo of a home far away, this Bell Pepper Salad with Feta Cheese and Olives recipe is a wonderful dish to tackle with just the right blend of comfort, excitement, and nutritional goodness. Enjoy the process, and savor the outcome!
What You’ll Need
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 200 grams (around 7 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Method
Step One
Start this recipe by preparing the bell peppers. You need to rinse them, cut off the tops, remove the seeds and then cut them into thin strips. For additional flavor, you can roast the bell peppers in the oven for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers, pitted and sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
Step Three
Prepare the dressing for the salad. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step Four
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything together until well-mixed.
Step Five
Now it’s time to add the finishing touch to your salad. Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint and parsley over the salad and give it one final toss. Your Bell Pepper Salad with Feta Cheese and Olives is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
