Olive and Caper Salad with Fresh Herbs
**Olive and Caper Salad with Fresh Herbs** This simple salad is a vibrant and flavorful way to add a touch of brightness to any meal. The combination of salty olives, tangy capers, and aromatic herbs creates a complex and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. The secret to this salad lies in the quality of the ingredients: use the best olives and capers you can find, and make sure the herbs are fresh and fragrant. You'll also want to let the salad stand for at least 15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.
The origins of this salad are murky, but it's thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region, where olives and capers are staples of the local cuisine. Over the centuries, the salad has spread throughout the world, and today it can be found on menus in restaurants of all types. There are many variations on the basic recipe, but the one presented here is a classic that's always a crowd-pleaser. One of the things I love about this salad is that it's so versatile. It can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. It's also a great way to use up leftover herbs. If you have a bunch of parsley, mint, or oregano that's about to go bad, just chop it up and add it to the salad. You can also add other ingredients to the salad, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or feta cheese.
Olive and Caper Salad with Fresh Herbs Olive and Caper Salad with Fresh Herbs Olive and Caper Salad with Fresh Herbs Olive and Caper Salad with Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup drained capers, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the olives, capers, parsley, mint, and oregano.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the olive mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Let stand for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Why It Works
  • The combination of salty olives, tangy capers, and aromatic herbs creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
  • The lemon juice in the dressing adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Letting the salad stand for at least 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and develop.