Fresh Parsley Salad Recipe With Tomatoes And Feta

This Parsley Salad recipe is a fresh and healthy way to enjoy parsley as the star ingredient. Instead of using lettuce, this vibrant salad is made with crisp parsley, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful onions, all tossed in a light balsamic dressing with crumbled feta cheese. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or refreshing meal that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Why You’ll Love Parsley Salad

• This parsley salad is incredibly refreshing with the vibrant, bold flavor of fresh parsley taking center stage. It’s a great way to enjoy parsley in a new, unique way!
• It’s super healthy! Packed with fresh herbs and veggies, this salad is not only delicious but full of vitamins and antioxidants.
• The simple balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing perfectly complement the feta cheese, adding a tangy flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• This salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but want something wholesome and satisfying.
• It’s versatile! You can serve this salad on its own as a light meal or as a side dish to complement grilled meats, fish, or your favorite main courses.

Ingredients For Parsley Salad

• Fresh Parsley – The star of the salad, providing a bright and herbaceous flavor.
• Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, they add freshness and balance to the parsley.
• Onion – Adds a mild bite and depth of flavor to the salad.
• Feta Cheese – Creamy and slightly salty, it pairs perfectly with the parsley and tomatoes.
• Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a tangy, sweet flavor to the simple dressing.
• Olive Oil – Helps bind the salad together and adds a rich, smooth texture.
• Salt and Pepper (optional) – Season to taste if needed after mixing the salad.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Parsley Salad

• Cutting board – For chopping the parsley, tomatoes, and onion.
• Knife – To finely chop the ingredients.
• Salad bowl – To mix all the ingredients together.
• Measuring spoons – To measure out the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.

How To Make Parsley Salad

• Wash and dry the parsley and tomatoes to prepare them for chopping.
• Remove the stems from the parsley and chop the leaves finely.
• Dice the tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Peel and chop the onion, using more or less depending on your taste preference.
• Add the chopped parsley, tomatoes, and onion into a salad bowl.
• Crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad and mix it in.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil to make the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
• Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh parsley salad!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this parsley salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish.
• Pair it with roasted vegetables or grains like quinoa or couscous for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Top it with a poached egg or air-fried shrimp to turn it into a light, satisfying main dish.
• This salad can also be served with warm pita bread or as a filling in wraps for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Tips For Success

• Choose fresh parsley: Since parsley is the star ingredient, make sure to use fresh, bright green parsley for the best flavor. Avoid parsley that looks wilted or yellowed.
• Dry your parsley well: After washing the parsley, ensure it is completely dry before chopping. Any excess water can dilute the flavor of the salad and make the dressing watery.
• Chop finely: The texture of the salad is key, so take the time to chop the parsley finely. This ensures that each bite has a good balance of parsley, vegetables, and feta.
• Adjust onion to taste: The amount of onion you use depends on how much you like its flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a smaller amount or use a sweeter variety like red onion or shallots.
• Balance the dressing: The simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing brings the salad together. Make sure to whisk it well to combine the oil and vinegar. You can adjust the ratio of vinegar to oil if you prefer a tangier or richer dressing.
• Add salt and pepper after tasting: Since feta cheese is naturally salty, taste the salad first before adding additional seasoning. This way, you can avoid over-salting and keep the flavors balanced.
• Let the flavors meld: For a more flavorful salad, let it sit for 10–15 minutes after mixing. This allows the parsley and vegetables to absorb the dressing and feta cheese.

Variations And Substitutions

• Herb Substitutes: If parsley isn’t your favorite or you’d like to mix things up, you can substitute half of the parsley with other fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or dill. This will add different layers of flavor to the salad.
• Cheese Options: While feta cheese adds a salty, creamy element to the salad, you can switch it out for other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even Parmesan. For a vegan option, you can use a plant-based feta or skip the cheese altogether.
• Tomato Variety: You can use any type of tomatoes you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or even heirloom tomatoes can bring unique flavors and textures to the salad. If you’re out of tomatoes, try adding diced cucumber or bell peppers for a different crunch.
• Onion Adjustments: If raw onion is too strong for your taste, try soaking the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow out the sharpness. Alternatively, use green onions for a milder flavor.
• Add Protein: To turn this salad into a more filling meal, you can add some protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Hard-boiled eggs or a handful of toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts) are also great options for adding extra nutrition.
• Dressing Variations: While the balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing is classic, you can experiment with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or even a yogurt-based dressing for a tangy, creamy touch. If you like a little sweetness in your salad, try adding a drizzle of honey to the dressing.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: This parsley salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. After that, the parsley may start to wilt, and the vegetables may become soggy.
• Keep dressing separate: If you plan to store the salad for later or make it ahead of time, it’s a good idea to keep the dressing separate and only mix it in when you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the crispness of the parsley and vegetables.
• Reheating: Since this is a cold salad, there is no need for reheating. Simply give it a toss before serving if it’s been stored in the fridge. You can refresh the flavors with a little extra balsamic vinegar and olive oil if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad in advance, but for the best results, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. This will help keep the parsley fresh and prevent it from wilting. You can chop the ingredients ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

If you don’t like or can’t have feta, you can substitute it with other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even Parmesan. For a dairy-free or vegan version, you can use a plant-based feta or omit the cheese altogether.

How do I keep the onions from being too strong?

If you find raw onions too overpowering, try soaking them in cold water for about 10 minutes after chopping. This helps to mellow the sharpness. Alternatively, you can use a milder onion, such as green onions or red onions, which are less pungent.

Can I use a different vinegar in the dressing?

Yes, if you don’t have balsamic vinegar or prefer another flavor, you can use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice for a citrusy twist. Each option will give the salad a slightly different flavor profile but will still complement the parsley and feta well.

How do I make this salad more filling?

To make this parsley salad a more substantial meal, you can add a source of protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs. A handful of toasted nuts or seeds can also add crunch and extra nutrition.

Other Easy Parsley Recipes

Easy Middle Eastern Salad With Fresh Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Parsley: This light and refreshing salad combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh parsley for a simple yet flavorful side dish.

Crisp Radish Salad With Cucumbers, Tomatoes & Fresh Herbs: This crunchy radish salad is a vibrant mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, perfect for a healthy and refreshing bite.

More Salad Recipes

• Tomato and Creamy Burrata Salad Recipe
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Tabbouleh | Gluten-Free Salad Recipe
• Healthy Kale and Quinoa Salad | Simple & Nutritious Recipe
• Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
• Tomato Feta Greek Salad Recipe
• Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe