This Mediterranean-inspired Avocado feta salad recipe has become my go-to when I need something satisfying but don’t want to spend much time cooking. It’s proof that the best meals often come from the simplest combinations of quality ingredients.
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The combination hits all the right notes: creamy avocado provides those healthy fats, while the salty feta delivers protein and that satisfying Mediterranean tang. What makes this salad special isn’t just its simplicity, but how adaptable it is. Short on cucumbers? Toss in whatever vegetables you have. No mint? Basil works beautifully. It’s the kind of forgiving recipe that welcomes improvisation.
The yogurt herb dip takes it to the next level, providing that creamy element that ties everything together beautifully. Try making homemade Sous Vide Yogurt, from Art of Natural Living, for an even creamier dip.
How do you make avocado feta salad?
Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. This Mediterranean avocado feta salad is exactly what I reach for when I want something fresh, nutritious, and satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen. Plus, the peppery bite of arugula adds that special something that transforms this from a simple salad into something restaurant-worthy.
Easy Mediterranean Avocado Feta Salad
Difficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes1
hour10
minutesSometimes the best meals are the simplest ones. This Mediterranean avocado feta salad is exactly what I reach for when I want something fresh, nutritious, and satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Salad
2 ripe avocados, cubed
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2-3 green onions (scallions), chopped
4 cups mixed salad greens (with plenty of arugula/rucola)
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
- For the Yogurt Herb Dip
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
1 garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Directions
- Start with the yogurt dip since it benefits from sitting while you prep the salad. Blend the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, mint, and garlic until smooth. Set aside to let those flavors meld.
- Salad & Assembling
- Prepare your vegetables: dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and chop the green onions. The key with avocados is choosing ones that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy – you want neat cubes, not green mush.
- In a large bowl, combine the avocado cubes, crumbled feta, cucumber, tomatoes, and green onions. Add the mixed greens and mint leaves. Add the yogurt herb dip and gently toss – emphasis on gently. You want everything coated without turning your beautiful avocado cubes into guacamole.
- Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed, though the feta usually provides plenty of saltiness.
Notes
- Greek yogurt dip: Stores beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve over time.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for about a day, though the avocado will start to brown slightly. A squeeze of extra lemon juice helps prevent this. It’s perfect for meal prep if you add the avocado just before serving.
Perfect Pairings
For a sweet finish to your Mediterranean meal, consider ending with a comforting Rice Pudding – the creamy, vanilla-scented dessert provides the perfect contrast to the bright, tangy flavors of the avocado feta salad.
This salad becomes a complete meal when paired with sautéed wild mushrooms on crusty bread. The rich flavors of mushrooms create the perfect contrast to the fresh avocado salad.
Specialty Mushroom Toasts
- Porcini Cheese-Topped Bread – A rich, indulgent combination of sautéed porcini with melted cheese on crispy bread
- Tawny Milkcap Mushroom on Toasted Garlic Bread – Features the unique nutty flavor of tawny milkcap mushrooms
- Sautéed Slimy Spike Cap – A surprisingly delicious mushroom with a firm texture that pairs beautifully with bread
Artisan Bread Options
Wild Garlic Bread – Perfect base for any mushroom topping, with aromatic wild garlic flavors
Focaccia Bread with Mushrooms – Features the distinctive Lactifluus volemus mushrooms baked right into homemade focaccia
Feta & Avocado Salad – Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored properly for later consumption. The key is keeping components separate when possible and preventing avocado browning.
The yogurt dip actually improves over 2-3 days in the refrigerator – those herb flavors really develop. The salad itself is best eaten fresh, though it keeps for about a day.
Avocado Feta Salad – Meal Prep Strategy
If you’re meal prepping, prepare vegetables and dip up to 2 days ahead, storing everything separately. Add avocado and assemble just before serving for the freshest taste and best appearance.
This makes it perfect for work lunches or entertaining – just grab and assemble when ready to eat.
Freezing note: This salad doesn’t freeze well, so plan to consume within 1-2 days for best quality.
Avocado Feta Salad FAQ
Is feta cheese healthy?
Absolutely! Feta is packed with protein, calcium, and beneficial probiotics that support gut health. A 40g serving provides about 6.2g of protein and 144mg of bone-strengthening calcium. It’s also lower in calories than many aged cheeses, making it a smart choice for this kind of fresh salad.
Are avocado and cheese healthy together?
This combination is nutritional gold. Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins E and K, while feta adds protein and calcium. The healthy fats in avocado actually help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins better, making this pairing both delicious and smart.
Which fruits go with feta cheese?
Feta pairs wonderfully with watermelon, strawberries, grapes, and stone fruits like apricots and nectarines. The saltiness of the cheese enhances the sweetness of the fruit, creating that perfect sweet-salty balance that makes your taste buds sing.
What not to combine with feta?
Avoid pairing feta with very spicy foods or dishes that are already high in sodium, as this can create an overwhelming salty experience. Also, be cautious with very sweet desserts – the tangy saltiness doesn’t play well with overly sugary items.
What not to combine with avocado?
Avoid combining avocados with very high-fat dairy products like heavy cream, as this can overwhelm your digestive system. Also skip pairing with very high-sugar fruits if you’re watching blood sugar levels, and be careful with processed foods high in sodium.
What cheese pairs best with avocado?
Besides feta, avocado loves goat cheese, mozzarella, cotija, and even cottage cheese. For hot dishes, try Chihuahua cheese (Mexican-style quesadilla cheese) which melts beautifully with avocado’s creamy texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 | |
| Protein | 8.5g | 17% |
| Total Fat | 22g | 28% |
| – Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | |
| – Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 420mg | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 8g | 29% |
| – Sugars | 6g | |
| Vitamin K | 35mcg | 29% |
| Folate | 65mcg | 16% |
| Potassium | 580mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 145mg | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
