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    Home >> Mediterranean

    Mediterranean Parsley Salad

    Modified: Apr 30, 2025 · Published: May 7, 2019 by Analida · • Word count:877 words. • About 5 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Mediterranean parsley salad is a great addition to any summer menu. It's light, refreshing, and easy to put together. There is such a great combination of ingredients that makes this salad tasty and beautiful. Parsley takes center stage. Not the forgotten herb, a garnish. NO! Here, parsley is the STAR of the show. By the way, did you ever wonder why parsley is used as a garnish? Well... apparently it's an ancient custom dating back to the Middle Ages. Parsley was used as a breath cleanser after a heavy meal.

    a plate of mediterranean parsley salad and a fork with a napkin on the left
    Jump to:
    • Parsley history:
    • Step by step photos:
    • Frequently asked questions:
    • Mediterranean Parsley Salad Recipe Card

    Parsley history:

    Throughout history, parsley is central to key rituals. For example, in Ancient Greece parsley was a funerary herb. The phrase "he is in need of parsley" meant that the person was close to death. On a more cheery note, parsley was also used to decorate crowns for athletes. In the Hebrew celebration of Passover, due to its slightly bitter taste, parsley symbolizes the bitterness and harshness of slavery.
    Catherine di Medici supposedly took parsley to France from her native Italy when she married Henry II. The Romans took it to England during their military campaign, and consequently the English took it to the Americas.

    Parsley has been cultivated for centuries. It's native to the Mediterranean. The word parsley is derived from two Greek words: petro meaning rock and selinon meaning celery. Yes, parsley is related to celery. Although the ancient Greeks and Romans did not eat parsley, they did plant it as fodder for horses.

    a closeup mediterranean parsley salad with a fork behind

    It's oh so healthy

    Parsley is extremely nutritious, more so than any of the other salad greens that usually make an appearance. To begin with, parsley is rich in potassium, which is important in maintaining a healthy heart. Parsley is also rich in antioxidants, and other vitamins. All in all, this Mediterranean cuisine is nutritional delight.

    Mediterranean parsley salad combines lots of healthy ingredients. It's a perfect vegan dish. Sumac gives it a nice tang, while the currants provide sweetness. I love making this Mediterranean parsley salad because it is so different from the usual garden variety salad paraded at picnics and other gatherings.

    Step by step photos:

    A collage of photos showing the ingredients and steps to make Mediterranean parsley salad in a clear glass bowl.
    1. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out and have them chopped and sliced.
    2. In a small bowl combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and sumac.
    3. Whisk the olive oil mixture vigorously until well combined.
    4. In a large bowl add all the parsley, red onion, tomato, feta cheese dried currants (or dried cranberries), mint and chili pepper (jalapeño).
    5. Stir to combine the item in the large bowl.
    6. Add the olive oil mixture right when you are ready to serve.  Enjoy!

    Frequently asked questions:

    • Can I make this salad ahead? You can make it one day ahead or to take to a picnic but do not add the dressing until ready to serve. So if you are taking this salad along, pack the parsley mixture, cheese and dressing in separate containers.
    • How long will it keep? I only like to serve this fresh. The salad can be eaten the following day if  you have a little left over but it is much better eaten as fresh as possible.
    • Can I freeze parsley salad? No, do not freeze this dish it will completely wilt the greens and tomato.

    So next time you are invited to a picnic or dinner party, just announce: "I am bringing Mediterranean parsley salad." I love pairing this salad on the side when I serve Tortilla Española (Spanish potato pie) or Pork Chops in Morel Mushroom Sauce (for a non-veggie option). 

    *For a paleo and vegan diet option, omit the feta cheese.

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook.

    Mediterranean parsley salad with feta and mint | ethnicspoon.com

    Mediterranean Parsley Salad Recipe Card

    A deliciously refreshing side dish that goes with just about any main dish. Perfect as a summer salad for lunch or dinner.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Keyword: clean eating, healthy, parsley, salad, vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 110kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cup parsley 1 bunch, roughly chopped
    • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced, into ¼ half moons
    • 2 Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
    • ¼ cup feta crumbled
    • 2-3 Tbsp currants died or dried cranberries also work well
    • 4-6 mint sprigs fresh chopped ( 18-24 leaves)
    • 1 green chili minced, fresh chopped, jalapeño will work: cored and seeded
    • 3 Tbsp olive oil
    • ¼ tsp Kosher salt
    • 1 Tbsp lemon fresh squeezed
    • ⅛ tsp. pepper cracked
    • ⅛ tsp sumac

