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Salads

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad with Quinoa

May 4, 2022
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With the weather warming up, this Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad with quinoa will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect to enjoy on its own, or as a side. Its made with simple, garden-fresh ingredients that get even better as the flavors marinate.  This recipe emphasizes vegetables, herbs and flavors often found in Mediterranean cooking – one of the healthiest ways to eat in world! 

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad in a bowl with a side of quinoa, basil leaves, garlic cloves, olives and a lemon dressing.

Why is the Mediterranean Diet Healthy?

First a quick primer (or reminder) on the Mediterranean diet (if not interested skip ahead to the recipe). There are few diets that are as universally recommended as the Mediterranean diet – nutritionists and physicians consistently rank the Mediterranean diet as the best diet to follow and here’s why – its not really a diet but a lifestyle that is mostly plant-based. People living in Mediterranean countries and following a traditional Mediterranean diet are some of the healthiest people in the world which equates to more healthy aging and longevity. Recipes found here at Eat Beautifully draw heavily from this approach to eating which emphasizes unprocessed, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and olive oil, and eating seafood a few times a week and minimizing animal proteins such as meat, dairy and eggs.

Mediterranean Tomato Salad Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes – Tomatoes are once again on the Environment Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list, which lists the most heavily pesticide-treated fruits and vegetables to avoid, so try to look for sweet organic or locally grown tomatoes if possible.
  • Sweet bell pepper – Use red, yellow or orange organic bell peppers (peppers are also on the EWG Dirty Dozen List).
  • Cucumber – Also should be bough organic. I prefer an English or Persian cucumbers for this recipe since they have a thinner skin (so don’t have to peel). The only exception is if you make this recipe in the summer and have access to garden fresh cucumbers of any variety! 
  • Quinoa – A healthy, versatile kitchen staple. I recommend using white quinoa which is fluffier than red or black. 
  • Kalamata olives – Use pitted Greek kalamata olives.
  • Red onion – Gives the salad a touch of spice and tends to be slightly sweet. A little goes a long way here. 
  • Basil – The basil must be fresh, not dried. 
  • Lemon dressing– This dressing is basically lemon juice, garlic and salt with a touch of oregano and only a brief splash of olive oil. 
  • Optional Feta or Vegan Feta – If you are using feta, I would recommend using a high-quality, real Greek sheep/goat milk feta which is found in brine or sometimes oil, instead of “crumbled feta” which is often made with anti-caking agents. There are also amazing vegan/non-dairy cheeses such as Miyoko’s (the vegan mozzarella would taste delicious here). 
Ingredients for Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad in a bowl with a side of quinoa, basil leaves, garlic cloves, olives and a lemon dressing.

How to Make Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad with Quinoa

  • Make the quinoa ahead and let cool before mixing the salad
  • Make the dressing and let the garlic marinate in the lemon juice to mellow. Add the dressing then just add a splash (about 2 teaspoons) of high quality olive oil to the salad at the end. 
  • Look for the freshest, sweetest organic produce 
  • Can be stored for up to 5 days without the dressing and only 2 with the dressing.

Other Salads You May Like

  • Spring Green Goddess Salad
  • Quinoa Asparagus Salad
  • Spring Fattoush Salad
Serving bowl with a Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato salad with cucumbers, yellow tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta, basil, yellow pepper and quinoa, with a lemon dressing.
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Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad with Quinoa

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad in a bowl with a side of quinoa, basil leaves, garlic cloves, olives and a lemon dressing.
Print Recipe

 This Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad with quinoa will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect to enjoy on its own, or as a side. Its made with simple, garden-fresh ingredients that get even better as the flavors marinate.This recipe emphasizes vegetables, herbs and flavors often emphasized in Mediterranean cooking – one of the healthiest ways to eat in world!

 

  • Author: Jeannine
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (for quinoa)
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad: 

  • 1 pint red, yellow or mixed cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1/2 large English cucumber diced or 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 sweet bell pepper cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 cup white quinoa, cooled 
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion 
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn or sliced into ribbons 
  • Optional: 1/3 cup sheep/goat’s milk feta or non-diary “mozzarella”

For the dressing: 

  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 large lemons juiced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried or fresh oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 
  • 2 teaspoons high quality, extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa based on the package directions, allow to cool
  2. Whisk together the garlic, fresh lemon juice, oregano and salt into a small bowl or mason jar. Allow for garlic to mellow for at least 10 minutes (dressing can be made ahead/the day before).
  3. Toss together the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives and onions and quinoa.
  4. Pour 1/2 the dressing on the salad. Adjust based on preference. 
  5. Add the olive oil and gently fold in the feta (if using) and basil. 

