Homemade Costco Mediterranean Salad Recipe

Imagine my joy when I stumbled upon a gem – the celebrated Costco Mediterranean Salad! This culinary delight isn’t your run-of-the-mill meal starter; it’s a vibrant symphony of color, texture, and taste that brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table.

How to make Costco Mediterranean Salad

The Costco Mediterranean Salad is a pre-packaged salad sold at Costco (often found in the deli or prepared foods section). It is known for being flavorful, healthy, and convenient.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 3 cups romaine lettuce (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (diced)
• 1 cup cauliflower florets (diced or thinly sliced)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup red cabbage (finely shredded)
• 1 cup chicory leaves or spinach (optional for added crunch and flavor)

Crunchy Toppings:

• ½ cup flatbread strips or pita chips (broken into smaller pieces)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing (Homemade Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette):

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons fresh basil leaves (finely chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (minced or finely grated)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables:

1. Wash and pat dry all vegetables to ensure freshness.
2. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and thinly shred the carrots and cabbage.
3. Dice the broccoli and cauliflower florets or slice them thinly for added crunch.

2. Make the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup (optional), chopped basil leaves, and minced garlic.
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

3. Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, shredded carrots, and red cabbage.
2. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

4. Add the Toppings:

1. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and flatbread strips (or pita chips) on top of the salad.

5. Drizzle the Dressing:

1. Pour the homemade basil balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
2. Toss lightly to coat everything in the flavorful dressing.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Plate the salad beautifully and serve immediately to preserve the crunch and freshness!

Tips to Perfect Your Salad

• Add Protein: To make this a complete meal, add grilled chicken, salmon, chickpeas, or quinoa for extra protein.
• Flatbread Substitutes: If flatbread strips aren’t available, opt for store-bought pita chips, crackers, or even croutons for a similar crunchy effect.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers based on your liking.
• Prep Ahead: You can chop the veggies and prepare the dressing a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble the salad just before serving.
• Dressing Adjustment: Adjust the balsamic vinegar, honey, or lemon juice to make the dressing tarter or sweeter, depending on your preference.
• Make It Dairy-Free: To make the salad suitable for vegan diets, skip the feta or replace it with dairy-free cheese.

What to serve with

The versatile and flavorful Costco Mediterranean Salad pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.

1. Protein Options

To make a complete, balanced meal, consider adding proteins. Here are a few delicious ideas:

• Grilled Chicken or Turkey: Lemon and herb-marinated chicken breasts or turkey, grilled to perfection, complement the fresh flavors of the Costco Mediterranean Salad and offer a lean protein option.

Seafood

• Grilled or roasted salmon, shrimp, or scallops seasoned with herbs complement the flavors in the salad.
• Serve with a side of tartar sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon for added zest.
• Plant-Based Proteins: For a vegetarian or vegan option, consider adding grilled tofu, tempeh, or a scoop of hummus. These add protein and texture without overshadowing the salad’s fresh taste.

2. Grains and Breads

Introduce an element of hearty grains or crisp breads to round out the meal:

• Pita Bread or Naan: Lightly toasted pita bread or naan complements the blend of flavors in Mediterranean dishes and serves as a great tool for scooping up salad and dressing.
• Quinoa or Couscous: To add heartiness to the meal, serve a side of quinoa or couscous, perhaps flavored with lemon zest and parsley.
• Rice Pilaf: A lemon rice pilaf or basmati rice can be a fluffy, flavorful side dish that pairs well with the salad’s components.

3. Soups

A light soup can be a warm, comforting addition to the meal:

• Lentil Soup: A bowl of aromatic lentil soup flavored with cumin and coriander can be a nutritious, warming complement.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth-Based Soups: A light chicken or vegetable soup, especially one with Mediterranean herbs like thyme and oregano, makes a soothing start or side dish.

4. Appetizers

Kick off your meal with appetizers that echo Mediterranean flavors:

• Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These are savory and often feature a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs.
• Mezze Platter: Create a platter with varieties of olives, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.

5. Beverages

Refresh and cleanse the palate with beverages that suit the freshness of the salad:

• Iced Mint Tea or Lime Water: These refreshing drinks provide a cooling contrast to the savory and herbaceous notes of the Mediterranean salad.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the freshness of the salad without overwhelming its flavors.

