Zesty Mediterranean Pickled Veggies with Feta & Oregano
🥗 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Vegetables
1 cup cucumber, sliced (half-moons)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup carrots, thinly sliced or ribboned
½ cup cauliflower florets (small pieces)
Brine
¾ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
½–1 tsp salt (to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp sugar or honey (optional, balances acidity)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional heat)
Finish
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
1–2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep Vegetables
Wash and slice all vegetables into similar bite-sized pieces for even pickling.
2️⃣ Make the Brine
In a bowl, whisk together:
Red wine vinegar
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic
Oregano
Thyme
Salt & pepper
Sugar (if using)
Red pepper flakes
Taste and adjust salt or acidity.
3️⃣ Combine
Place vegetables in a large bowl or jar.
Pour brine over vegetables and toss to coat.
4️⃣ Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (best flavor after 12–24 hours).
Stir once or twice while marinating.
5️⃣ Add Feta
Before serving, gently fold in crumbled feta and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
⏳ Storage
Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
Best within 4–5 days.
Do not freeze (vegetables will soften too much).
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Try:
Zucchini
Green beans (blanched)
Artichoke hearts
Kalamata olives
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — simply omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative.
Q: Does it need to be heated like traditional pickles?
No. This is a quick refrigerator pickle — no boiling required.
Q: Can I reduce the oil?
Yes. You can use all vinegar if preferred, but olive oil gives it a richer Mediterranean flavor.
Q: How do I make it more authentic?
Use:
High-quality extra virgin olive oil
Fresh oregano
Block feta stored in brine (more flavorful)
Q: Can I serve it warm?
It’s best chilled or at room temperature.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Spoon over grilled chicken or fish
Add to grain bowls
Serve with hummus and pita
Toss into pasta salad
Add to antipasto platters.
