This Cucumber Celery Olive Odyssey Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of fresh vegetables, the briny bite of olives, and the sweetness of dates. Infused with Mediterranean flavors from harissa and fresh herbs, this salad is both hearty and light, making it a perfect side dish or a satisfying main course. The variety of textures and flavors in this salad make every bite a delightful experience, whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or enjoying it as a healthy lunch.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 can (15.5 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained
- 3 teaspoons dry harissa spice
- 2 ½ cups mini cucumbers, sliced
- 2 ½ cups celery, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced into thin rounds (use multi-colored heirloom carrots for added vibrancy)
- ½ cup red onions, sliced into thin 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup sliced green olives stuffed with pimentos
- ½ cup Dole Sunshine dates, diced
- 3 green onions, including greens, sliced
- ¼ cup radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon thyme leaves
- ½ cup fresh basil, packed and chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons coarse ground pepper
- Juice of 2 medium lemons
Instructions
- Prepare the Garbanzo Beans: In a small skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained garbanzo beans and harissa spice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are lightly browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced mini cucumbers, celery, carrots, red onions, green olives, dates, and green onions. If using, add the thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch and color.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Gently fold in the fresh lemon thyme leaves and chopped basil, distributing them evenly throughout the salad.
- Season the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and coarse ground pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate the Garbanzo Beans: Once the garbanzo beans have cooled, add them to the salad, gently mixing them in to avoid breaking them.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve the salad cold, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion
The Cucumber Celery Olive Odyssey Salad is a celebration of fresh, bold flavors and vibrant colors. The crisp vegetables combined with the savory olives, sweet dates, and aromatic herbs make this salad a standout dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this Mediterranean-inspired salad offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that are sure to please. Enjoy it as a light main course or a refreshing side dish, and savor the essence of the Mediterranean with every bite!