Imagine a burst of sunshine on your plate — crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, briny olives, and a tangy kiss of tzatziki all mingling together. This is not your standard salsa; it’s a Mediterranean-inspired pico that combines the brightness of fresh produce with the rich, savory flavors of Greece. Paired with perfectly toasted pita bread that’s crisp on the outside yet tender on the inside, this appetizer will disappear faster than you can say “opa!”
PREP TIME
30 Min
COOK TIME
5 Min
METHOD
No-Cook or Other
Ingredients for Mediterranean Pico with a Twist
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1 tomato (about 6 oz / 170 g)
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1/2 cucumber (about 4 oz / 115 g)
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1/4 onion (about 2 oz / 55 g)
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1/4 cup (40 g) Kalamata (Greek) olives
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1/4 cup (35 g) Feta cheese
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1 Tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
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1 Tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
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1 Tbsp (3 g) dried oregano
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1/2 cup (120 g) tzatziki
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3–4 pita breads (about 8 inches / 20 cm each)
How to Make Mediterranean Pico with a Twist
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Finely dice the cucumber, tomato, and onion.
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Place the diced vegetables in a medium bowl. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle, then stir in the Feta cheese and Kalamata olives. Taste before adding more salt, as the cheese and olives are naturally salty.
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When ready to serve, spread a thin layer of tzatziki in the center of a shallow serving dish. Spoon the marinated vegetable mixture on top. If the veggies have released too much liquid, drain them first to prevent soggy pita.
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Drizzle olive oil over the pita bread, then toast or grill it. For a broiler method, keep a close watch — they can burn quickly. Cut the bread into triangle wedges.
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Arrange the pita wedges around the outer edge of the serving dish, framing the pico. Serve immediately and enjoy watching it vanish!
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean pico is a quick, vibrant appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or even a quiet night in with a glass of wine. Its medley of textures — crunchy, creamy, and pillowy — makes every bite a little celebration. Just be warned: once you make it, friends may start showing up at your door “unexpectedly.”
