Bold, Flavorful Salad hits the spot

This salad was created for a client who loves unusual flavors and combinations (a great quality in someone you are feeding, IMO). I have to admit that I wasn't feeling very inspired, but as usually happens, I can poke around the pantry or refrigerator and find something that stands out. This salad was born because I had big batch of yummy Castelvetrano olives just beckoning me to choose them. So, I did.

Castelvetrano olives are mild flavored and have a buttery, yet crunchy texture. They are full of healthy fats. They provide some fiber and are rich in vitamin E. Did I mention that they are salty? They were the perfect muse for this bold salad creation.

Check this baby out:

Savory olive, sweet date, and hearty chickpea salad, perfect for a flavorful and healthy dish.

After choosing the olives as the foundation, I decided I would contrast the savory component with the sweet, unexpectedness of dates. I added chopped celery and crunchy cucumber for some texture. Hearts of palm for another unexpected twist and chickpeas to provide protein.

Because of the Mediterranean feel of this salad, I decided to make a dressing with mint, basil, and oregano. It was PERFECT! Bonus, to use up dried herbs.

My client was delighted, and it has become a frequently requested item on their menus. It would be a fun item to share at a potluck or to prepare for a picnic. I hope you will give it a try and make it your own. Check out the recipes tab to see full recipe.