I’ll admit it. I’m a salad lover. Always have been, always will be. Even as a child, I loved me some veggies. I consider myself lucky that I actually enjoy foods that are so healthy and so necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I really hope my future spawn inherit my salad-lovin’ genes and not their dad’s McRib lovin’ genes.
I interrupt this regularly scheduled post for a public service announcement from Lloyd: the Italian Chicken Sandwich is back at Burger King.
Like I was saying, I hope our kids inherit my salad-lovin’ genes.
I’m usually a salad traditionalist: lots of greens, extra grape tomatoes, and whatever other rouge veggies are hanging around my fridge. I typically top it with some grilled chicken, or pair it with a soup or sandwich.
5 days a week, folks.
B-O-R-I-N-G.
But, eating well is important to me. Although I abide by the “everything in moderation” rule of thumb, it’s imperative that I get all the vitamins and nutrients my body needs on a regular basis.
And, well, moderation to Lloyd means he only eats at McDonald’s twice a week, not five.
But even Lloyd will eat my salads when I mix it up a bit.
Thanks to my favorite time suck, Pinterest, I’ve been able to glean some salad inspiration that ain’t so traditional.
My one requirement for eating salad is that it still needs to be mostly healthy. I could top my lettuce with deliciousness in the form of bacon, croutons, or creamy dressing, but then I defeat the purpose of eating a salad. What I’m getting at is that salads can be both delicious and healthy.
I promise.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Marinated Chickpeas, Feta, and Basil
Inspired by Kalyn’s Kitchen, as seen on Pinterest
Serves 4
Ingredients
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1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained well
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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3 tbsp olive oil
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1 1/2 C diced cucumbers
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1 1/2 C diced tomatoes, drained well
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1/2 C chopped basil
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salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 C feta cheese
Directions
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Rinse chickpeas well and pat dry.
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Next, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Cover chickpeas with mixture and allow to marinate 4 hours, or overnight.
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Prepare vegetables and basil. Drain chickpeas.
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Combine all ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste.
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Top with crumbled feta for serving.
This salad is a welcome deviation from the norm. It’s cool and refreshing with a bit of Mediterranean flair from the basil and feta. The chickpeas keep this salad high in fiber and protein. It’s as a great as a meatless main dish, or served on the side. Of course, you could pile this on top of your usual leafy greens, and it would be delicious. This takes minutes to prepare and stays fresh for about 5 days in the fridge.
Oh yum! I love salad too but mine are so boring at home.
Mmmm, feta makes everything betta’
mmm…with a little piece of pita & i’d be set.
And this is my perfect meal! Winter or summer, fresh cucumbers and feta never let me down.
I’m a salad lover too, I will never understand why people complain about eating salads! This looks like the perfect lunch, love all that feta.
This looks delicious. I love feta! I agree with Kelli… this could be great with a pita… or maybe shoved in one! Yum.
Omg, this looks awesome! My husband is like your husband? fiance?…the man you speak of
, in that he eats McDonald’s on the reg and thinks getting Subway is as healthy as eating tofu and spinach. God love ‘em.
Looks delicious, and thanks for the shout-out!
This is perfect. Not muddled with crazy flavors. Just perfect!
That looks delicious, lots of my favorites in one bowl!
I love lettuce-less salads. The textures and flavors always make me so happy!
I’m a salad lover too…and always have been. When I was a kid instead of a ‘side’ I would ask for a side salad as my ‘side,’ along with my popcorn shrimp
I think I have everything in my fridge for this. Might have to try it for the weekend.
Mmmm, I love the sounds of this one…a perfect salad combo with lots of textures and flavor.
I could eat this every day. Perfection!
So healthy…I am in need of a veggie infusion. This looks totally refreshing. Anything Greek-inspired is A-ok in my book
what a lovely salad! sounds like a delicious and healthy lunch
I’m a salad girl too! I eat it all time and feel so glad that I actually enjoy healthy foods! and this salad looks perfect
yum!! my type of salad!!
Looks and sounds delicious. I especially like that it can stay in fridge for a couple of days so one can make enough for a couple of lunches or light suppers.
That crumbled feta is calling out to me!
Love this version of a Greek salad. I shared on Pinterest!
sorry for overloading you with comments just now Liz
But i have to tell ya how wonderful this salad looks! so fresh, healthy, and light. perfect for springtime. i love all of the flavors together.
I have had an addiction to chickpeas lately – and this is calling my name!
Sounds delicious! I love feta cheese so this salad sounds perfect to me!