Mazmez Garden Salad Recipe

Wash and spin dry the mixed salad greens. Place in a large salad bowl and chill briefly while preparing other components.

Prepare cucumber

Trim both ends of the English cucumber. If thick-skinned, peel alternating strips for a striped look. Slice cucumber in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds if watery, then cut into 1/4-inch half-moons (about 2 cups). Add to the bowl with greens.

Prepare tomatoes

Rinse tomatoes and pat dry. Halve cherry or grape tomatoes and add to the bowl.

Prepare bell pepper

Core and seed the red bell pepper, then cut into thin strips or 1/4-inch dice. Add to the bowl.

Prepare radishes & scallions

Trim radish ends and slice thinly. Trim root ends and any tough tops from scallions, then slice thin on the bias. Add both to the greens bowl.

Add fresh herbs

Finely chop parsley, mint, or dill and sprinkle over the mixed greens and vegetables.

Toast seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (2–4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.

If using red onion, thinly slice and separate into rings. Add toasted seeds, crumbled feta, and optional red onion to the salad bowl, gently tossing to combine with the greens and vegetables.

In a small bowl or jar, combine fresh lemon juice, white wine or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk while slowly streaming in the extra-virgin olive oil (or close jar and shake vigorously) until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.

Drizzle about 3 to 4 tablespoons of vinaigrette over the salad (reserve remaining dressing for serving). Gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated. Add more dressing as desired, but toss lightly to avoid wilting the greens.

Serve immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few reserved toasted seeds. Leftover dressing will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.