Lemony Pistachio & Feta Mediterranean Salad

Lemony Pistachio & Feta Mediterranean Salad

A crunchy, herby, low-carb salad packed with texture and flavor. This isn’t your
average side. It’s a veggie-packed, protein-friendly main with fresh herbs, feta, and a lemony kick.

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What they are

This salad was one of those happy kitchen accidents that turned into a favorite. It’s fresh, crunchy, and full of texture, with roasted pistachios, creamy feta, and a lemony dressing that ties everything together. It’s the kind of salad that actually feels like a meal, not just something on the side. Whether you’re serving it with grilled chicken or keeping it plant-based, it’s light, filling, and ridiculously good.

Why You'll Love It

You’ll love this one because it’s vibrant, flavorful, and easy to throw together. It’s packed with veggies, healthy fats, and protein, and the lemony dressing gives it the perfect tang. It’s the kind of salad that makes you want seconds, not just because it’s healthy but because it tastes amazing.

🥗 Fresh and flavorful – loaded with herbs, veggies, and creamy feta.

⏱️ Quick and easy – ready in 20 minutes, no cooking needed.

💪 Light but satisfying – keeps you full without feeling heavy.

What Makes it Work

The base of this salad is a mix of cauliflower, arugula, and cucumber for crunch and fiber. Feta adds creaminess and a dose of protein, while pistachios bring in healthy fats and texture. Fresh herbs and a lemon-oregano dressing pull everything together for that bright Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients Swaps and Additions

You can make this salad your own with a few easy swaps. Try goat cheese instead of feta, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein. If you don’t have pistachios, use walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts. You can also toss in quinoa or lentils to make it heartier.

What to Serve With This

This salad works perfectly on its own but also pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. For something lighter, serve it alongside pita bread or a small bowl of soup. It’s also a great meal prep option since it holds up well in the fridge.

FAQS

This salad works perfectly on its own but also pairs well with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak. For something lighter, serve it alongside pita bread or a small bowl of soup. It’s also a great meal prep option since it holds up well in the fridge.

How to Store

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss together when you’re ready to eat.

Lemony Pistachio & Feta Mediterranean Salad

A crunchy, herby, low-carb salad packed with texture and flavor. This isn’t your average side. It’s a veggie-packed, protein-friendly main with fresh herbs, feta, and a lemony kick.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

MACROS:

340 Calories • 11g Protein • 18g Carbs • 7g Fiber • 11g Net Carbs • 28g Fat

Lemony Pistachio & Feta Mediterranean Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the Salad:

1/2 head cauliflower, processed into snowflake-like granules (do not use pre-riced)
3–4 Persian cucumbers, finely diced
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2 cups arugula, roughly chopped
1 large handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/4 red onion, finely diced
1 avocado, cubed
1/3 cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped (or walnuts/pine nuts)
2–3 oz crumbled feta

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup good quality olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 heaping tsp Dijon mustard
1–2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1–1.5 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
1 tsp Aleppo pepper or chili flakes
Pinch of sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Add raw cauliflower florets to a food processor and pulse until it resembles snowflakes — light, fluffy, and super fine. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
To the bowl, add diced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, chopped arugula, parsley, red onion, and avocado chunks. Mix gently.
Fold in chopped pistachios and crumbled feta. Adjust quantities to taste.
In a mason jar, combine olive oil, lemon zest and juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, Aleppo pepper, salt, and pepper. Seal and shake until well combined. Taste and adjust.
Pour dressing over the salad. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.