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Hi, I’m Jeannine
Hi, I’m Jeannine

Hi, I’m Jeannine

I'm a certified health and wellness coach with a passion for cooking and photographing beautiful, colorful, healthy food. I provide healthy plant-forward recipe inspiration for those who want to look and feel their healthiest from the inside out. I'm so glad you stopped by!

Categories

  • Breakfast
  • Dressings & Sauces
  • Drinks
  • Healthy Living
  • Main Dishes
  • Salads
  • Sweets & Snacks
Comment ‘DINNER’ and I’ll send you the 5 high protein and high fiber dinner recipes I make on repeat. [If you are on my email list check your inbox!]

When I polled my audience a few months ago, one thing I consistently heard is that you want to eat healthier but struggle with trying to meet your nutrition needs while also trying to feed your family or partner. 

This inspired me to develop and share this FREE e-book with 5 easy, 30 minute high-protein and high-fiber recipes which are easily deconstructed into “build your own bowl” meals to suit a variety of preferences. 

Even if you don’t follow them exactly, i hope you are inspired by the approach! 

#eatbeautifully #agebetter #fitmom #healthyrecipes #womenover40
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Comment ‘DINNER’ and I’ll send you the 5 high protein and high fiber dinner recipes I make on repeat. [If you are on my email list check your inbox!] When I polled my audience a few months ago, one thing I consistently heard is that you want to eat healthier but struggle with trying to meet your nutrition needs while also trying to feed your family or partner. This inspired me to develop and share this FREE e-book with 5 easy, 30 minute high-protein and high-fiber recipes which are easily deconstructed into “build your own bowl” meals to suit a variety of preferences. Even if you don’t follow them exactly, i hope you are inspired by the approach! #eatbeautifully #agebetter #fitmom #healthyrecipes #womenover40
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I’m about to blow your mind with these brownies.

Fudgy, flourless and nutrient rich. No gluten, no refined sugar. The dark cacao powder is full of antioxidants and magnesium and cashew butter provides healthy fat. This simple recipe is made with cashew butter, cacao powder, maple syrup, dark chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla and salt. You are going to be blown away! 

Cashew Butter Flourless Fudgy Brownies
-1 cup cashew butter
-2 large eggs
-3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (I love @enjoylife)
-1/2 cup maple syrup
-1/2 cup pure cacao powder
-2 tsp vanilla extract
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1/4 tsp sea salt
Extra chocolate chips and salt for sprinkling options.

Preheat oven to 350.
Combine maple syrup and cashew butter. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Add cacao, baking powder and salt and mix until creamy. Add chocolate chips.
Pour batter into 9X12 parchment lined pan and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove and let sit for 20-30 minutes to cool (necessary so they set!).

Enjoy!

#eatbeautifully #agebetter #fitmom #healthyrecipes
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I’m about to blow your mind with these brownies. Fudgy, flourless and nutrient rich. No gluten, no refined sugar. The dark cacao powder is full of antioxidants and magnesium and cashew butter provides healthy fat. This simple recipe is made with cashew butter, cacao powder, maple syrup, dark chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla and salt. You are going to be blown away! Cashew Butter Flourless Fudgy Brownies -1 cup cashew butter -2 large eggs -3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (I love @enjoylife) -1/2 cup maple syrup -1/2 cup pure cacao powder -2 tsp vanilla extract -1/2 tsp baking soda -1/4 tsp sea salt Extra chocolate chips and salt for sprinkling options. Preheat oven to 350. Combine maple syrup and cashew butter. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Add cacao, baking powder and salt and mix until creamy. Add chocolate chips. Pour batter into 9X12 parchment lined pan and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove and let sit for 20-30 minutes to cool (necessary so they set!). Enjoy! #eatbeautifully #agebetter #fitmom #healthyrecipes
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One of the most common hormone imbalances in women may be causing your belly bloat.

Estrogen dominance affects women frequently in perimenopause. But wait, how can I be experiencing estrogen dominance while my estrogen is decreasing??

Read on for a mimi primer on what may be happening in your body and nutrition recommendations to support this imbalance. I got you!

Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about to thrive in perimenopause and for recipes, fitness and wellness strategies to age better and beautifully.

#perimenopause #fitmom #agebetter #eatbeautifully
One of the most common hormone imbalances in women may be causing your belly bloat.

Estrogen dominance affects women frequently in perimenopause. But wait, how can I be experiencing estrogen dominance while my estrogen is decreasing??