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl mix together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and sumac. Whisk vigorously to combine. 
    • In a salad bowl toss together parsley with the rest of the ingredients.
    • Add the olive oil mixture and toss until completely coated.
    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Frequently asked questions:
    • Can I make this salad ahead? You can make it one day ahead or to take to a picnic but do not add the dressing until ready to serve. So if you are taking this salad along, pack the parsley mixture, cheese and dressing in separate containers.
    • How long will it keep? I only like to serve this fresh. I have eaten some following day if I have a little left over but it is much better eaten as fresh as possible.
    • Can I freeze parsley salad? No, do not freeze this dish it will completely wilt the greens and tomato.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 202mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1490IU | Vitamin C: 26.4mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1.3mg

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      Try a fresh and delicious Mediterranean orzo pasta salad at your next family gathering. This is a great salad to take along to events or serve at a dinner party. This is easy and delicious salad recipe with tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts among other things. | ethnicspoon.com
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. allie @ Through Her Looking Glass

      April 07, 2016 at 9:59 am

      I always love learning the history here Analida. What a great parsley salad and so pretty too.

      Reply
      • Analida

        April 08, 2016 at 8:07 pm

        Thanks Allie. I am a history nerd, what can I say? 🙂

        Reply
    2. Lisa

      April 07, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      I love all the info about parsley. I had heard that parsley is the antidote to garlic breath but I've never put it to the test. I love the taste of parsley - your salad looks lovely!

      Reply
      • Analida

        April 08, 2016 at 8:06 pm

        Thanks Lisa. 🙂

        Reply
    3. hunk mabel

      April 19, 2018 at 6:27 am

      5 stars
      Never knew parsley was derived from petro and selinon. The early Romans really missed the vitality obtained from the consumption of parsley.

      Reply
    4. Camelia Tory

      July 27, 2018 at 9:02 am

      5 stars
      So I’m taking Mediterranean parsley to my next dinner party, would come back to give you feedback on how it turned out.

      Reply
    5. Cheryll McDowell

      November 14, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      Is the green Chile in this recipe a Bellpepper or is it a jalapeño chili or a poblano chili Thank you.

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 14, 2018 at 9:18 pm

        Hi Cheryll, I like to use jalapeño with the seeds removed. If you like a little more heat a Serrano is nice too, also with the seeds removed. Thanks!

        Reply
    6. sheenam | thetwincookingproject

      May 11, 2019 at 6:56 am

      Looks really yummy and easy.

      Reply
    7. Leola

      August 25, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Made it for my partner and I for lunch during our workday, we both liked it a lot. I thought 1/4 of jalapeno was plenty and skipped the dried fruit (fruit and veggies in the same meal make an uncomfortable air bubble in my stomach). It was a perfect recipe for me to use the parsley, tomato (not roma), red onion and hot pepper I got from my farm share, and the mint leaves from the pot on our deck. Thank you Analinda

      Reply
      • Leola

        August 25, 2020 at 1:23 pm

        5 stars
        oh and I forgot to mention that we didn't have feta cheese, just shaved a bit of the hard cheese we had in the fridge. Use whatever is fresh, local, in season and already in your home is an environmentally friendly way to cook and eat healthy

        Reply
        • Analida

          August 26, 2020 at 6:59 am

          I am so glad you liked the recipe!

          Reply
      • Analida

        August 26, 2020 at 7:00 am

        Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    8. Daun

      May 07, 2021 at 6:23 am

      5 stars
      Unexpectedly delicious! The flavors are spectacular together! It is a new family favorite!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Analida

        May 07, 2021 at 8:55 am

        Thank you so much Daun! I am glad you and your family enjoyed the salad!

        Reply
    9. Gwynn Galvin

      May 30, 2024 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      This salad was so refreshing and delicious. I especially loved the combination of fresh mint and green chili!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 13, 2024 at 6:47 pm

        Thank Gwynn! This is our favorite summer salad!

        Reply
    10. Amy Liu Dong

      June 01, 2024 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      It is delicious, easy to make, and is healthy. I mean, what can you ask for? This is a complete package waiting for you to make a move, this is amazing!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 13, 2024 at 6:48 pm

        Thanks Amy! I am glad you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply
    11. Jeff

      September 18, 2024 at 6:19 pm

      5 stars
      Other than replacing currants with golden raisins, I made this according to the recipe. (I did use an herbed chèvre instead of the feta, too.) Still, a perfect, refreshing, delicious salad. I was also glad to be able to use the sumac I had in the back of the spice cabinet. Nicely balanced and so satisfying. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Analida

        September 20, 2024 at 11:37 am

        Thanks for sharing! I like to use dried cranberries in this recipe also.

        Reply

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    Analida profile pictureI have been researching and creating ethnic recipes for over 20 years. I love to share "mostly healthy" easy and affordable ethnic recipes using fresh ingredients, with a bit of culture and food history sprinkled in.... Read more-->

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