Description
A vibrant and flavorful Olive Salad with a zesty Lemon-Pomegranate Dressing, combining the richness of Castelvetrano olives, fresh vegetables, herbs, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer, this salad balances sweet, tangy, and smoky spices for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Urfa Biber
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Extra virgin olive oil, about 1/4 cup
Salad
- 2 cups pitted Castelvetrano olives
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large serving bowl, combine the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, Urfa Biber, paprika, and cumin. Whisk these ingredients together as you slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until you achieve a nicely emulsified dressing, approximately 1/4 cup of oil.
- Prepare the salad: Using the same bowl that contains the dressing, add the pitted Castelvetrano olives, chopped shallots, tomato, bell pepper, fresh parsley, fresh mint, and chopped walnuts. Stir all ingredients thoroughly with a spoon to evenly coat the salad with the dressing.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days to allow the flavors to meld better.
Notes
- For best flavor, use Castelvetrano olives, known for their mild, buttery taste.
- Urfa Biber adds a unique smoky heat; substitute with smoked paprika if unavailable.
- The salad can be made ahead and refrigerated, allowing flavors to deepen.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil to achieve desired dressing consistency.
- Chopped walnuts add crunch but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: olive salad, lemon pomegranate dressing, Mediterranean salad, Castelvetrano olives, fresh herbs salad, no cook salad, healthy salad, walnut salad