Read on for a mimi primer on what may be happening in your body and nutrition recommendations to support this imbalance. I got you!

Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about to thrive in perimenopause and for recipes, fitness and wellness strategies to age better and beautifully.

#perimenopause #fitmom #agebetter #eatbeautifully
One of the most common hormone imbalances in women may be causing your belly bloat.

Estrogen dominance affects women frequently in perimenopause. But wait, how can I be experiencing estrogen dominance while my estrogen is decreasing??

Read on for a mimi primer on what may be happening in your body and nutrition recommendations to support this imbalance. I got you!

Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about to thrive in perimenopause and for recipes, fitness and wellness strategies to age better and beautifully.

#perimenopause #fitmom #agebetter #eatbeautifully
One of the most common hormone imbalances in women may be causing your belly bloat.

Estrogen dominance affects women frequently in perimenopause. But wait, how can I be experiencing estrogen dominance while my estrogen is decreasing??

Read on for a mimi primer on what may be happening in your body and nutrition recommendations to support this imbalance. I got you!

Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about to thrive in perimenopause and for recipes, fitness and wellness strategies to age better and beautifully.

#perimenopause #fitmom #agebetter #eatbeautifully
One of the most common hormone imbalances in women may be causing your belly bloat.

Estrogen dominance affects women frequently in perimenopause. But wait, how can I be experiencing estrogen dominance while my estrogen is decreasing??

Read on for a mimi primer on what may be happening in your body and nutrition recommendations to support this imbalance. I got you!

Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about to thrive in perimenopause and for recipes, fitness and wellness strategies to age better and beautifully.

#perimenopause #fitmom #agebetter #eatbeautifully
One of the most common hormone imbalances in women may be causing your belly bloat.

Estrogen dominance affects women frequently in perimenopause. But wait, how can I be experiencing estrogen dominance while my estrogen is decreasing??

Read on for a mimi primer on what may be happening in your body and nutrition recommendations to support this imbalance. I got you!

Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about to thrive in perimenopause and for recipes, fitness and wellness strategies to age better and beautifully.

#perimenopause #fitmom #agebetter #eatbeautifully
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One of the most common hormone imbalances in women may be causing your belly bloat. Estrogen dominance affects women frequently in perimenopause. But wait, how can I be experiencing estrogen dominance while my estrogen is decreasing?? Read on for a mimi primer on what may be happening in your body and nutrition recommendations to support this imbalance. I got you! Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about to thrive in perimenopause and for recipes, fitness and wellness strategies to age better and beautifully. #perimenopause #fitmom #agebetter #eatbeautifully
4 months ago
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How many have you believed?
 
1) Women should intermittent fast – Research shows when active women add the stress of IF to our bodies, stress hormones like cortisol become even higher, having a downstream affect on all other hormones.
2)Carbs are bad for you - When our brain perceives we have a deficiency in carbs, we have a reduction in kisspeptin stimulation (a neuropeptide that’s responsible for endocrine + reproductive function), which increases our appetite, reduces insulin sensitivity AND puts stress on our body.
3) Low calorie diet for weight loss – Yes a caloric deficit is needed to lose fat, but if we are eating too low calorie our bodies will start to adapt and will lower our metabolism. This is why many women find they are eating barely anything but yet they can’t lose weight. Instead of decreasing calories, focus first on building muscle (and eating appropriately to fuel that muscle gain).
4)You don’t need to have a period – Every month, a woman's menstrual cycle can provide valuable insight into her overall health by indicating if her body is functioning normally through regular periods. Irregular periods or painful periods, in addition to severe PMS symptoms is an indicator that you have hormonal imbalances.
5) Lots of cardio for weight loss – Overemphasis on cardio can put your body in a catabolic state where it starts to burn lean muscle mass. Again, if all you are doing is cardio, your body will start to depend upon that external calorie burn. Instead you want to turn your body into a calorie-burning machine by maintaining and adding muscle mass.
6) Heavy weight will make you bulky / light weights will make you toned – It takes a lot of volume and a lot of calories to “get bulky”. When you start strength training, inflammation occurs and our body will hold onto water as it adapts to the new stimulus. Many women confuse this for getting bulky but by eating whole foods and giving yourself adequate recovery, over time this inflammation will subside.

Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about these topics and how to age better and beautifully.
eatbeautifullyblog
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How many have you believed? 1) Women should intermittent fast – Research shows when active women add the stress of IF to our bodies, stress hormones like cortisol become even higher, having a downstream affect on all other hormones. 2)Carbs are bad for you - When our brain perceives we have a deficiency in carbs, we have a reduction in kisspeptin stimulation (a neuropeptide that’s responsible for endocrine + reproductive function), which increases our appetite, reduces insulin sensitivity AND puts stress on our body. 3) Low calorie diet for weight loss – Yes a caloric deficit is needed to lose fat, but if we are eating too low calorie our bodies will start to adapt and will lower our metabolism. This is why many women find they are eating barely anything but yet they can’t lose weight. Instead of decreasing calories, focus first on building muscle (and eating appropriately to fuel that muscle gain). 4)You don’t need to have a period – Every month, a woman's menstrual cycle can provide valuable insight into her overall health by indicating if her body is functioning normally through regular periods. Irregular periods or painful periods, in addition to severe PMS symptoms is an indicator that you have hormonal imbalances. 5) Lots of cardio for weight loss – Overemphasis on cardio can put your body in a catabolic state where it starts to burn lean muscle mass. Again, if all you are doing is cardio, your body will start to depend upon that external calorie burn. Instead you want to turn your body into a calorie-burning machine by maintaining and adding muscle mass. 6) Heavy weight will make you bulky / light weights will make you toned – It takes a lot of volume and a lot of calories to “get bulky”. When you start strength training, inflammation occurs and our body will hold onto water as it adapts to the new stimulus. Many women confuse this for getting bulky but by eating whole foods and giving yourself adequate recovery, over time this inflammation will subside. Follow @eatbeautifullyblog to learn more about these topics and how to age better and beautifully.
4 months ago
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SALSA VERDE CHICKEN SOUP
 
A soup that actually satisfies. If I’m going to eat soup I don’t want to be hungry an hour later. This makes a healthy weeknight dinner or lunch and only takes about 30 minutes of cooktime.
 
Thanks to the chicken and beans a serving of this soup has over 40 grams of protein. The beans, brown rice and veggies add over 12 grams of phyto-nutrient rich fiber which is great for your gut. The protein/high fiber combo is also great fo your blood sugar. I love to top with cilantro and avocado.

Serves 4 (about 2 hearty cups)
 
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 cup red onion diced (about a medium red onion)
1 ½ cup of zucchini, cut into half moons (about 1 ½ medium zucchini)
3 garlic cloves minced
½ teaspoon oregano
2 cups mild or medium salsa verde
1 can of low sodium black beans, drained
4 cups of low sodium chicken broth
1 ½ pound shredded chicken
2 cups of brown rice (I used frozen)
1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
2 cups of baby spinach
1 tablespoon of lime juice
Garnish: cilantro, avocado and lime juice
 
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes and then add the garlic and oregano. Cook for another minute.

Add the salsa verde, black beans and broth. Bring to a boil and then turn to simmer for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes add the brown rice, and shredded chicken. Cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in baby spinach and lime juice.
Serve with cilantro, avocado and a squeeze of lime.
 
Follow @eatbeautifullyblog for healthy recipes, nutrition and wellness advice to help you age better and more beautifully.

#eatbeautifully #agebetter #healthyrecipes #fitmom
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SALSA VERDE CHICKEN SOUP A soup that actually satisfies. If I’m going to eat soup I don’t want to be hungry an hour later. This makes a healthy weeknight dinner or lunch and only takes about 30 minutes of cooktime. Thanks to the chicken and beans a serving of this soup has over 40 grams of protein. The beans, brown rice and veggies add over 12 grams of phyto-nutrient rich fiber which is great for your gut. The protein/high fiber combo is also great fo your blood sugar. I love to top with cilantro and avocado. Serves 4 (about 2 hearty cups) 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 cup red onion diced (about a medium red onion) 1 ½ cup of zucchini, cut into half moons (about 1 ½ medium zucchini) 3 garlic cloves minced ½ teaspoon oregano 2 cups mild or medium salsa verde 1 can of low sodium black beans, drained 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth 1 ½ pound shredded chicken 2 cups of brown rice (I used frozen) 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste 2 cups of baby spinach 1 tablespoon of lime juice Garnish: cilantro, avocado and lime juice Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes and then add the garlic and oregano. Cook for another minute. Add the salsa verde, black beans and broth. Bring to a boil and then turn to simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes add the brown rice, and shredded chicken. Cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in baby spinach and lime juice. Serve with cilantro, avocado and a squeeze of lime. Follow @eatbeautifullyblog for healthy recipes, nutrition and wellness advice to help you age better and more beautifully. #eatbeautifully #agebetter #healthyrecipes #fitmom
4 months ago
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5/5
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