6. Desserts

End your meal on a sweet note with desserts that are light and not overly sugary:

• Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts: This dessert is simple yet satisfying, offering a creamy texture with just the right touch of sweetness from honey.
• Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits, perhaps with a hint of mint or a splash of orange liqueur, provides a refreshing and healthy dessert option.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to replicate the Costco Mediterranean Salad at home or make adjustments based on taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or ingredient availability, you can easily substitute many of its components.

Base Greens

The Costco Mediterranean Salad generally features a mix of greens, such as romaine lettuce, arugula, or spinach, which form the base.

Substitutes:

• Kale: Use thinly sliced or massaged kale for a more robust and earthy flavor.
• Mixed Spring Greens: A mix of baby greens (spinach, lettuce, and chard) can create a softer texture.
• Iceberg Lettuce: If you want more crunch, iceberg lettuce can replace romaine or arugula.
• Cabbage: Thinly shredded green or purple cabbage can be a budget-friendly and crunchy substitution.

Tomatoes

The salad often includes juicy tomatoes, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, for freshness.

Substitutes:

• Diced Roma or Plum Tomatoes: These are slightly firmer and work well if cherry or grape tomatoes aren’t available.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a richer, tangier flavor if you prefer a more intense tomato taste.
• Roasted Red Peppers: For a unique twist, roasted red bell peppers can replace tomatoes and add a subtly sweet flavor.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers provide crisp texture and refreshing flavor.

Substitutes:

• Zucchini: Thinly sliced raw zucchini mimics the texture of cucumbers.
• Celery: Offers crunch without the watery texture of cucumbers.
• Pickles: Diced pickles can add a tangy twist if you want extra brine-like flavor.

Red Onions

Red onions add sharpness and a pop of color to the salad.

Substitutes:

• Shallots: Milder and slightly sweeter, shallots are a great alternative.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Provide a milder onion flavor and a more delicate texture.
• Chives: For a neutral and subtle onion flavor.
• Sweet or White Onion: If red onions are unavailable, thin slices of sweet or white onions can work.

Olives

Mediterranean salads often include Kalamata olives for their salty, tangy flavor.

Substitutes:

• Green Olives: Slightly milder but equally briny, perfect for replacing Kalamata olives.
• Black Olives: They are often less bitter and a good budget-friendly alternative.
• Capers: These small briny buds can mimic the salty, tangy flavor of olives.
• Artichoke Hearts: Diced marinated artichoke hearts add a unique Mediterranean feel.

Cheese (Feta)

Feta is the classic cheese featured in Mediterranean salads for its crumbly, tangy texture.

Substitutes:

• Goat Cheese: Offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Ricotta Salata: A firmer version of ricotta that can be crumbled like feta.
• Parmesan Shavings: For a salty, nutty flavor, use shaved Parmesan.
• Vegan Cheese: There are plant-based feta-style cheeses available for vegans.
• No Cheese: For a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese and focus on other flavorful ingredients like nuts or seeds.

Chickpeas (Optional)

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are often added for protein.

Substitutes:

• White Beans (Cannellini or Navy Beans): They have smooth, creamy textures and mild flavors.
• Lentils: Cooked lentils can provide protein and heartiness to your salad.
• Edamame: A great alternative for adding plant-based protein.
• Pine Nuts or Toasted Nuts: These can boost protein with added crunch.

Dressing

Costco’s Mediterranean Salad dressing typically includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings like oregano and salt.

Substitutes:

• Vinaigrette Base: Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in place of lemon juice.
• Tahini-Based Dressing: For a creamy alternative, whisk tahini with lemon and garlic.
• Yogurt Dressing: Mix plain Greek yogurt with dill, garlic, and lemon for a light, tangy dressing.
• Store-Bought Mediterranean Dressing: A pre-made Italian, Greek, or balsamic vinaigrette works in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This homemade version of the Costco Mediterranean Salad is a fun, vibrant, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! 

More Salad Recipes:

• Bamboo Chicken Salad Recipe
• Homemade Jersey Mike Chicken Salad Recipe