Mediterranean Salsa

This Mediterranean-inspired salsa is a delicious dip for pita chips or tortilla chips! It’s easy to make, and it’s a tasty, healthy side dish — perfect for a party.

I am not sure if “Mediterranean Salsa” is really a thing, but I wasn’t really sure what else to call this recipe. It’s kind of like a Pico de Gallo but with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. It’s refreshing, light, and delicious. I loved it with pita chips, but it’s also tasty with tortilla chips, toasted naan, or slices of bell pepper. It also makes an excellent topping for a salad!

I was inspired by these Greek “nachos”, which are delicious, but they have to be eaten quickly to prevent the pita chips from getting soggy. It made me wonder if I could take the best of the toppings and make it scoopable.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Cucumber: The diced cucumber creates a refreshing and crunchy base to the dip. I prefer an English cucumber, which has a thinner peel and fewer seeds — but any cucumber is fine. If you don’t have cucumber, you can use bell pepper or celery for a similar crunchy texture.
• Tomatoes: Diced cherry tomatoes add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dip. You can use diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have. I don’t recommend canned tomatoes for this recipe.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is used to add richness to the dip. While the taste is mild, it helps create a rich flavor when combined with the other ingredients.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dip. It helps balance the richness of the olive oil and other ingredients. Substitution: If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice or lime juice as alternatives.
• Red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy and slightly acidic taste to the dip. Substitution: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
• Mint: Chopped fresh mint leaves add a refreshing brightness and flavor to the dip. If you don’t have fresh mint, you can use fresh cilantro instead.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a mild and slightly earthly flavor to the dip. It helps balance the other flavors and provides a touch of freshness. Substitution: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use fresh dill or chives as an alternative.
• Oregano: Dried oregano adds an earthy and aromatic taste to the dip. It complements the other herbs and adds depth of flavor.

Ways to Serve Mediterranean Salsa

I loved this as a dip with pita chips, but you could also use it as a dip with tortilla chips or toasted naan. Scoop it up with pretzel chips, flatbread, or serve it with your favorite salad. It could even be used on top of tacos or veggie burgers! Think of it as a traditional salsa, but pair it with Mediterranean flavors.

Variations

I kept this recipe simple, but you could add additional ingredients to customize this recipe. Try sprinkling crumbled feta cheese to add a creamy, salty flavor. Add raw diced red onion for a little bit of a bite. Try chopped olives or chopped artichoke hearts for a salty, briny flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you make salsa less watery? If you want to make this salsa less water, drain the tomatoes after chopping, before adding them to the salsa.
• How do you spice up salsa? If you want to add a spicy kick to this salsa, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Can you have salsa on the Mediterranean diet? Yes! The Mediterranean diet promotes lot of fresh vegetables and this salsa is filled with veggies!
• Why is vinegar added to salsa? This helps balance and enhance the flavor, but it can also help keep the salsa fresh for longer.

How to Store Leftover Mediterranean Salsa

To store Mediterranean salsa, transfer it to an airtight container, press down to remove air, and refrigerate promptly. Consume within 2-3 days to maintain its flavors and quality.

More Dip Recipes

If you enjoyed this salsa, try my 5 minute blender salsa, vegan black bean dip, easy corn salsa, or any of these vegetarian dip recipes. They’re all great for sharing!

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