If you haven’t heard, The Mediterranean Diet is the healthiest diet on the planet to help you achieve the optimal health and wellness you desire and deserve. Recent research and news reports have enthusiastically proclaimed these health benefits. I know it’s a struggle to get fit and healthy. There’s a lot of confusion about diets. But, be confused no more…The Mediterranean Diet is the way to health and wellness.
I recently wrote three blog posts about The Mediterranean Diet so you can get a brief introduction about what The Mediterranean Diet is all about…read them first before making these recipes:
What Is The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
A Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
8 ounces multigrain farfalle
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 13.5- ounce can artichoke hearts packed in water, drained and chopped
8 ounces fresh part-skim mozzarella cheese, chopped
1/4 cup chopped bottled roasted red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup frozen peas
Preparation
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, omitting salt and fat.
2. While pasta cooks, combine zest and juice of 1 lemon and 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add artichoke hearts, cheese, bell pepper, and parsley; toss to combine.
3. Place peas in a colander; when pasta is cooked, drain pasta over peas. Shake well to drain, but do not run under cold water. Add pasta and peas to artichoke mixture, and toss well until thoroughly combined. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Mediterranean Skewers with Bloody Mary Vinaigrette
1/2 cup tomato juice
2 tablespoons premium vodka
1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 celery hearts, finely diced (about 3 tablespoons)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Bocconcini, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives, such as Gaea Pitted Kalamata Olives (about 32 each)
1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon prepared horseradish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato juice, vodka, Worcestershire, hot sauce, horseradish, oil, celery, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Onto each skewer, thread a bocconcini ball, tomato, artichoke, and olive; serve with vinaigrette.
Mediterranean Detox Salad
1 (8-ounce) English cucumber
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Black pepper, to taste
6 cups trimmed watercress
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
2 large celery stalks, sliced
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup feta cheese
Preparation
Cut cucumber in half, and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Process 3/4 cup cucumber and lemon juice in blender. Add olive oil in a thin stream; pulse until combined. Season the dressing with black pepper, to taste; transfer to a large bowl. Add remaining 1 cup cucumber, watercress, artichoke hearts, celery, red onion, and feta cheese to a bowl. Toss with the dressing, and divide among 4 bowls; serve.
Do you have any questions about The Mediterranean Diet? Please post them in the comments below.
